Counsellor/Therapist 2 - Shkaabe Makwa, Clinical Services

Shkaabe Makwa at CAMH is the first hospital-based Centre in Canada designed to drive culturally-responsive systems initiatives to achieve health justice and wellness for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities through the advancement of research, workforce development and innovative healing models that harmonize traditional knowledge and medical expertise.

Shkaabe Makwa currently has an exciting opportunity for one (1) full-time, permanent Counsellor/Therapist 2 to join the clinical service, based in Toronto. This dynamic role allows the Counsellor/Therapist to deliver cultural and psychosocial supportive counselling with inpatient and outpatient clients across the hospital. 

Shkaabe Makwa clinical services integrates psychiatric and culturally appropriate interventions focused on wholeness, balance, wellness, resilience and healing of First Nations, Inuit or Métis clients, their family and the broader community. Reporting to the Manager of Shkaabe Makwa Clinical Services, the Counsellor/Therapist values working independently and being a member of a dedicated, collaborative interprofessional team. They must be comfortable to facilitate Orientation Circles; conduct intake, screening and assessments with new clients; co-facilitate psychoeducation and/or process-oriented groups; provide individual and family-sensitive counselling, time-limited case management; and be able to liaise with other First Nations Inuit, Métis community agencies. 

• It is an asset if the Counsellor/Therapist has experience collaborating with Traditional Healers/Elders to conduct ceremonies which may include: singing, drumming, smudging, providing traditional teachings, creating sacred bundle items and participation in the Sweat Lodge.  They will be expected to supervise students and volunteers, engage in community outreach or events and, participate in ongoing program development and service delivery that is responsive and meet the evolving needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. The ability to work flexible/evening hours is a job requirement. Other related duties may be assigned as required. This position is located at 60 White Squirrel Way at the Queen Street Site. The candidate will liaise with other inpatient and outpatient CAMH services as well as FNIM community agencies to coordinate and deliver care. The candidate will be able to work with clients from diverse backgrounds including people who identify along the 2SLGBTQ+ spectrum.

Intake, Assessment & Care Planning

• Conduct intake, referrals, screening, and triage.

• Complete biopsychosocial assessments, mental status exams, behavioral observations, and risk assessments.

• Develop individualized treatment plans.

• Provide service navigation and coordinate care across providers.

Individual & Group Treatment

• Provide individual and group psychotherapy using evidence-based modalities (CBT, CPT, ACT, DBT, MI, mindfulness, brief therapies).

• Deliver care virtually and in person.

• Monitor client progress and adjust interventions.

• Provide supportive counselling, case management, and discharge planning.

Group Facilitation & Psychoeducation

• Facilitate structured therapeutic groups and psychoeducational programs.

• Lead existing groups and help develop or refine group programming.

• Conduct group orientation and readiness assessments.

Documentation & Data Management

• Complete accurate clinical documentation 

• Maintain records aligned with regulatory and organizational standards.

Collaboration & Care Coordination

• Work with interprofessional team members and community partners.

• Liaise with healthcare providers and community organizations.

• Communicate effectively with clients, families, and stakeholders.

Program Development, Research & Quality Improvement

• Contribute to service and program development.

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives.

• Engage in research, evaluation, and knowledge exchange.

Teaching, Training & Supervision

• Provide student supervision or work toward supervisory competency.

• Contribute to teaching and peer consultation.

• Support capacity-building within the team.

Crisis Intervention & Acute Support

• Conduct crisis assessments and apply crisis intervention strategies.

• Support safety planning and stabilization.

Culturally Responsive & Recovery-Oriented Practice

• Deliver trauma-informed, harm-reduction, recovery-oriented care.

• Provide cultural supports to FNMI clients

Professional Conduct & Workplace Contribution

• Uphold professional, ethical, regulatory, and legislative standards.

• Contribute to an inclusive and diverse work environment.

• Work flexible hours, including evenings

The successful candidate will identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis (FNIM) and possess a Master’s degree in psychotherapy, psychology, social work or occupational therapy combined with a preferred minimum of 3 years of post-graduate, direct clinical (psychotherapy) experience in the provision of mental health and/or addictions treatment.  As a registered member in good standing with a regulated health care discipline authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy, the candidate must show proof of registration with the respective College (e.g. College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO), College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO). 

The candidate must have competence to perform psychotherapy and experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or other evidence-based modalities (depending on the needs of the program). Certificates/certification in evidence-based modalities is an asset. Certification in Motivational Interviewing is an asset. For Registered Psychotherapists with RP(Q) or RP Without Independent Practice status, Social Worker/Social Service Worker, Occupational Therapist and Psychology incumbents not yet in independent practice who are required to practice with clinical supervision, CAMH, in its discretion, will pre-arrange this formal supervisory relationship with the clinical program as a condition of hire, based on capacity. 

Candidates capable of providing psychotherapy supervision of students (or working toward those qualifications) within their respective discipline are an asset and may also contribute to teaching of other health professionals. 

In addition, the successful candidate is required to have:
 

• Comprehensive knowledge of community FNIM substance use service delivery networks, organizations, communities, resources and referral sources both in Toronto and the province of Ontario.
• Foundation of cultural/traditional knowledge systems and the ability to share cultural/traditional perspectives on substance use, mental health and healing. 
• Familiarity and understanding of how cultural/traditional teachings, practices and ceremonies can be integrated with evidence based clinical interventions in the treatment of concurrent disorders. 
• Demonstrated skills in therapeutic engagement and rapport, conflict resolution, group facilitation is essential.  
• Competence delivering CBT-informed psychotherapy.
• Experience with virtual care.
• Skills in clinical assessment and risk evaluation.
• Knowledge of concurrent disorders, harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, and recovery models, and cultural modifications of these therapies for FNIM clients.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Cultural competence in working with diverse populations.
• Strong computer and technology skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and complete workload entry.
• Flexibility to work some evening hours.
• Ability to complete required background screening. 
   

Other Assets:

• Experience treating behavioral addictions or problem gambling.
• Certification/training in DBT, MI, mindfulness, CPT, or other modalities.
• Experience in acute care or crisis intervention.
• Experience supervising students and teaching.
• Knowledge of community mental health and addiction resources.
• Experience developing and facilitating group programs.
• Bilingualism or additional language proficiency, including FNIM languages
   

All applicants offered and accepting employment must complete a Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check. The offer of employment will be conditional upon receipt of the satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check.

Salary Range: $40.25-$54.24/hour

CAMH is a fully affiliated teaching hospital and research institute of the University of Toronto. As a CAMH employee, you will contribute to our mission by supporting teaching, research, and clinical care across the hospital.

CAMH is dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment is to foster a workplace, teaching, and learning environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination or harassment.

CAMH strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples; Black and other racialized communities; LGBTQ2S+ communities; women; and people with disabilities, including those with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Thank you to all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If you require accommodations during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.