Aboriginal Youth Mental Health and Addictions Worker
Job No:
60784
Location:
Oshawa, Ontario
- Unique opportunity to make a difference in the health and well being of Aboriginal youth and their families
- Join a respected, non-profit organization in the heart of the Oshawa community
- Enjoy an attractive remuneration package
About the Organization
Oshawa Community Health Centre (OCHC) is a community-owned, non-profit and charitable organization. Founded in 1982 by volunteers, we have proudly worked with our residents to build a strong and healthy community.
We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and funded primarily by the Central East Local Health Integration Network (CELHIN). The Health Centre’s services are free and include a family centered medical practice, social work and counselling and a variety of health promotion and community development projects, many focusing on children, youth and women.
About the Opportunity
Oshawa Community Health Centre has a fantastic opportunity for a part time Aboriginal Youth Mental Health and Addictions Worker to join the team in Oshawa, Ontario. This role is currently a 12 month contract, with possible extension or renewal.
Reporting to the Program Manager, you will assist youth, aged between 12 and 25 years, and their families who are living with poor mental health to attain a better quality of life.
In collaboration with the Aboriginal Youth Coordinator, you will be responsible for the coordination of integrated service delivery, from referral, intake and discharge of Aboriginal youth, as well as developing, implementing and evaluating various Aboriginal youth programs in the Durham Region and across the GTA.
Key responsibilities of this challenging and meaningful role include:
- Providing services to youth who are at risk, high risk or who have mental health issues and ensuring family involvement is an integral part of service delivery;
- Intake and assessment, using assessment tools that are approved by the Ministry of Child and Youth Services and referencing practices at Enaahtig Healing Lodge;
- Collaborate regularly with the Aboriginal Youth Health Promoter, in various capacities, as required;
- Providing direct care to Aboriginal youth and their families through counselling, case management, referrals and group work;
- Developing and implementing plans of care in collaboration with the youth and family;
- Coordinating and facilitating access to traditional healing and other cultural programming;
- Making recommendations to the youth and family regarding alternative services and assist with linking to other community resources, using a client-centered approach;
- Following up with health professionals, school personnel, and justice workers, ensuring client consent and privacy is maintained;
- Coordinating care with consulting psychiatry and psychologists when required;
- Ensures client files are maintained, updated regularly and managed in a safe and secure manner in accordance to OCHC practice and policies;
- Providing written reports, assessments and appropriate documentation in client files;
- Attending and actively participating in team meetings, treatment conferences, and case conferences in order to facilitate integrated service delivery by consistently sharing information with the team regarding care management;
- Completing all required statistical reporting;
- Promoting healthy lifestyle, by example, and by information sharing, liaison activities, and attending educational events to promote awareness of mental health;
- Immediately reporting to the Program Manager incidents or suspicions of physical and sexual abuse and ensure completion of all necessary documentation, and in accordance with established Respect in the Workplace Policy and supporting procedures; and
- Responding appropriately and in a timely manner to crisis situations involving clients, including assessing and addressing high risk behaviour.
To qualify for this role, you will ideally have a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, or related experience working with the Aboriginal community. Alternatively, a two-year Social Work Diploma (or Diploma in a related field), with at least three years of experience in the provision of counselling services to Aboriginal youth and their families, will be considered.
Importantly, you will have in-depth understanding of Aboriginal culture and values, including sound knowledge of the principle issues affecting the mental health of Aboriginal youth and their communities, as well as positive traditional influences that could promote mental health and wellness.
With demonstrated organizational, time management and problem solving skills, you will have the ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team to conduct counsellor/client interviews, assessments, planning and treatment, referrals, group facilitation and group therapy. You will also be self-motivated and committed to using a client-centered approach when working with Aboriginal youth and their families. The ability to maintain confidentiality and safe guard client privacy is essential.
An excellent communicator, both written and verbal, you will be able to follow direction and ensure follow-up with minimal supervision. You will also develop and maintain positive working relationships with external agencies and organizations.
The ideal candidate will be highly adaptable and willing to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including some evenings and/or weekends.
Travel is a requirement of this role, particularly within the Durham area. As such, you must possess a valid Class G Driver's Licence and have access to reliable transportation.
Candidates must also possess a clear CPIC-VSS (vulnerable populations).
About the Benefits
In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will be rewarded with an attractive remuneration package of $37,011.44 (prorated to part time hours), plus mandatory benefits.
Most importantly, this is a great opportunity to join a professional and supportive team who are dedicated to improving the lives of Aboriginal youth, their families and community. Enjoy the unique job satisfaction that comes with knowing that you've helped make a difference each day. Apply Now!