Counsellor Therapist 2 - Shkaabe Makwa, Clinical Services

at  Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Job Description
Shkaabe Makwa at CAMH is the first hospital-based Centre in Canada designed to drive culturally-responsive systems initiatives to achieve health justice and wellness for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities through the advancement of research, workforce development and innovative healing models that harmonize traditional knowledge and medical expertise.
Shkaabe Makwa currently has an exciting opportunity for a full-time, permanent Counsellor/Therapist to join the clinical service, based in Toronto. This dynamic role allows the Counsellor/Therapist to deliver cultural and psychosocial supportive counselling with inpatient and outpatient clients across the hospital. Shkaabe Makwa clinical services integrates psychiatric and culturally appropriate interventions focused on wholeness, balance, wellness, resilience and healing of First Nations, Inuit or Métis clients, their family and the broader community. Reporting to the Manager of Shkaabe Makwa Clinical Services, the social worker values working independently and being a member of a dedicated, collaborative interprofessional team. They must be comfortable to facilitate Orientation Circles; conduct intake, screening and assessments with new clients; co-facilitate psychoeducation and/or process-oriented groups; provide individual and family-sensitive counselling, time-limited case management; able to liaise with other First Nations Inuit, Métis community agencies. It is an asset if the Counsellor/Therapist has experience collaborating with Traditional Healers/Elders to conduct ceremonies which may include: singing, drumming, smudging, providing traditional teachings, creating sacred bundle items and participation in the Sweat Lodge. They will be expected to supervise students and volunteers, engage in community outreach or events and, participate in ongoing program development and service delivery that is responsive and meet the evolving needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. The ability to work flexible/evening hours is a job requirement. Other related duties may be assigned as required. This position is located at 60 White Squirrel Way at the Queen Street Site.
Job Requirements
The successful candidate will hold a Master of Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Social Work or a related health sciences field. Must be eligible or a registered member in good standing with a regulatory body, you must show proof of registration with the respective College (e.g. College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO), College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). For Registered Psychotherapist, Social Worker/Social Service Worker, and Occupational Therapist and Psychology incumbents not yet in independent practice who are required to practice with clinical supervision, CAMH, in its discretion, will pre-arrange this formal supervisory relationship with the clinical program as a condition of hire, based on capacity. Candidates must be capable of providing supervision of students (or working toward those qualifications) within their respective discipline, and participating in teaching of other health professionals. Prior experience working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis clients with substance use and/or mental health concerns in an acute care setting is an asset. They must identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis and practice from a harm reduction, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive approach. Knowledge, skills and experience working with people living with intergenerational trauma, systemic/institutional racism, concurrent disorders, and familiarity with conducting mental status examinations and suicide risk assessments, motivational interviewing, structured relapse prevention or first stage trauma interventions.
The Counsellor/Therapist will have a foundation of cultural/traditional knowledge systems and the ability to share cultural/traditional perspectives on substance use, mental health and healing. They will have familiarity and understanding of how cultural/traditional teachings, practices and ceremonies can be integrated with evidence based clinical interventions in the treatment of concurrent disorders. They will possess excellent organization skills, effective written and verbal communication skills, oral presentation skills, strong interpersonal skills. This position also requires the ability to manage time and priorities. Computer skills, including documenting on an electronic health record system, word processing, electronic communication, and imputing workload measures are required. Bilingualism (French/English) and/or proficiency in an Indigenous language would be an asset.
All applicants offered and accepting employment must complete a Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check. The offer of employment will be conditional upon receipt of the satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check.

Please refer the Job description for details