Community Wellness Navigator (Mental Wellness and Addictions Services) – Full Time

Context

Connection is key to wellness.

Are you someone who believes in the importance of equitable access to care?  We are looking for two Community Wellness Navigators who will support Indigenous community members in connecting to the services they need for good, kind and competent care.

We are looking for someone who is knowledgeable of community resources within the Indigenous and mainstream sectors and can help reduce barriers to accessing services.   Wabano supports Indigenous community members in connecting to resources that assist them in their health and wellbeing.

Wabano is looking for two Community Wellness Navigators whose roles will have a focus on the following areas of service delivery.

• Supporting community members in accessing the services they need for their wellness journey;
• Quality case management and follow up with client and resources ;
• Case conferencing to ensure community members with multiple support services are moving towards the goals set by the community member.

If you are the right person for this role, you understand how to communicate with clients and service providers to develop plan of care and connect people to the resources to optimize their wellness.  You are able to incorporate culture into the work you are doing and able to advocate for your clients in a respectful and professional manner.   You have a strong understanding of Indigenous community experiences with accessing services such as health care, mental wellness or legal supports.

The Role

Reporting to the Team Lead, the Community Wellness Navigator will focus on these main areas:

CLIENT SERVICE & SUPPORT

The Community Wellness Navigator supports Wabano and the community by

• Establishing relationships with staff in the various departments and external organizations including CAS, Hospitals and other service providers
• Provide kind, competent and safe care for community members
• Liaise with service providers to ensure a smooth referral process for the client
• Advocate for client needs when there are barriers to their care
• Maintain the confidentiality and privacy of all community members accessing services
• Network with Indigenous and Non-Indigenous agencies

RECORD KEEPING

Document the story of the way you support the client’s wellness journey in the internal database using service and cultural codes.

• Enter all encounters in the database in a timely fashion
• Succinct case noting entered within 24-48 hours of service delivery
• Document any internal or external referrals to support the clients healing journey
• Complete monthly reports using the template provided

AGENCY SUPPORT

We recognize that there is an interdependence within Wabano and we all need to support with some key programming

1. Assist with functions such as Gala, Symposium and AGA
2. Participant in professional development to continue in improvement of skills and knowledge
3. Be a team player and support when necessary with some of the community programming such as Pow Wow, Community Events, etc.

Required Skills

We are looking for an individual who will bring Case Management and Navigation skills to the community.

• Social Services Diploma or Bachelor of Social Work, Health Care Administration or related field with a minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar position;
• Good interpersonal and case management skills; able to work flexibly with a variety of population groups and treatment settings;
• Kind, competent care and understanding of systemic racism experiences and the impacts;
• Client service oriented;
• In-depth knowledge of local, regional and provincial Indigenous and non-Indigenous services as well as strong knowledge of local partner sector services and access procedures, including mental health, housing, and primary care;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with Indigenous people, including a sound knowledge and understanding of the issues that impact on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health in contemporary society;
• Demonstrated cultural competency in working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities;
• A nonjudgmental, inclusive, and positive attitude towards people who are potentially in high risk situations;
• Ability and skills to recognize and manage the signs of a client in crisis;
• A demonstrated ability to exercise strong decision-making skills and deal with unpredictable situations;
• Experience/knowledge of hospital settings and their policies, procedures and processes.

First Nation, Inuit or Métis candidates will be given priority, please self-identify.

To pursue this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@wabano.com.

This opportunity will remain open until filled. Tell us your story early!

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Wabano is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity or interviewing, please advise if you require accommodation.

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an award-winning Health Access Centre that provides holistic health services to First Nation, Inuit and Métis people living in Ottawa – one of the fastest growing and diverse urban Indigenous communities in Canada. Wabano is a client-oriented organization that models the Indigenous values of balance, respect and community interdependence. Wabano is proud to be accredited through the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, a third-party review based on accepted organizational practices that promote ongoing quality improvement and responsive, effective community services.

Salary

Range $50,000 – $55,000 per year + Benefits

Why work for us

• Collaborative and Supportive Work Environment
• Group Health and Dental Insurance
• Employee Pension Plan (defined benefits) with matching contribution from Wabano
• Employee Assistance Program
• Four (4) weeks paid vacation time
• Flexibility of work hours
• Support from a dynamic team of mental health professionals
• Access to cultural teachings and knowledge keepers on an ongoing basis

Application Details

Please submit your application to jobs@wabano.com. Application materials include a cover letter and resume. This opportunity will remain open until filled, so tell us your story early!

Wabano is an inclusive and equitable organization, encouraging applications from qualified women and men, including persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. The position is open to all qualified applicants, although preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry (please self-identify in your application).

Wabano is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity or interviewing, please advise if you require accommodation.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.