• Great opportunity for a Mental Health and Substance Use Councillor to work in one of Canada's most pristine and rural locations
• Exciting role for a dedicated health professional to join an innovative, sophisticated and forward-thinking First Nations organization  
• Enjoy competitive remuneration, comprehensive benefits and a friendly work environment
  

About the Organization 

Located at the beautiful northern tip of Vancouver Island, the Kwakiutl Indian Band is a small, ocean-side community located approximately 10 kilometers from Port Hardy. Governed by four Hereditary Chiefs in addition to the elected Kwakiutl Chief and Council, we represent the interests of the local Kwakiutl population. 

The Kwakiutl Health Centre team works in direct consultation with the community to provide a culturally integrated and holistic approach to health and wellness. Under the administration of the Health Director, our dedicated and close-knit team comprises a Home and Community Care Nurse, Community Health Representative, Community Wellness Worker, Child and Youth Worker and Receptionist/Patient Travel Clerk.   

For more information, please see our website.

About the Area

Vancouver Island boasts some of Canada's most pristine and unspoiled landscapes. With a visually stunning palette of parks, forests, lakes and inlets, it is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the resident Orca whales.

The perfect destination for a truly unique eco-adventure or lifestyle change, the northern region of Vancouver Island has something to offer everyone. From hiking the spectacular North Coast Trail to Cape Scott in Summer, to skiing fresh tracks down Mt. Cain in Winter, it is also the home of Broughton Archipelago, BC's largest marine park. 

With a population of 4,500, Port Hardy is the closest town to the Kwakiutl Indian Band and offers residents a vibrant arts and cultural scene, as well as diverse business community. Whether it's outdoor or indoor pursuits you prefer, the region offers the perfect balance nature, culture, history and infrastructure. Located approximately four hours north of Nanaimo, Port Hardy is within a day's travel on Vancouver. 

For more information about the region, please visit the website

About the Opportunity

The Kwakiutl Band Council is currently seeking a dynamic Mental Health and Substance Use Councillor to join our team, located at Kwakiutl Traditional Territories - Northern Vancouver Island.  

Reporting to the Health Director, you will be responsible for providing advanced clinical practice and interventions relating to intake, assessment, intervention, education, treatment, consultation and referral for clients experiencing mental health, addiction and/or concurrent disorder problems and their caregivers/families.

You will consult extensively with community resources and participates in the training and supervision of students, volunteers, and co-workers as required.

You will provide trauma-informed treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals and families experiencing mental health and addictions issues.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 

• Developing and delivering mental health and addiction programs and activities in consultation with health staff to support the implementation of the health work plan
• Providing assessment services for initial diagnosis of mental disorders, individual and family dysfunction and addiction
• Providing counselling and Kwakiutl culturally appropriate programs/services
• Referring clients to psychiatric and treatment services and other social service providers, as required
• Facilitating, when needed, the establishment of self-help/peer groups to encourage mental health and addiction free lifestyles
• Providing liaison services between the health centre and KBC programs and external health and social services agencies
• Involving community members in developing a client-centred and holistic approach to promoting mental health and addiction free lifestyles within Kwakiutl
• Identifying the unique skills and abilities of community members that could assist in mental health and addiction program implementation
• Developing an addictions prevention/mental health community plan and emergency protocols in consultation with other health staff
• Offering full client assessment using appropriate procedures and forms
• Evaluating client care needs
• Providing follow-up mental health and addiction counselling and other aftercare services as needed
• Performs other duties as required to assist in the implementation of the health work plan or to provide back fill coverage when directed

To qualify for this role, preferably you will have a Master’s Degree in a health-related discipline, be registered or be eligible to be registered as a professional clinical member in an Accredited Professional Association or College (BCACC or BCASW) and have a minimum of two years of recent, relevant experience. Please note that a Bachelor of Education in the mental health field and extensive mental health experience may be considered. 

Our ideal candidate will also possess the following:

• A significant understanding of mental health issues; addictions issues and concurrent disorders issues, and trauma-informed evidence-based best treatment practices
• Knowledge of applicable legislation, such as the Mental Health Act and the Guardianship Act
• Knowledge of available programs, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community to persons with mental illnesses, addictions and/or concurrent disorders
• Knowledge of Crisis Response Protocols and Suicide assessment /prevention /intervention /Postvention
• Cultural competence and First Nations experience is essential for this position
• The ability to demonstrate clinical coaching/teaching skills and experience
• The ability to demonstrate sound judgment, good observation and client assessment skills, tact and empathy
• The willingness to maintain a commitment to continued professional development as required by the employer
• The willingness to attend a minimum of 40 hours per year continuing competency training
• Knowledge of the Kwakiutl community, culture and language (Asset)

Our ideal candidate for this role will be detail orientated, have excellent verbal and written communication skills, deal with others effectively, demonstrate sound organizational and problem-solving skills and have the ability to work both independently and also cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

A valid BC Driver's Licence and access to a reliable vehicle is requred for this role and the successful candidate will also be required to pass a criminal records check and have up to date First Aid and CPR certifications.

Please note that an equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.

About the Benefits

In return for your hard work and dedication to the role, you will be rewarded with a competitive salary, based on your experience and qualifications.

You will also receive a wide range of benefits, including:

• Full Medical, Dental and Vision benefits 
• Disability benefits  
• Pension Plan
• Relocation assistance for the right candidate.

Upon joining the Kwakiutl Band Council, you will be welcomed into a forward-thinking, innovative and supportive team and community environment.  

If you share our commitment to providing and promoting a high quality health and wellness services to the Aboriginal community, please apply today!