CharityVillage

Hours: 35 hrs/wk. M-F 9am-5pm

Range: $30.11-$43.66 per hour

Location: 222 Carlton St., Toronto

Classification: Full-Time Contract (2-years with benefits)

Position: Unionized

Summary:

At Native Child, we are guided by our purpose: Honoring Our Roots, Embracing Our Future. We are inspired to be and do our best, recognizing the profound impact we have on our communities, our people, and our shared heritage. Our commitment to preserving and celebrating Indigenous culture drives us to be a leading force in our region. Here, you are welcomed into an inclusive and supportive environment that values each individual's contributions and fosters collective success.

Mdewgaan Lodge (mi-day-gaan / medicine lodge) serves Indigenous women with young children who are struggling with addiction issues and mental health challenges related to complex trauma and poverty, and who are either homeless, precariously housed, or at risk of homelessness. The program stems the flow of children into child welfare, breaking down historical cycles, and addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the child welfare system. Our services are trauma-informed and holistic, utilizing Traditional Healing, Traditional Counselling, and Land-based Cultural Programming combined with mainstream clinical interventions.

Job Highlights: 

• 4 weeks of paid vacation time
• Generous sick, personal and wellness paid time off 
• Health and Dental Benefits, premiums covered by the employer. 
• OMERS Pension Plan 

Primary Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Supervisor, Mdewgaan Lodge, the Residential Counsellor will:

• Ensure all requests for services are processed in a caring, holistic, culturally-based, and professional manner consistent with NCFST’s established standards, policies and procedures

• Provide fair, respectful and culturally relevant service to Indigenous children and families, consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.

• Provide a safe and secure setting by maintaining rules and expectations of the home.

• Provide supervision, support, and education to residents, with an emphasis on life and social skills.

• Assist residents on an individual basis with their goal setting and provide ongoing support to each resident in reaching their goals.

• Ensure residents are provided with the appropriate referrals for counselling, groups, classes etc.

• Ensure that equipment, inventory and supplies are maintained and protected.

• Be responsible for reconciliation of the petty cash and TTC tokens distribution.

• Provide individual support such as crisis intervention, dispute resolution, and other supportive intervention.

• Provide life skills activities (circles) and other related events centered on addiction and prevention and intervention.

• Provide cultural and traditional support and circles

• Provide written and verbal assessments on the resident’s readiness to participate in programs and activities.

• Address the cultural needs of the residents.

• Provide support to the other members of the Mdewgaan Lodge Team regarding information, referrals and follow-up services to residents.

• Assist in meal planning with residents.

• Represent Native Child and Family Services of Toronto at community level.

• All other duties related to the programs mandate as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

• A Strong understanding and practice of Indigenous approaches to healing, including land-based practices and cultural knowledge.

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or a closely related field

• Connection to First Nations, Metis, Inuit Communities would be an asset. 

• Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience working with Indigenous people in a social services setting may be considered.

• Minimum of two (2) years direct experience in the social work field (preferably in a transitional/group home environment) working with the Indigenous population.

• Have a current CPR and First-Aid certification or willing to complete prior to commencement of employment.

• Substantial level of familiarity in Indigenous culture(s), particularly with respect to the urban Indigenous population.

• Knowledge of the resources available for Indigenous peoples with respect to issues such as homelessness, addictions and mental health.

• In-depth knowledge of the spectrum of services provided by NCFST.

• Good oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills especially to be able to work under pressure of tight frame frames and varying volume of workload.

• Must be familiar with and able to contribute to a team approach with respect to effective service delivery, particularly teams with a demonstrated commitment to incorporating Indigenous traditions and values.

• Good computer skills to utilize all required applicable computer software.

•  Other duties as assigned.