Indigenous Children’s Mental Health Worker
Employed by the United Native Friendship Centre, responsible to the policies and directions as determined by the Executive Director, Board of Directors and under the direct daily supervision of the Program Manager.
OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION: To ensure that the healing and wellness needs of the Indigenous community are addressed by implementing the Children’s Mental Health Worker at the local level in order to reduce family violence, promote healthy lifestyles, culture-based programming and healing.
AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Children’s Mental Health Worker is responsible for the coordination of services to meet the needs of the community within the mandate of the Ministry of Children and Community Social Services of the OFIFC.
QUALIFICATIONS:
-Post-Secondary Social Services Diploma
-1-2 years’ work experience in Social Services/Children’s Mental Health
-Knowledge of Indigenous language and culture(s) common to our areas
-Superior oral and written communication skills
-Group facilitation skills
-Knowledge, desire and experience working with children and youth ages 7-15 years
-Knowledge, desire and experience working within the Indigenous culture-based healing and wellness field
-Excellent computer skills with knowledge/experience of databases
-Ability to work as a member of a team
-Superior ability to work to deadlines with minimum supervision
-Strong interpersonal skills
-Capable of successfully facilitating groups
-Strong advocate of Indigenous people and a proponent of cultural Indigenous decision-making
-Sensitive to the culturally based activities, teachings and practices of UNFC (ie. Smudge, Drumming, Ceremonies etc.)
-Good management and planning skills
-Knowledge of community resources
-Current valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle
-Satisfactory current Vulnerable Sector check
-Current First Aid/CPR certification
JOB SPECIFICATIONS:
1. Children and Families
a) Identify children in need of services.
b) Assess family and/or child’s needs to determine the extent of services required.
c) Promote healthy lifestyles by conducting workshops and public education forums.
d) Provide individual support to children.
e) Promote violence free lifestyles.
f) Develop activities and programs that support children to adopt healthy lifestyles.
g) Work with other UNFC programs and staff that promotes a coordinated approach to healing and wellness.
h) Develop and provide information packages for children and their families to help with accessing services.
i) Conduct needs assessments and individual plans of action for children.
j) Provide/arrange cultural and traditional learning activities for children and families.
2. Community
a) Promote, by programming and personal example, the development of positive role models.
b) Facilitate, in conjunction with other UNFC programs, community events to promote healing and wellness.
c) To promote positive family interaction and activities targeting disadvantaged and single-parent families.
d) Facilitate the involvement of Elders and traditional people.
e) Promote the benefits of the Children’s Mental Health Program.
f) Provide transportation to programs, activities and events.
3. Other Community Services
a) Establish a relationship and linkages with community that service children and their families.
b) Establish a referral system.
c) Facilitate the understanding and support of community agencies for Children’s Mental Health.
d) Assist, upon request, non-Indigenous agencies in order to ensure that Indigenous clients receive the services and support they need.
4. Administration
a) Report regularly to the Supervisor.
b) Accurately prepare activity and statistical reports for submission.
c) Participate in any evaluation developed by the OFIFC for the Program.
d) Complete monthly, quarterly, annual and year end reports.
e) Attend meetings, workshops and training established for the program.
5. Other
a) Undertake any such reasonable duties as may be assigned from time-to-time.
Evaluation:
The position will be evaluated after completion of a three and six-month probationary period and on an annual basis thereafter. It will be based on the description and specific goals of the program as agreed upon by the Executive Director and Board of Directors.