Healing Model Therapist

Vision

M’Chigeeng First Nation is committed to strengthening the well being of children, youth and their families. This will be accomplished through the development, delivery and service coordination of culturally appropriate prevention programming that will enable each person to improve their well-being for attaining a healthy lifestyle that contributes to achieving a safe, caring and healthy community.

Reporting Relationship

The Healing Model Therapist will report to the Healing Model Manager and will ensure that internal working relationships are developed with all Departments within M’Chigeeng First Nation.

Position Summary

The Healing Model Therapist provides therapeutic mental wellness assessment and support to children, youth and adult members or affiliates of M’Chigeeng First Nation. The Healing Model Therapist supports positive relationships by employing client-centered, culturally appropriate and evidence-based therapeutic strategies to address the challenges of their clients in a wholistic manner. The Healing Model Therapist functions within legislative requirements, regulations, policies and procedures and the mission, beliefs and vision of the M’Chigeeng First Nation and the framework of the Emotion-Focused Therapy model.

• Undertake an initial assessment of the client’s mental wellness needs using the appropriate clinical screening tools.
• Assess the client’s support network to identify resources available that support mental wellness outcomes.
• Develop a treatment plan, identifying therapeutic support and community resources to be leveraged to support mental wellness outcomes.
• Provide the client with one-on-one/couples/group therapeutic support through the use of Emotion-Focused Therapy and other evidence-based modalities of treatment.
• Ensure interventions are consistent with cultural teachings and are appropriate in addressing concerns that are being experienced in the family and the families’ environment.
• Ensure a Circle of Care approach is used in case planning to promote mental wellness outcomes with the contributions of the client’s support network including family, caregivers, school, medical team and other community supports.
• Provide updates to the in-home support team that will assist the family in practicing and implementing learned behaviour in the family.
• Advocate and/or liaise with M’Chigeeng staff including: medical, educational and social services to promote and support the client’s mental wellness needs.
• Maintain a case file for each client including initial assessment, treatment plans, and contact notes for telephone or in-person discussions, correspondence with other services regarding care plans, concerns or outstanding issues to be addressed.
• Provide quantifiable data including number of clients served, number of direct therapeutic service hours, number of case planning meetings, number of meetings with family members, agencies and other resources on a monthly basis.
• Prepare for and participate in regular clinical individual and team supervision, prepare supervision notes for client file, provide peer feedback and group supervision as part of the Mental Health team.
• Participate in the training curriculum provided by the Department.

• Demonstrate behaviours, actions and attitudes that are consistent with M’Chigeeng First Nation’s vision, mission and values.
• Provide opportunities for the enhancement and development of positive cultural identities of clients served.
• Ensure appropriate communication and consultation with Supervisor at appropriate times.
• Ensure effective and professional communication with all internal and external service providers.
• Share information according to privacy and/or confidentiality guidelines.
• Work respectfully, positively, professionally, and collaboratively with team members.

• Ensure submissions of reports are completed and reviewed.
• Prepare reports, statistics, briefing notes and correspondence as required.
• Develop and maintain an individual detailed work plan of activities.
• Ensure confidentiality and safekeeping of all program documents and records.
• Develop and maintain accurate, up-to-date and concise work and client files.
• Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and any other relevant legislation.
• Prepare and submit monthly reports and travel expenses and maintain attendance records.
• Follow M’Chigeeng First Nation’s human resources, finance and other policies.

Other Duties

• Act in accordance with M’Chigeeng First Nation’s Code of Ethics and maintain confidentiality at all times to protect the privacy of staff, families and community.
• Participate in internal or external committees as required or assigned.
• Perform additional related duties in accordance with job responsibilities and department objectives.
• Participate in training, cultural events and other mandatory training as required.
• Other duties as required or assigned.
• Ensure all M’Chigeeng First Nation protocols and Bylaws are adhered to, and program activities are conducted in accordance with recommendations and policies as set by Chief & Council.
• Incorporate and promote Anishinabek cultural values, beliefs and practices and Anishinaabemowin into program and training delivery.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and culturally safe team environment.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Diploma or degree in a related field (e.g., Social Services, Psychology, Social Work, Indigenous Wellness & Addictions, Counselling, Child & Youth Care, Nursing or related human services).
• Registration or eligibility for registration with a recognized professional or regulatory body OR application experience in therapeutic practice under supervision.
• Training in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) or a willingness to complete EFT Externship and Core Skills training
• Experience supporting individuals, families, or couples in a therapeutic, counselling or wellness-focused setting.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, emotional regulation and relational dynamics.

Assets (not required)

• Completion of ICEFFT Externship, Core Skills, or supervision hours (EFT certification track).
• Experience working in First Nation communities.
• Knowledge of Anishinaabe culture, language and healing practices.
• Ability to provide culturally safe, community-centred clinical supports.
• Strong knowledge of child development.
• Previous child well-being experience.

Other Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of relevant legislative framework and policies reflecting clinical social work practice
• Understanding of and ability to translate relevant legislation into program language, policies and procedures.
• Understanding of evidence-informed/evidence-based practices for promoting trauma work, attachment, resilience and wellness-based mental health services to children, youth and adults.
• Knowledge of First Nation service delivery, customs and traditions in responding to mental health concerns.
• Proficient communication and computer skills.
• Excellent management and relationship-building (partnering & networking) skills.
• Well-organized with ability to multi-task, work well under pressure, and prioritize workload.
• Valid Class “G” Driver’s License with personal and reliable transportation.
• Fluency in Anishinaabemowin or a willingness to learn.
• Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) required (Current 30 days, original or certified copy).

VSS Rationale

VSC must be thirty (30) days current and be an original or certified copy.  All individuals upon being successfully selected for employment are required to submit a Vulnerable Sector Screen and Criminal Record Check as these individuals will be working directly/indirectly with vulnerable individuals. 

Interested applicants must submit COVER LETTER, RESUME, THREE (3) CURRENT REFERENCES (2 Work-Related references from a direct supervisor/manager and 1-character reference that will be contacted upon a successful interview) and education certifications to: