Indigenous Outreach Specialist

Who We Are:

Canadian Mental Health Association Durham is an integrated community mental health and primary care hub that has been providing mental health services to Durham Region for over 60 years.

During that time, it has evolved to provide a broad range of services to individuals and their families experiencing mental health challenges, from information and education to case management, psychosocial rehabilitation, housing and primary healthcare. These services are provided through inter-professional teams focused on providing clinically based services that, in addition to dealing with client mental health issues, address social determinants of health using the recovery model.

Overview of the Role:

An Indigenous Outreach Specialist in mental health and addictions provides culturally safe services, offering assessments, counseling, and treatment plans using Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems. Key duties include facilitating traditional healing practices, connecting clients to Elders and community resources, developing prevention programs, and collaborating with Indigenous organizations to promote well-being and achieve good health. 

The Indigenous Specialist will also play a role in developing and supporting organizational education and cultural safety advisory practices.

If you are someone who is passionate about identifying gaps with a solution-based approach, committed to developing pathways and partnerships in local indigenous communities, and wanting to make a difference in the lives of indigenous clients with mental health and/or addiction concerns, then we encourage you to apply now. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Culturally Centered Care:

Provide client-centered services that incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing, values, and beliefs.

Collaborating with Indigenous community services, friendship centers, and health organizations

Assessment & Treatment:

Conduct assessments, develop individualized care plans, and provide crisis intervention, supportive counseling, and harm reduction services.

Participate in community events and cultural activities

Community Integration:

Connect clients with Elders, traditional healing practices, peer support groups, and community-based wellness initiatives.

Working directly with Indigenous individuals, families, and communities

Collaborate with other community organizations who offer similar indigenous services for a seamless low-barrier approach to care

Advocacy: 

Assist clients in navigating and securing services afforded under Treaty Agreements and eligible funding opportunities

Assist the organization with creating and maintaining spaces that encourage clients to self-identify and request services designed to include culturally appropriate supports

Encourages self‑determination and client voice in care planning.

Addresses power imbalances by centering client decision‑

Responds to experiences of racism or discrimination with advocacy and accountability.

Program Development: 

Develop and facilitate culturally relevant prevention and promotion programs to address mental health and addiction issues within the community. 

Embrace a continuous learning approach to indigenous teachings as the program and position evolves to meet the needs of the community

Seek out opportunities to co-design programming with members of the indigenous community in collaboration with multiple service-providers

Engage fully as an ERG (Employee Resource Group) Lead for the organization representing indigenous communities.

Collaboration: 

Develop new and emerging partnerships with community providers in alignment with the organization’s mission, vision and values

Seek out collaborative intra-organizational opportunities to examine and inform current models of care from an indigenous perspective

Client Safety

Adhere to CMHA Durham client safety programs including program policies as well as infection control and prevention procedures.

In partnership with clients, family members, and fellow staff, maintain open lines of communication to assist the organization in identifying and achieving quality outcomes for client safety.

Report client safety incidents and suggested improvements to manager or delegate.

Demonstrates a commitment to Indigenous client safety by providing respectful, culturally responsive, and trauma‑informed services

Other Duties as Assigned

Attend, participate in team meetings and all employee meetings

Participate in organizational quality improvement activities, e.g. accreditation projects, committee work, special events

Participate in quality improvement activities at the team/program level

Participate in external committees as required

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent(s) of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position.

Effort:

Sits at desk, stands and walks daily to perform the duties of the job.

Concentration, conceptualization and attentiveness required daily to answer all inquiries.

Operates personal vehicle to perform the duties of the job

Creativity and innovation required daily using sight, hearing and touch to operate a computer,

Develop strategic actions, develop/provide information on policies and procedures,

Proofread, perform comprehensive assessments, and read documents,

Resolve conflicts, problem solve, facilitate meetings, attend meetings, oversee daily operations, manage caseloads, prepare documents, listen to clients etc.

Risk Management:

Minimizes risks adhering to CMHA Durham Policies and Procedures identifying, assessing, evaluating and controlling risks ensuring well-being of employees and clients 

Qualifications:

Deep understanding and knowledge of Indigenous communities and cultural practices through lived experience is required

Post-secondary degree in Social Sciences, Indigenous Studies or Indigenous Relations, and/or equivalent combination of education, experience and lived/life experiences is required.

Certification, enrollment in or relevant experience in Mental Health and Addictions or related field is preferred

Excellent group facilitation and pedagogy skills to perform educational workshops and teachings

Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; able to prioritize

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed approach

Strong knowledge in various aspects of applicable legislation

Effective client relationship building skills; understanding the client’s needs and background

Strong computer skills including Microsoft 365 and electronic medical records (an asset)

Previous experience in working in non-profit and/or community based mental health experience are assets

Ability to work independently and co-operatively as part of a team, management, board of directors, stakeholders and partners such as external vendors

Able to integrate CMHA Durham’s philosophy of being a “welcoming organization” into everyday practice.

General knowledge of the mental health environment in Ontario.

Ability to adapt to change and navigate through ambiguous situations

Project management skills

Basic to Intermediate fluency in French considered an asset.

Work outside of normal business hours as required in compliance with the Disconnect from Work policy.

Working Conditions:

Works on site in office settings and off site in the community in public environments and residential settings

Shift work and weekend work may be required

Exposure to abusive/irate clients, deadlines, multiple demands, distractions/Interruptions

Little exposure to hazards

What We Offer:

CMHA Durham is a non-profit community-based organization that believes that mental and physical health care is for everyone regardless of class, race, sexuality, gender, age, faith, or ability. With a flexible working model (within reasonable parameters of the program), memberships to meditation apps, competitive vacation, wellness time and 100% employer paid health benefits, work-life balance is not only encouraged but expected. Our Monday – Friday work week has 35 hours for most position and everyone gets their birthday off with pay.

Read more about us at CMHADurham.org/getinvolved.

CMHA Durham endorses the principles of workforce diversity and does not use AI algorithms or automated decision-making in the recruitment process.   All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please advise us if you require any level of accommodation; we are here to help and support you.