Counsellor II - Crisis & Wellness

Nodin Mental Health Services, a department of the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA), supports the mental health and well-being of First Nation individuals and communities. Nodin provides a wide range of services for children, youth, adults, and families, including intake, a social emergency response service, an outpatient mental health service, art therapy, psychology, school-based counselling, travelling counsellors, and mobile outreach service.

JOB SUMMARY

The Counsellor II – Crisis & Wellness (Hostel-Based) provides short-term, solution-focused mental health and wellness support to individuals staying at the Hostels (I, II, III) in Sioux Lookout. These hostels provide temporary accommodation for community members from First Nations communities accessing health services in Sioux Lookout.

Working Monday to Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Counsellor offers crisis intervention, wellness monitoring, and stabilization support for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. The role emphasizes collaboration with Nodin Mental Health Services, hostel staff, and community partners to ensure coordinated, culturally safe care.

The position requires a compassionate, confident practitioner who can work independently on site, exercise sound clinical judgment, and maintain regular consultation and communication with the Clinical Supervisor and broader team. Using trauma-informed, culturally safe, and strengths-based approaches, the Counsellor promotes stabilization, safety, and well-being, supporting individuals with dignity, respect, and cultural understanding.

Position Type: Full-Time Permanent

Posting Type: This job posting is for an existing vacancy

Closing Date: Open until filled

Salary Range: $88,049 - $113,338 annual; $48.379 - $62.274/hour

ACCOUNTABILITY 

The Counsellor II – Crisis & Wellness (Hostel-Based) reports to Nodin Mental Health Services’ Supervisor – Clinical, Outreach Services. While not directly supervised by Hostel staff, the position collaborates closely with them, integrating their input and responding to their needs to ensure individuals with mental health or addiction challenges receive timely and effective support.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Professional Requirements

• Persons of First Nation ancestry will be given preference (OHRC, Part II, Special Employment)

• Diploma in mental health, social services, or a closely related field from a recognized institution (degree preferred).

• Current registration in good standing with a regulated professional body authorized to practice psychotherapy in Ontario (e.g., OCSWSSW, CRPO, CPA).

• Coursework or certification in addictions, debriefing, or non-violent crisis intervention is considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum one year of direct experience in mental health counselling, crisis intervention, and/or case management, including work with high-risk or emergency situations.

• Experience working with First Nations communities, with demonstrated application of culturally grounded and community-based mental health or addictions practices, is an asset.

• Experience delivering mental health support to individuals with co-occurring disorders, trauma backgrounds, and complex psychosocial needs.

• Demonstrated experience in risk assessment, de-escalation, suicide intervention, safety planning, and crisis coordination with relevant services.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, strength-based, and harm reduction approaches.

• Knowledge of relevant legislation, including Duty to Report, the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, and the Mental Health Act.

• Familiarity with community resources, emergency supports, hospital procedures, and culturally relevant services.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills; ability to maintain accurate electronic records and prepare professional reports.

• Proficient in electronic client record systems and general computer applications.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage high-stress or unpredictable environments with professionalism and composure.

• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, advocacy, and collaboration skills.

• Ability to perform the requirements of the position on a regular basis.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Support & Crisis Intervention

• Deliver short-term, solution-focused counselling and crisis intervention to individuals experiencing mental health or substance-use crises within hostel settings.

• Conduct risk assessments (e.g., suicide, self-harm, harm to others), develop and implement safety and stabilization plans, and respond proactively to emerging risks.

• Apply evidence-based de-escalation techniques to promote safety, emotional regulation, and stability for residents.

• Apply culturally appropriate and trauma-informed practices, including harm reduction support for clients using alcohol or substances.

• Provide wellness checks and ongoing monitoring of residents’ mental health and well-being.

• Maintain independent on-site practice while engaging in regular consultation and supervision.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Collaborate with hostel staff, Mobile Outreach Services (MOS), healthcare providers, and community partners to ensure continuity, coordination, and follow-up of care.

• Connect clients with health, social, and community services, including hospital referrals, ensuring smooth transitions and appropriate follow-up.

• Advocate for clients’ rights and equitable access to culturally appropriate services.

Safety, Support & Debriefing

• Maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment within hostel settings.

• Facilitate or participate in debriefings following incidents, supporting hostel staff and residents through emotional support, normalization of stress responses, and coping strategies.

• Apply non-violent crisis intervention techniques to ensure safety and minimize harm.

Documentation & Communication

• Maintain accurate electronic records, clinical notes, and reports in compliance with organizational standards and privacy regulations.

• Communicate significant observations, risk factors, and recommendations to the Clinical Supervisor in a timely manner.

Professional Practice & Development

• Participate in clinical supervision, case consultations, and ongoing professional development to strengthen clinical practice and maintain well-being.

• Engage in self-care, utilize debriefing supports, and model wellness practices for colleagues and clients.

Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority focuses on hiring Indigenous employees whenever possible.

Candidates are encouraged to self-identify on their application. Self-identification is voluntary and the information is used to assist SLFNHA in hiring Indigenous people from the region whenever possible and to support candidates in their application.

We offer competitive and comprehensive employment benefits to Full-Time employees:

·       Pension plan

·       Fitness reimbursement program

·       Comprehensive insurance coverage

·       Professional development opportunities