Psychologist:$124k/year

Are you an experienced psychologist with a genuine passion for supporting the Indigenous community? Our client, an Indigenous-focused health centre, is seeking a Child Psychologist with a deep understanding of the current challenges facing Indigenous peoples (specifically the Anishnawbek community), as well as knowledge of current practices, for their satellite office in Manitoulin Island and Espanola, Ontario.

This is a 1 year contract however, it is funded through grants, and as such it is highly likely that the role will continue after the term, as grants are fairly reliable for this type of role. Our client is open to various structures (hours per week/number of days on site per month/ part-time etc.) so long as you are able to support the needs of their clients and families.

You will provide psychological assessment and consultation services to clients and their families, while working in collaboration with members of a First Nations child and family services organisation, including the Physician, as well as other members of our client’s health centre. You will work collectively to support and promote the overall wholistic and well-being of Indigenous individuals and families seeking support for mental health and addictions concerns including managing anxiety, depression, the impacts of trauma, grief and loss, as well as addictions.

The health centre embraces Mino-bimaadziwin (good life) and learns as a united organisation (Board, Staff, Traditional Advisory Committee, and leadership) as they find better ways to learn from and integrate their programs and services. Our client’s philosophy is based on what was before us and states that looking back is what helps guide our future. They recognize the four directions, the four seasons, and four quadrants of the Indigenous medicine wheel, and the four strands of Wiingash (Sweetgrass), as demonstrated in the medicine wheel. “Our braids woven together unite us and consist of culture, programs, services, and partnerships.”

KEY FUNCTIONS

Assessment and Consultation:
Provides assessment and consultation services to clients via referral process associated with the Children’s Mental Health Services department, including children, youth, emerging adult, and adult client populations.

• Evaluates, diagnoses and assess the functioning of individuals in relation to mental disorders, substance use and misuse wholistic wellness, and mental health
• Provides consultation and support to clients and staff of the Children’s Mental Health Services department and the Child and Family Services organisation
• Provides recommendations and treatment planning direction associated to client/family wellness
• Provides follow-up and treatment support to clients of the Children’s Mental Health Services department and Child and Family Services organisation

Program Support:

• Works collaboratively with other team members to support the needs of clients
• Consults with Physician and makes appropriate referrals for Physician services as indicated by client needs
• Assist in the development of treatment plans, identifying therapeutic support and community resources to be leveraged to support mental wellness outcomes
• Ensure interventions are consistent with cultural teachings and are appropriate in addressing behaviours and symptoms related to various mental health and substance use concerns and diagnoses
• 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, daycare, medical team, and other community supports
• Advocate and/or liaises with Agency staff/ service teams as well as medical, educational, and social services in the community to promote and support the client’s mental wellness needs
• Liaises with other members of the Agency/ family service delivery and/or health services team to ensure client’s needs are being addressed in accordance with the treatment plan
• Ensures any child welfare issues are documented and referred to the Child and Family Services organisation’s child welfare team for follow up
• Provides 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 and as set out in the service agreement between the Heath Centre and the Child and Family Services organisation
• Monitors outcomes and provides a quarterly progress report using the appropriate Agency assessment tool(s)
• Participates in the training curriculum provided through the Health Centre and the Child and Family Services organisation
• Provides in-service training to Prevention and Child welfare teams
• Participates in the Child review Team coordinated with the Child and Family Services organisation
• Recommends and advocates for appropriate internal and external referrals to meet the needs of clients and families serviced
• Participate in regular Team Meetings and Team Supervision meetings to support, provide service planning recommendations during case reviews

Administration and Reporting:
Complete administrative functions and reports and adhere to Agency policies, procedures, and relevant practices.

• Ensure confidentiality and safekeeping of all Agency documents and records
• Develop and maintain accurate, up-to-date, and concise work files
• Prepare and deliver reports
• Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and any other relevant legislation
• Prepare and submit monthly reports, attendance records and travel expense claims
• Follow the Agency’s human resources, finance and other policies and procedures in the performance of duties

Other Duties:

• Participate in internal or external committees as required or assigned
• Other duties as required and assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education
Registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario as a Psychologist or as a Psychological Associate

Minimum Experience
Experience in a clinical environment providing Adult and Family Mental Health services

• Experience working with Aboriginal people, organizations, and communities

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of programs and services
• Respect for, sensitivity towards as well as knowledge and understanding of Anishnawbek culture, traditions, and the Seven Grandfather Teachings
• Knowledge of relevant legislative framework and polices reflecting current child welfare practice and delivery of mental health services
• Understanding of and ability to translate relevant legislation into Agency language, policies, and procedures
• Understanding of evidence informed/evidence-based practices for promoting trauma, attachment, resilience and wellness-based mental health program services to adults and their families
• Knowledge of First Nation service delivery, customs, and traditions in responding to child welfare concerns
• Knowledge of external service and service agencies

Special Skills

• Strong assessment and evaluative skills relating to mental health disorders of children and adults
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated excellence in conflict resolution, mediation, and problem solving
• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• High level of initiative and self-direction
• Excellent time management skills
• Excellent computer skills
• Strong professional ethics
• Proven ability to work with First Nation communities and people
• Ability to facilitate strong inter-departmental relationships
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to develop strong, effective teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Ability to meet deadlines and work flexible hours
• Ability to work with confidential and sensitive information
• Ability to understand and speak Anishnaabemowin is a definite asset

Other Requirements

• Must provide a clear Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Check
• Must have a Class ‘G’ Ontario Driver’s License, access to a vehicle and the ability to travel
• Must have $2M automobile insurance coverage

WORK SITE LOCATION

The position(s) will be based out of the satellite offices between Manitoulin and Espanola.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the Psychologist will typically be in a home or office setting with regular meetings with adults, families, and other professionals. The Psychologist is frequently required to operate a computer, file, and retrieve written documents, and work overtime when required or during emergency situations.

The physical demands include but are not limited to, standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, handling, kneeling, crouching, and bending. The Psychologist will be required to travel to meetings in the province of Ontario.

The Psychologist must be able to multi-task within a fast-paced, high-volume, and demanding environment. The Psychologist absorbs and interprets information from multiple parties on a regular basis and is required to listen and reconcile multiple points of view, which can be mentally challenging. As a result, this position is more emotionally challenging than physically challenging. There will be extended periods of sitting required when performing administrative tasks and while attending meetings.

Non-physical demands include a work environment where the noise level is usually quiet to moderate but may be loud on occasion. The nature of the position may expose the Family Services Clinician to moderate levels of tension when dealing with issues. The level of tension is usually moderate, with high levels of tension occurring occasionally.

The Psychologist may be exposed to potentially hazardous environments including driving conditions and volatile situations during home visits.