Mental Wellness Support Worker

NAANDWECHIGE-GAMIG – Wikwemikong Health Centre – Mental Wellness Support Worker

Summary
The Mental Wellness Support Worker, under the direction of Crisis Coordinator, is responsible for helping individuals, families and the community in times of personal crisis as well as for cases of crisis prevention and education. The Mental Wellness Support Worker will provide counselling and resources in order to help mitigate the effects of crisis situations including but not limited to: family violence, police interventions, and substance-related matters. This role requires the Mental Wellness Support Worker to create accurate and detailed records and case notes as well as develop and maintain sustainable relationships with other professionals in the communities. The Mnidoo Mnising Mental Wellness Crisis Response Team services the 7 First Nation communities of Mnidoo Mnising.

Responsibilities
1. Responding to Sheguiandah, M’Chigeeng, Whitefish River, Aundeck Omni-Kaning, Sheshegwaning, Zhiibaahaasing and Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory to provide immediate care to individuals experiencing crisis and trauma; through mobile crisis outreach.
2. Conduct on-site risk assessments and mental status examinations.
3. De-escalate crisis through the provision of immediate solution-focused therapy.
4. Understand and respond to a variety of situations and conditions, tailoring responses appropriately.
5. Interview clients to assess the situation and determine the types and level of services required.
6. Aid in the development of continued treatment and safety plans.
7. Find safe housing for those in immediate need.
8. Assist clients in locating and accessing required services in the communities.
9. Act as a resource for communities and continued support programs, providing accurate information as required.
10. Direct individuals and families to available social services and resources within the communities to assist with the resolution of social and personal problems.
11. Provide counselling to clients, including one-on-one counselling and group therapy as required.
12. Provide education to clients, client families and significant others.
13. Review client information files on a regular basis to keep up to date with any changes.
14. Report to authorities, and take other protective action when required in cases of child abuse and/or neglect.
15. Maintain sustainable working relationships with community agencies, schools, law enforcement and courts.
16. Maintain accurate and detailed case notes and records of each visit, conversation and any other form of communication.
17. Attend scheduled department staff meetings and in-service programs.
18. Act as an advocate for client groups within the communities.
19. Adhere to and work within all organizational, federal and provincial guidelines and standards.

Qualifications
o Post-Secondary Education in one of the helping disciplines from an accredited college or university.
o Three years’ experience in working with First Nations populations
o Experience in crisis services considered an asset.
o Ability to write accurate and detailed reports.
o Knowledge of First Nations communities and health and social service issues
o Strong advocate in community development
o Excellent facilitation and time management skills
o Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communications skills
o Excellent assessment, interviewing, and counselling skills.
o Knowledge of service delivery systems, specialized services, First Nation community dynamics as well as all applicable legislation
o Computer literacy, including effective working skills of MS Word, Excel and e-mail required.
o A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills.
o High level of sound and independent judgment, reasoning, and discretion.
o Strong morals and ethics, along with a commitment to staff and patient privacy.
o Mental Health First Aid; First Aid/CPR; Non-Violent Crisis Intervention; Critical Incident Stress Management certifications are an asset
o Travel is a requirement of this position – applicants must possess a valid Ontario Driver’s License and own a reliable vehicle.

Interested applicants MUST submit: 1) A cover letter; 2) Updated resume; 3) Photocopy of certificates/diploma/degree from a post-secondary institution, and 4) Contact information (email, phone number) of 2 work related references.

Attention: Melissa Roy
NAANDWECHIGE-GAMIG Wikwemikong Health Centre
P.O. Box 101, 16A Complex Drive, Wikwemikong, Ontario P0P 2J0
Telephone: 705-859-3164 / Fax: 705-859-3300 / Email: mroy@wikyhealth.ca