Mental Health Counsellor

KEEWAYTINOOK OKIMAKANAK•Dryden, ON

8d•$70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an existing position for a Mental Health Counsellor to provide services to Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) First Nations clients. The role involves direct client counselling, group programs, community development, and maintaining confidential client records. The position requires collaboration with other professionals, risk assessment, and the application of trauma-informed best practices. The Counsellor will also be involved in crisis response, harm reduction, and providing support during public health initiatives like pandemic response and vaccination rollouts. Regular travel to KO First Nations communities, often by small aircraft, and to regional offices is expected. The position reports to the KO Mental Health Program Supervisor.

Requirements

Degree or training, and experience working in mental health-related fields.
Knowledge and understanding of indigenous culture and values in a regional context.
Excelled leadership, management, motivation, and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
Valid Class G Driver’s License and must be willing to provide a police criminal background check.
Able to work effectively with others and to work independently.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Ability to speak one of the KO local dialects is an asset.

Responsibilities

Provides counselling services to Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) First Nations clients.
Provides group programs and services to clients.
Participates in community development and education.
Maintains accurate and confidential client records electronically.
Carry out thorough risk assessments and monitoring of clients.
Collaborate with other professionals to develop treatment plans for clients.
Assist clients to manage their emotions through de-escalation strategies.
Use trauma-informed best practices.
Provide regular updates to KO Mental Health Program Supervisor and Chief and Council.
Build relationships with community health staff and community leadership.
Crisis response, intervention and promote harm reduction.
Provide pandemic support, vaccination rollout support, RAPID testing site support.
Attend weekly meetings with the KO Health Team.
Travel regularly to KO First Nations communities, often by small aircraft.
Travel to other KO regional offices such as, Winnipeg, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Balmertown and Thunder Bay as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.