Trauma Clinical Counsellor, Indigenous Health

Salary  The salary range for this position is CAD $44.85 - $56.02 / hour
Detailed Overview  The Trauma Clinical Counsellor, Indigenous Health supports care coordination and system navigation across local and regional substance use services, with an emphasis on reducing barriers for clients to re-enter the system of care and facilitating timely treatment and rapid re‑engagement of clients where appropriate and feasible. As a member of the Intensive Case Management (ICM) Team, this position provides focused support to clients who identify as First Nations, Metis or Inuit and their support systems.

The Counsellor uses an Indigenous lens to provide client and family‑centered care, using a trauma‑informed approach and evidence‑informed practice, to Indigenous individuals and families who use alcohol and substances. Working from a place of cultural safety and humility, the Counsellor provides initial screening, client assessment, treatment recommendations and care plans. The Counsellor also determines referral needs and provides clinical intervention and follow‑up support by offering therapy services including group, individual and family therapy.

Collaborates regarding complex situations, provides group education, liaises with Indigenous community resources for specialized services when possible, maintains respect for client dignity and maximises client self‑determination and independence in provision of services. Participates in local committees and internal and external case conferences, and develops presentations and training to clients, families and caregivers. Participates in the development of standardised documents, procedures and processes, and contributes to data collection and analysis.

Participates in quality improvement activities, follows clinical best practices, and respects cultural protocols. May be required to work at more than one location.
Responsibilities   Performs initial client screening of referrals of individuals with a focus on those who self‑identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit from other health care providers/agencies, family members, physicians and other sources to determine appropriate treatment based on client needs, urgency of request and best practices.
Assesses client needs by gathering client information/history via phone interviews or other methods; seeking additional background information to perform initial assessment of client mental health status and risk to themselves or others and to determine priority of care, client eligibility, availability of resources, and service priorities; collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to determine best approach to care, assessing the need for emergent crisis intervention, and to facilitate virtual health connections.
Provides first‑level intervention and support until formal treatment or further assessment can be conducted, such as short‑term brief interventions, follow‑up, monitoring, and evaluating treatment outcomes.
Develops linkages with other facilities and Indigenous community resources, and advocates on behalf of the client and others to improve access, integration and coordination of MHSU services, by way of establishing, maintaining and enhancing relationships/communication with community physicians, consulting psychiatrists, colleagues, community mental health services, acute hospitals, community services agencies, and other health care professionals.
Facilitates client connection to Indigenous community services and rehabilitative programs through methods such as considering the client’s motivation and their stage in the treatment process, researching available services, liaising with service and program providers, providing clinical impressions and consultation to colleagues, and/or referring to other community resources as required.
Provides education and support to Indigenous‑identified clients and their families using an Indigenous lens. Explores identified problems that may have resulted in substance use and mental health symptoms, identifies goals, expectations, and support resources; assists with understanding of mental health and substance use matters, the interaction of both, and the recovery…