CIMH - Mental Health Counselor

Inuuqatigiit Centre; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 51,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Inuuqatigiit-Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families is a multi-service non-profit organization serving Inuit children, youth and families in Ottawa. The Child & Youth Mental Health Counsellor role provides culturally grounded assessment and counselling within an Inuit framework, combining western and Inuit knowledge.

Under supervision of the Community Initiatives and Mental Health Manager, you will deliver evidence-based counselling, conduct case management, and coordinate referrals.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or BSW in Social Work, or acceptable qualifications and work experience equivalency.
• At least 2 years’ experience in individual and group counselling, psychoeducation, case management, crisis intervention and recognized therapeutic approaches.
• Experience counselling children and youth with complex mental health needs including concurrent disorders.
• ASIST, CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to become certified).
• Eligibility for a related professional college membership and background checks as required.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality evidence-based and culturally centered counselling for Inuit children and youth.
• Deliver individual, family, and group counselling services.
• Perform case management and develop individualized plans of care.
• Use trauma-informed approaches with clients and families.
• Complete approved screening tools and make appropriate referrals.
• Maintain secure, confidential client files and review with supervisor.
• Advocate for Inuit children and youth and liaise with partners and funders.

Skills

Inuit descent

Inuktitut fluency

Trauma-informed counselling

Community service knowledge

Inuit counselling practices

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Crisis intervention

Team collaboration

High-stress resilience

Driver's license

Education

Master’s degree / BSW in Social Work or equivalent

Job description

Inuuqatigiit-Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families is a multi service non- profit organization serving Inuit children and youth and their families, dedicated to providing cultural, educational, and support services in a caring, respectful and collaborative environment that fosters strong and proud Inuit children and families.

Position # 2026-189

Position: Child and Youth Mental Health Counsellor

Posting Date: February 4, 2026

Start Date: ASAP

Hours: New -Full time Determinant to March 31, 2027

Salary Range: Starting salary of $56,500.00 plus benefits

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Community Initiatives and Mental Health Manager the Child & Youth Mental Health Counsellor will be responsible for the provision of assessment and counselling services for Inuit children and youth. Services will be embedded in an Inuit cultural framework for mental wellness that combines western and Inuit specific knowledge and counselling practices.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide high quality evidence based and culturally centered counselling services for Inuit children and youth
• Deliver individual family, group counselling services to clients of the Agency
• Perform case management and develop individualized plans of care
• Work effectively from a trauma informed approach with children, youth and/or parents/caregivers who are dealing with complex mental health issues and concurrent disorders
• Complete approved screening tools with clients
• Assess client’s needs and make referrals when appropriate
• Support clients to identify counselling goals and strategies for achievement
• Maintain secure and accurate client files; document individualized plans of care and/or safety plans
• Keep confidential case notes for all clients and review files with clinical supervisor
• Advocate for the needs of Inuit children and youth
• Represent Inuuqatigiit at meetings, presentations and conferences with stakeholders, including partner agencies, funders and government
• Maintain effective administrative systems,
• Meet all tracking, evaluation and reporting requirements of funder and Inuugangspunkt (maintaining project statistics, meeting project targets)
• Liaise and collaborate with team: art/music therapist, cultural coordinator, occupational therapist, Inuit Children & Youth Service Coordinator.

ACCOUNTABILITY

• • Accountable to support children, youth, parents, caregivers as required.
  • Accountable to the effective and efficient delivery of services in keeping with funding agreements

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• • Develop supportive and professional rapport with Inuuqatigiit staff; and
  • Assist in the planning and organization of the Inuuqatigiit events (e.g., Inuit Day, AGM, Christmas Party).

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

• • Foster strong communication with families;
  • Communicate and coordinate with internal and external service providers
  • Create external partnerships to maximize client service

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Demonstrate stress resistance and stamina in supporting needs of Inuit children, youth and parents and/or caregivers
• Physical activity associated with delivering services
• Physical ability to access multi-story building

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Inuit descent preferred
• Fluency in Inuktitut would be a strong asset
• Knowledge of the needs of Inuit children, youth, families and/or caregivers
• Knowledge of trauma informed counselling
• Knowledge of Inuit and non-Inuit community services and supports
• Knowledge of western and traditional Inuit counselling practices
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to operate computer systems and relevant software
• Ability to respond effectively in crisis situations
• Ability to work in a collaborative staff team environment
• Ability to function effectively in a high stress environment
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and having access to a vehicle would be considered a strong asset.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree, BSW in Social Work, or acceptable qualifications and work experience equivalency
• Membership in a related professional college
• At least 2 years’ experience in individual and group counselling, psychoeducation, case management, crisis intervention and recognized therapeutic approaches
• Experience counselling children and youth with complex mental health needs including concurrent disorders, such as PTSD, suicidal ideation and substance use concerns
• Experience working with Inuit or Indigenous communities
• ASIST, CPR / First Aid Certification (or willingness to become certified)
• Medical certification of good health
• Police Record Check-Vulnerable Sector required in keeping with Inuuqatigiit Personnel Policies and Procedures

Inuuqatigiit Centre is committed to creating a more representative workforce so it can better understand and serve the needs of our Inuit community in Ottawa.

Employment in some positions requires an acceptable criminal record check. Possession of a criminal record will not necessarily disqualify candidates from further consideration.

Eligibility list may be created to fill future vacancies. Job descriptions may be obtained by email or on the website.

Note that accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require specific accommodation, please contact the HR Department through the information provided above, so that we can make suitable arrangements with you.

When two equally qualified candidates are considered for the same position, preference will be given to the candidate of Inuit descent.

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. This position is dependent upon funding approval.

We do not use automated or AI- based systems to screen candidates. All applications are assessed by qualified hiring professionals.

We thank all who apply to this position.