Job Details

Please apply here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=447226e7-7ba7-43a7-89a0-962889d034ed&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_CA&jobId=508493

Job Description

Hours: 35 hrs/wk.

Range: $29.45- $42.70 per hour

Location: 222 Carlton St., Toronto

Classification: Contract Full-Time

Position: Unionized

Summary:

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Indigenous Community. We do this by creating a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Native people, the extended family, and the right to self-determination and through the integration of holistic, culturally based prevention services that are child centred, family focused, and community driven.

Mdewgaan Lodge (mi-day-gaan / medicine lodge) serves Indigenous women with young children who are struggling with addiction issues and mental health challenges related to complex trauma and poverty, and who are either homeless, precariously housed, or at risk of homelessness. The program stems the flow of children into child welfare, breaking down historical cycles, and addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the child welfare system. Our services are trauma-informed and holistic, utilizing Traditional Healing, Traditional Counselling, and Land-based Cultural Programming combined with mainstream clinical interventions.

Primary Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Supervisor, Mdewgaan Lodge, the Residential Counsellor will:

Ensure all requests for services are processed in a caring, holistic, culturally-based, and professional manner consistent with NCFST’s established standards, policies and procedures
Provide fair, respectful and culturally relevant service to Indigenous children and families, consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.
Provide a safe and secure setting by maintaining rules and expectations of the home.
Provide supervision, support, and education to residents, with an emphasis on life and social skills.
Assist residents on an individual basis with their goal setting and provide ongoing support to each resident in reaching their goals.
Ensure residents are provided with the appropriate referrals for counselling, groups, classes etc.
Ensure that equipment, inventory and supplies are maintained and protected.
Be responsible for reconciliation of the petty cash and TTC tokens distribution.
Provide individual support such as crisis intervention, dispute resolution, and other supportive intervention.
Provide life skills activities (circles) and other related events centered on addiction and prevention and intervention.
Provide cultural and traditional support and circles
Provide written and verbal assessments on the resident’s readiness to participate in programs and activities.
Address the cultural needs of the residents.
Provide support to the other members of the Mdewgaan Lodge Team regarding information, referrals and follow-up services to residents.
Assist in meal planning with residents.
Represent Native Child and Family Services of Toronto at community level.
All other duties related to the programs mandate as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills:
Strong understanding and practice of Indigenous approaches to healing, including land-based practices and cultural knowledge.
Connection to First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or a closely related field
Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience working with Aboriginal people in a social services setting may be considered.
Minimum of two (2) years direct experience in the social work field (preferably in a transitional/group home environment) working with the Aboriginal population.
A valid (G) Driver’s License.
Have a current CPR and First-Aid certification or willing to complete prior to commencement of employment.
Substantial level of familiarity in Aboriginal culture(s), particularly with respect to the urban Aboriginal population.
Knowledge of the resources available for Aboriginal peoples with respect to issues such as homelessness, addictions and mental health.
In-depth knowledge of the spectrum of services provided by NCFST.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Excellent time management and organizational skills especially to be able to work under pressure of tight frame
frames and varying volume of workload.
Must be familiar with and able to contribute to a team approach with respect to effective service delivery,
particularly teams with a demonstrated commitment to incorporating Aboriginal traditions and values.
Good computer skills to utilize all required applicable computer software.
NCFST requires all employees, contractors, students, and volunteers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, absent of a valid medical exemption or other reasonable consideration pursuant to the Human Rights Code of Ontario.