Wellness Worker

Tungasuvvingat Inuit•Ottawa, ON

2d•CA$20 - CA$21•Onsite

About The Position

The Wellness Worker plays a vital front-line role in supporting the daily functioning and therapeutic environment of the Mamisarvik Healing Centre (MHC). This is a non-clinical, non-counselling position focused on delivering consistent, culturally safe, trauma-informed care and practical support to residents throughout their healing journey. Wellness Workers are responsible for maintaining a safe, respectful, and structured residential environment by engaging directly with participants, monitoring day-to-day routines, assisting with program facilitation, and supporting wellness-based activities. They act as key observers and communicators, ensuring that important information and participant interactions are accurately documented and shared with the appropriate members of the MHC team, including clinicians and supervisors. By offering compassionate support, enforcing community guidelines, and modeling healthy behaviour, the Wellness Worker contributes meaningfully to the stability, rhythm, and integrity of the program. They are essential team members who help ensure that both individual and group needs are met within a welcoming and healing-centered residential setting.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent Diploma is required.
Minimum 2 years of experience in Front Line Support Services, Crisis Intervention & De-escalation, Human Relations or Social Work is required.
Must have strong understanding of mental health conditions, substance use, and developmental challenges across diverse populations.
Knowledge and application of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and strength-based approaches.
Familiarity with wraparound supports, including housing, employment, income assistance, and legal aid.
Proficient use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Videoconference platforms.
Ability to de-escalate crises, provide immediate emotional support, and maintain safety in high-stress situations.
Competence in following care plans, documenting medication distribution, and maintaining accurate records.
Cultural humility and an understanding of the importance of language, land, Elders, family, and traditional practices in healing.
Adaptability and resilience in dynamic, fast-paced, and emotionally complex environments.
Deep awareness of the intergenerational impacts of colonization, residential schools, and forced displacement on Inuit wellness.
Collaborative skills to work effectively with Elders, families, local leaders, and multidisciplinary teams, recognizing and honouring traditional roles in care and decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate Degree in Human Relations and/or Social Work is preferred.
Training in CPR, Crisis Intervention and Prevention, Suicide Intervention and Prevention, Food Handling and Preparation and other relevant certifications are preferred.
Having a valid Driver’s License is an asset.
Ability to speak to Inuktitut.
Knowledge of systemic issues such as poverty, homelessness, racism, and social injustice, and their impact on wellness.

Responsibilities

Provide consistent, trauma-informed supervision and emotional support to residential clients.
Encourage cooperative living, mutual respect, and peaceful conflict resolution among residents.
Support clients in adhering to house rules and community expectations, reinforcing structure and accountability.
Perform and/or supervise routine housekeeping duties and assist with meal preparation to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
Conduct building security checks and monitor communal areas to ensure the safety and well-being of all clients.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including shift briefing forms, client notes, and incident reports.
Communicate regularly with the clinical team to share relevant updates, observations, and client needs.
Actively participate in team meetings, debriefs, and case discussions to promote a collaborative approach to care.
Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional boundaries in all forms of communication.
Lead and support wellness-focused programming, including recreational, cultural, and therapeutic activities.
Collaborate with team members and clients to design group activities that promote healing, connection, and personal growth.
Participate in on-the-land program components, which may include overnight stays and physical activity in outdoor settings.
Provide transportation to appointments, activities, and outings in a safe and timely manner.
Teach and model life skills such as cleaning, cooking, budgeting, and personal hygiene as part of daily interactions.
Collaborate with the Food Services Coordinator to ensure that the nutritional needs of clients are met in a culturally appropriate and trauma-informed manner.
Provide light cooking support on weekends or during staff shortages.
Support grocery inventory, meal planning, and kitchen cleanliness when needed.
Facility maintenance and cleaning are required between program cycles to ensure the building remains safe, functional, and welcoming for all participants.
Uphold a trauma-informed approach in all interactions with clients, ensuring emotional safety, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
Build trusting relationships that support healing from trauma and substance use by providing compassionate, non- judgmental presence.
Observe and report changes in client behavior or emotional state that may impact their wellness or recovery journey.
Create a calm, stable environment that fosters client participation in their individualized healing path.
Promote and model self-care, routine, and regulation strategies that align with the centre’s therapeutic goals.