Mental Wellness Counsellor Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Specific

Position:  Mental Wellness Counsellor – Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Specific

Employment Type:  Full Time

Vacancy Status:  Existing Vacancy REPOST

Location: Sault Ste. Marie – Hybrid (work from home and in-office)

Salary Range:  BSW $58,662 - $72,147  MSW $73,105 - $77,557

Who you are? You are highly motivated in sharing your interest in the Health Field enabling you to work in a team environment. Acknowledging the Seven Grandfather Teachings in your work to build relationships.  In addition, you have the ability to draw on your own knowledge and life skills to support and maintain efficient operational functions, with a positive outlook.

Who we are? We are a leader in First Nation Health. Our foundation is Indigenous Health in Indigenous Hands. We provide accessible, quality, culturally safe and holistic health care that supports and enhances the wellness of individuals, families, and communities. We work with our 11 First Nation community partners in the provision of primary health care, traditional healing, mental wellness and addictions, home and community support services and health promotion services. We have recently been approved as the first Indigenous led Ontario Health Team by the Ministry of Health.

The Opportunity: Under the supervision of the Mental Wellness Manager the Mental Wellness Counsellor – OSP Clinician is responsible for providing culturally appropriate in-person and virtual counselling service in alignment with the Ontario Structure Psychotherapy Program through Health Sciences North delivery OSP services across Northeastern Ontario. This responsibility is with a strong emphasis on quality assurance through implementation of service policies and procedures, case management information system implemented by Maamwesying and Health Sciences North.

Key Functions: Performing triage and screen referrals received for the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program; Reviewing referrals for completeness and determine eligibility in the program; Providing individual and/or group centered evidence-based, short-term, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and related approaches to adults who experience mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and anxiety-related conditions; Building on current relationships between traditional Indigenous and western healing modalities through cultural awareness and translation activities; Participate in the OSP training program, consultation model, and ongoing education; Maintain accurate and timely documentation and reports in adherence with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and program specific requirements.

What you need to bring with you:

• A university degree in the field of Health, Social Services, Addictions and/or Mental Health with two years of work experience


• Preference will be given to those with a Bachelor of Social Work and/or Master of Social Work


• Current registration or eligibility to register in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and/or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRP0)


• Ability to assess client symptoms and needs, and triage client to the appropriate service across the stepped care pathway or to another service.


• Knowledge and practiced skills in providing culturally safe and responsive mental health services to clients of diverse ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds.

• Knowledge of DSM-V and psychosocial issues affecting people living with mental health and addiction issues.

• Knowledge of the science and practice of structured psychotherapy including a full range of psychotherapeutic and assessment techniques to assess, plan, coordinate and implement clinical protocols.


• Knowledge of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and other evidence-based structured psychotherapies; experience working with people with depression and/or anxiety (e.g. obsessive-compulsive concerns and post-traumatic stress).


• Ability to distinguish features of depression, anxiety, anxiety related conditions, and the etiology/treatment of these disorders.


• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.


• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g. Mental Health Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act, Regulated Health Professions Act, Health Care Consent Act, professional standards to ensure compliance and consistency in provision of client care).


• Training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.


• Demonstrate ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.


• Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook), patient information systems, and other program specific tools.


• Superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.


• Effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize as required.


• Discretion when handling confidential information.


• Ability to work in a face-paced, remote setting.


• Must have working knowledge and experience on First Nation mental health issues and First Nation culture, history and issues


• Strong Cultural awareness, empathy and understanding of a wide and diverse Indigenous community; strong commitment to cultural safety and Trauma Informed care from a client perspective


• Ability to work collaboratively with clinical supervisors, supervisor and other mental health specialists

• Proficient skills in computer programs and electronic case management systems


• Knowledge and experience of Anishinabek Health and Traditional healing practices


• Excellent oral and written communication skills


• Able to provide evening sessions once a week

• A clear criminal reference check is a condition of employment


• Must have access to a personal vehicle and willing to travel regularly within the seven communities and within the Maamwesying area


• Must have a valid driver’s license

Why Work with Us?

• Competitive Salary based on experience


• Paid Extended Health Benefits


• HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan)


• Generous vacation package; with additional 5 Indigenous statutory holidays


• Life-long learning is a priority, offering 10 Professional Development Days and $1800/Annual Budget


• Technology Amenities provided (i.e., laptop, electronic medical record system, cell phone)


• All travel expenses covered


• High staff satisfaction rated work environment, priority on provider and client experience


• Access to Cultural and Traditional teachings of the Ojibwe People


• 3 weeks holiday for the 1st year


• 15 days of Personal Leave

What to expect? 

Given the traditional practices of Indigenous people, from time-to-time exposure to smoke from the burning of sacred medicines such as tobacco, sweet grass, sage or cedar may occur.

Accessibility accommodations will be available upon request.

An offer of employment will be conditional upon an acceptable vulnerable sector police records check.

Hiring of Indigenous People will be given preference, as allowed under Section 14 of the Ontario Human Rights Code – Special Programs.

No artificial intelligence is used in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position.

Qualified individuals are invited to submit to the link in BambooHR, a cover letter along with current resume, certificates, diplomas, and three work related references.

Thank you in advance to all who apply, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.