Cultural Care Practitioner - Shkaabe Makwa-camh

Shkaabe Makwa, Clinical Services is a culturally integrated program for the healing and recovery of First Nations, Inuit and Métis clients and patients with substance use and mental health concerns. Shkaabe Makwa, Clinical Services is currently seeking a part-time, permanent Cultural Care Practitioner to provide individual and group based traditional teachings, spiritual counselling, cultural supports and healing ceremonies for clients, patients and families. The Cultural Care Practitioner will have access to a Ceremony Room as well as Ceremony Grounds with a Sweat Lodge, Sacred Fire and medicine gardens in order to support their work.

Reporting to the Manager of Shkaabe Makwa, Clinical Services, Cultural Care Practitioners will work collaboratively and alongside the interprofessional team which includes Indigenous social workers, a Cultural Care Practitioner, an Advance Practice Clinical Leader, a psychiatrist and student learners. The candidate will support other CAMH inpatient and outpatient programs including Medical Withdrawal Service, Concurrent Addiction Inpatient Treatment Service, Telemental Health and Forensic Services to provide advocacy, consultation and support to Indigenous clients across the hospital.

The Cultural Care Practitioner will work with clients with diverse backgrounds, cultural belief systems and from various communities including on reserve, urban and northern communities. This includes people who may identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis, or along the 2SLGBTQ+ spectrum. Support of a harm reduction approach in the treatment of substance use and mental health concerns in a hospital environment is a requirement.

The Cultural Care Practitioner may also be required to speak at public events within CAMH and externally in order to provide education on Indigenous issues as well as their role within Shkaabe Makwa, Clinical Services. The Cultural Care Practitioner will contribute to Shkaabe Makwa, Clinical Services program development and processes, research activities, evaluation, continuous quality improvement and accommodating students’ requests for observation, training and education. The candidate will support a workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork, collaboration and complies with all applicable regulatory requirements as well as CAMH policies and procedures. Workload data entry and client documentation is a job requirement. Ability to work flexible/evening hours may be a requirement. Other related duties may be assigned as required.

This position is located at 60 White Squirrel Way, but may include travel to other areas within Ontario.

The successful candidate will be First Nations, Inuit or Métis who is recognized as a Cultural Care Practitioner (Traditional Healer, Elder, Cultural Resource, Knowledge Keeper etc.) by the Indigenous community. The successful candidate will hold at least 7 years of experience providing cultural support to people with substance use and mental health concerns. Demonstrated skills and knowledge applying traditional healing practices within a hospital or clinical environment is considered an asset. You will be able to conduct ceremonies within regulatory health requirements and according to your protocols, teachings and culture which may include but are not limited to Sweat Lodge, Full Moon, and Ancestor ceremonies. You will share with the team your knowledge in the areas of concurrent disorders, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention and client safety. Demonstrated skills in therapeutic engagement, conflict resolution, written and verbal communication, group facilitation and the ability to work as part of a dynamic team environment are required. Experience working with Two-Spirit, 2SLGBTQ+ clients is an asset. This position also requires the ability to manage time, priorities, and meet administrative deadlines. Computer skills, including regular documentation on an electronic health record system, word processing, electronic communication, and imputing workload measures are required.

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.

Bilingualism (French/English) and/or proficiency in an Indigenous language would be an asset.

Vaccines (COVID-19 and others) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption on a medical ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Salary Range: Competitive Salary & Benefits Package.