Social Worker

Nimkee NupiGawagan Healing Centre is a leading holistically based residential treatment centre in addictions, solvent use and abuse for all youth from Indigenous communities nationally. The seven Grandfather teachings form the cornerstone for our program: Respect, Love, Honesty, Bravery, Humility, Wisdom and Truth. The benefits for participants are empowerment, inner discipline and belief in self.

 

JOB SUMMARY

The Social Worker is responsible for providing assessment, referral, clinical counselling and follow-up services to youth participants and family members affected by substance use issues. This may include confidential individual, family or group counselling about the causes and effect of addictions, support for families dealing with mental health disorders and/or addictions and/or referrals for additional treatment. This position joins a clinical team, which emphasizes collaboration, cultural awareness, innovation and progressive care practice. Participation in traditional aboriginal cultural programming, committees of the Centre, quality improvement initiatives and continuing education is required. This position reports to the Director of Care. Dedication to high standards of practice, organizational policies, accreditation requirements and statutory obligations is expected.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

  • Ensure initial and ongoing assessment of youth requiring licensed and unlicensed care and service as appropriate; assisting individuals identify their need for treatment programs;
  • Ensure that plans of care plans are developed and implemented for youth participants as appropriate;
  • Liaise with community agencies and treatment programs and provide treatment referrals to external healthcare specialists for youth participants; completing treatment centre documentation requirements
  • Assist clients to meet requirements for required referrals and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment programs;
  • Source and access funding for treatment programs; prepare and collaborate on funding proposals for mental health and addiction programs and initiatives, as requested;
  • Arrange transportation for clients to and from treatment centres;
  • Meet with youth regularly and update care plans as appropriate;
  • Schedule meetings with other clinical staff to ensure treatment progress and participate in actions plans for improved outcomes as needed;
  • Ensure youth files and records are up to date (hard copy or digital as required), and meet the standards of the Children’s Residential License and the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Standards of Practice guidelines of governmental regulating bodies;
  • Participate in the preparation of aftercare and outreach treatment plans to optimize the results of the treatment program;
  • Manage service delivery respectfully in collaboration with other clinical staff, youth participants, their family members/caregivers, referring communities and other health care professionals;
  • Liaise with other case managers, funders or Government programs as required and act proactively on behalf of the youth participants and the Healing Centre;
  • Promote Nimkee through participation in local, regional and national healthcare, cultural or business events as well as community events;
  • Demonstrate a genuine expression of organizational values while fulfilling all duties and functions.
  • Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to handle difficult situations in an objective consistent format, modelling positive behaviour for youth;
  • Adhere to Nimkee Policies and Procedures including Health & Safety policies and requirements

 

Career Opportunity – Social Worker

 

  • Demonstrate knowledge of Standards of Practice guidelines of Provincial regulating body.
  • Ensure skills and certifications are maintained.
  • Participate in ongoing internal and/or external continuing education activities.
  • Participate in quality activities and continuous improvement initiatives

 

Qualifications:

 

Abstainer with at least three years continuous sobriety is a requirement by organizational policy.

 

Education & Certification

  • Post-secondary education in Psychology, Social Work or related discipline
  • Registered with one of the six regulatory Colleges in Ontario
  • Certified as an Addictions Counsellor by an accredited certification body preferred or willing to train
  • Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behaviour Certificate preferred or willing to learn
  • Evidence of current CPR and First Aid certification

 

Experience

  • Two years of assessment and counselling experience, preferably in a residential setting;
  • Successful track record in leading the implementation and evaluation of treatment programs;
  • Demonstrate expertise in solvent / substance abuse treatment;
  • Solid knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of service delivery to youth;
  • Experience with individual, group, family, reality, play and art therapy;
  • Knowledge of health care and addictions services and offices in the region;
  • Proven ability to establish trusting relationships with a high degree of confidentiality;
  • Ability to make accurate assessments of client’s needs;
  • Understanding of crisis management and the impact of trauma on mental health and addiction issues;
  • Must have knowledge and understanding of First Nations culture and community life;
  • Must have demonstrated knowledge and awareness of cultural, and traditional teaching, universal to First Nations peoples;
  • Registered member of a First Nation as per section 16(1) of the Human Rights Act an asset;
  • Fluency in a First Nations language is an asset;
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to handle conflict and other difficult situations in an objective consistent format;
  • Above average problem-solving skills; maturity and emotional intelligence
  • Possess above average oral and written communication skills;
  • Must have skills in data collection, research, analysis grant and report writing
  • Must be able to work independently and as a team player;
  • Proficiency in computer software skills including Microsoft Office Suite

 

Other

  • Must be able to work flexible hours
  • Must have a valid Ontario Driver’s License, a clear driving abstract and reliable transportation

 

All applications are confidential. Only those applicants applying with a detailed resume, cover letter and three written work references will be accepted. While your interest in Nimkee Nupigawagan is appreciated, only those applicants being given further consideration will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to provide a successful Vulnerable Sector Check.

Please submit your resume, cover letter and references in confidence, outlining how your skills match the job summary and qualifications by Wednesday, November 3rd at noon (12:00 pm) to:

executivedirector@nimkee.org