Indigenous Wellness Connector, HART Hub

CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services • London, ON

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The London HART Hub aims to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals who use substances and/or have mental health needs. HART Hubs will support its clients through access to high quality evidence informed care that is respectful, trauma-informed, culturally appropriate and compassionate in nature. Services of the HART Hub include low barrier access to integrated healthcare, basic needs services, employment and income support, justice services, crisis, recovery and treatment planning, peer support, and housing/addiction supportive housing.
The Indigenous Wellness Connector plays a critical role within the HART Hub, working alongside Indigenous and First Nation Communities to help clients connect through complex systems related to homelessness, addiction, mental health, and health. The Connector ensures that clients have access to culturally safe services, bridging traditional healing with colonial healthcare and housing supports.

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Social Work, Indigenous Studies or Addictions & Mental Health or a minimum of 2 years' work experience in the field (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
• Work experience with a specific focus on supporting First Nations, Inuit, or Metis people facing addictions, housing and/or mental health needs
• The ability to support Indigenous experience is required for this role, and it is therefore a bone fide occupational requirement that the incumbent identifies as a First Nations, Inuit, or Metis person
• Valid Driver’s License: minimum G2 class required
• Transportation of clients in personal vehicle required; two million-dollar ($2 000 000.00) liability insurance required
• Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
• Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly

Nice To Haves

• First Aid & CPR, WHMIS Training
• 2 years’ experience supporting Indigenous people facing addictions, housing, and/or mental health needs
• Experience with case management, and advocating for marginalized populations
• Understanding Indigenous cultural practices, treatment and recovery, and trauma-informed care
• Understanding systemic barriers and challenges experienced by Indigenous clients and their families
• Ability to recognize and diffuse potential conflict situations
• Bilingual in both official languages, preferred; Une préférence sera accordée aux personnes possédant des compétences dans les deux languages officielles du Canada

Responsibilities

• Be the primary point of contact for Indigenous clients within the HART Hub, helping them connect to traditional healing, housing, addiction recovery, and health care
• Support clients in accessing housing, addiction and mental health supports, and culturally meaningful resources in collaboration with community partners
• Advocate for clients’ needs across service providers, ensuring culturally safe care, and supporting connections to traditional healing practices, as desired
• Utilize the HART Hub model to ensure comprehensive Indigenous case management and service delivery, coordinating multiple services that address homelessness, addiction, and mental health needs
• Work closely with HART Hub team members, including addictions workers, mental health counselors, and housing specialists, to create individualized service plans that reflect the unique needs of Indigenous clients
• Work with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community organizations and help clients strengthen connection to their Indigenous community and cultural resources
• Work individually with clients to identify and achieve substance related goals as it relates to their individual support needs and recovery
• Support clients in issues related to maintaining their health and housing
• Develop and facilitate relevant group programming to meet the needs of clients
• Make connections and build trusting relationships
• Work collaboratively with other Indigenous care providers across the continuum to facilitate access and the coordination of care
• Work collaboratively with all Indigenous health care providers and organizations in the region to ensure continuity of care and improve transitions from hospital to community care supports
• Collaborate with other formal and informal leaders in Indigenous health to address systemic racism within the health care system and provide input and advice on Indigenous care issues
• Provide intake, screening, assessment and treatment planning
• Support clients and their families on their journey toward increased wholistic wellness
• Ensure clients basic needs are being met (e.g., provision of food, showers, hygiene and a place to rest)
• Assist with the development of care plans, connect into local services, and engage in proactive crisis intervention
• Assist Indigenous clients and families through barriers and challenges in the system, connecting to resources and collaborating with established justice supports for people involved with the criminal justice system (pre-release support, probation or bail)
• Provide accessible options for communication for clients with varying needs and literacy levels (AODA, sign language, audio translation)
• Assist with transportation needs upon intake, including obtaining travel assistance such as bus passes or other forms of travel, leveraging existing funding support
• Support navigation through NIHB, as required
• Support and coordinate integrated care plans that encompasses access to cultural and traditional teachings, language speakers, acute and primary care, mental health, addictions, income, transportation and safety
• Provide support for additional HUB sites as required
• On-site support in 24-hour setting to help clients maintain stable housing at HART Hub
• Facilitate ongoing conversations around housing goals to secure suitable housing
• Provide rapid connection to housing stability resources

Benefits

• Starting rate for this role is $27.14 per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with a wage differential, based on regulation ($30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated)
• Successful candidates who are registered with one of the designated professional colleges (e.g. OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) will receive the wage differential for regulation
• Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($34.41 per hour for non-regulated, and $37.26 per hour for regulated); for internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement
• 9% in lieu of benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree