Indigenous Mental Health & Wellness Coordinator

Company: Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre

FORT ERIE NATIVE CULTURAL CENTRE INCORPORATED 

  JOB POSTING 

Position:   Indigenous Mental Health & Wellness Coordinator

Start date:  ASAP following hire

Hours of Work:  40 hours per week, evenings, weekends, special events

The successful candidate will be employed by the Fort Erie Native Cultural Centre Incorporated, responsible to the policies and directions determined by the Board of Directors and under the daily supervision of the Executive Director or his/her delegate. 

Primary Objective

Provides wholistic and culture-based supports to be responsive to the needs of mental health and addictions for urban Indigenous individuals and families, with a focus on trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches. IMHWP workers deliver individual and group services including peer counselling, sharing circles and other traditional and land-based activities that support the achievement of a Good Mind.

Education

• 2 year College/University Diploma, Degree in Social Work or Psychology preferred along with experience in Mental Health

Key Responsibilities include:

• To provide culturally appropriate alternatives to existing mainstream programs
• Promoting culturally appropriate, social/recreational and program activities that minimize the negative effects of mental health issues in the Indigenous individual, family and community
• Linking and networking with Indigenous and non-Indigenous agencies, organizations, services, to promote and provide services for clients who are experiencing mental health issues
• Design, develop and deliver mental health educational presentations to individuals, families, community organizations and services
• Research and develop culture-based mental health information material.
• Help individuals, families or communities who request assistance or information concerning mental health services
• Make initial contact with clients (individual, family or community) or with significant concerned other
• Assist in arranging for emergency assistance as may be required for clients to access Mental Health Services internally or externally
• Complete referral forms and assist clients with applications
• Participate in the Operations Manual requirements for the Community Mental Health Services funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
• Participate with program initiatives, and reporting requirements as directed and adopted by the program management policy
• Maintain an up-to-date and confidential client referral record keeping system

Knowledge:

• Understanding and being familiar with Traditional Cultural knowledge
• Ability to assist community members from a cultural knowledge perspective vs. western knowledge perspective
• Ability to connect naturally with Indigenous people
• Ability to demonstrate cultural and social needs of Indigenous people
• Knowledge of Fort Erie Native Cultural Centre and surrounding Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations in the area to support community members, youth and families
• An understanding and commitment to the needs, barriers, and goals of Indigenous people
• Ability to assess the needs of Indigenous people in an urban setting
• Care and compassion in working with Indigenous people
• Ability to plan, organize and meet deadlines
• Ability to develop action plans with community members, youth and families
• Exceptional computer skills are required
• Excellent presentation skills and the ability to facilitate discussions
• Ability to work well independently and as a team member
• MUST have a valid Ontario class G license and a clean driver’s abstract.
• Must have or be able to obtain a satisfactory vulnerable sector CPIC

Please email cover letter, resume and 3 references to: 

Riley Zimak @ ApatisiwinEC@fenfc.org

796 Buffalo Road 

Fort Erie, ON, L2A 5H2 

Closing Date: January 24, 2025 at 5:00pm

Thank you for your interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.