Wellness Worker

Tungasuvvingat Inuit; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sickness leave

Personal and family sickness leave

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

3 weeks vacation

Job summary

Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) invites applications for a Wellness Worker in Ottawa, ON. This full-time role focuses on maintaining a safe, supportive residential environment, assisting with program facilitation, and documenting client information for the MHC team.

Responsibilities include trauma-informed supervision, enforcing house rules, coordinating meals, and leading wellness programming to support healing and growth among participants.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent is required.
• Undergraduate Degree in Human Relations and/or Social Work preferred.
• CPR, Crisis Intervention and Prevention, Suicide Intervention and Prevention, Food Handling certifications preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of frontline support services experience is required.
• Must understand mental health, substance use, and trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed supervision and emotional support to residential clients.
• Encourage cooperative living and conflict resolution.
• Maintain accurate documentation including client notes and incident reports.
• Lead wellness-focused programming including recreational, cultural, and therapeutic activities.
• Coordinate transportation to appointments and activities.

Skills

Crisis Intervention

De-escalation

Trauma-informed care

Human relations

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Undergraduate Degree in Human Relations or Social Work

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Videoconference platforms

Job description

Career Opportunity

Internal/ External

Wellness Worker

Full-Time

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within our organization.

It is the mission of Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) to broadly provide Inuit-specific programs that contribute to the health and wellbeing of Inuit and to encourage and support similar programs for Inuit across the country. TI has over 30 years of highly successful experience in crafting the design, development, and delivery of a wide range of effective, client-centered services. By incorporating the principles of InuitQaujimajatuqangit(IQ), TI continues to deliver quality programs and services that directly benefit our growing urban Inuit population.

Wellness Workers are responsible for maintaining a safe, respectful, and structured residential environment by engaging directly with participants, monitoring day-to-day routines, assisting with program facilitation, and supporting wellness-based activities. They act as key observers and communicators, ensuring that important information and participant interactions are accurately documented and shared with the appropriate members of the MHC team, including clinicians and supervisors.

By offering compassionate support, enforcing community guidelines, and modeling healthy behaviour, the Wellness Worker contributes meaningfully to the stability, rhythm, and integrity of the program. They are essential team members who help ensure that both individual and group needs are met within a welcoming and healing-centered residential setting.

Responsibilities:

• Provide consistent, trauma-informed supervision and emotional support to residential clients.
• Encourage cooperative living, mutual respect, and peaceful conflict resolution among residents.
• Support clients in adhering to house rules and community expectations, reinforcing structure and accountability.
• Perform and/or supervise routine housekeeping duties and assist with meal preparation to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
• Conduct building security checks and monitor communal areas to ensure the safety and well-being of all clients.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including shift briefing forms, client notes, and incident reports.
• Communicate regularly with the clinical team to share relevant updates, observations, and client needs.
• Actively participate in team meetings, debriefs, and case discussions to promote a collaborative approach to care.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional boundaries in all forms of communication.
• Lead and support wellness-focused programming, including recreational, cultural, and therapeutic activities.
• Collaborate with team members and clients to design group activities that promote healing, connection, and personal growth.
• Participate in on-the-land program components, which may include overnight stays and physical activity in outdoor settings.
• Provide transportation to appointments, activities, and outings in a safe and timely manner.
• Teach and model life skills such as cleaning, cooking, budgeting, and personal hygiene as part of daily interactions.
• Collaborate with the Food Services Coordinator to ensure that the nutritional needs of clients are met in a culturally appropriate and trauma-informed manner.
• Provide light cooking support on weekends or during staff shortages.
• Support grocery inventory, meal planning, and kitchen cleanliness when needed.
• Facility maintenance and cleaning are required between program cycles to ensure the building remains safe, functional, and welcoming for all participants.
• Uphold a trauma-informed approach in all interactions with clients, ensuring emotional safety, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
• Build trusting relationships that support healing from trauma and substance use by providing compassionate, non-judgmental presence.
• Observe and report changes in client behavior or emotional state that may impact their wellness or recovery journey.
• Create a calm, stable environment that fosters client participation in their individualized healing path.
• Promote and model self-care, routine, and regulation strategies that align with the centre’s therapeutic goals.

Education, Qualifications and Skills:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent Diploma is required.
• Undergraduate Degree in Human Relations and/or Social Work is preferred.
• Training in CPR, Crisis Intervention and Prevention, Suicide Intervention and Prevention, Food Handling and Preparation and other relevant certifications are preferred.
• Having a valid Driver’s License is an asset.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in Front Line Support Services, Crisis Intervention & De-escalation, Human Relations or Social Work is required.
• Must have strong understanding of mental health conditions, substance use, and developmental challenges across diverse populations.
• Knowledge and application of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and strength-based approaches.
• Familiarity with wraparound supports, including housing, employment, income assistance, and legal aid.
• Proficient use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Videoconference platforms.
• Ability to speak to Inuktitut.
• Knowledge of systemic issues such as poverty, homelessness, racism, and social injustice, and their impact on wellness.
• Ability to de-escalate crises, provide immediate emotional support, and maintain safety in high-stress situations.
• Competence in following care plans, documenting medication distribution, and maintaining accurate records.
• Cultural humility and an understanding of the importance of language, land, Elders, family, and traditional practices in healing.
• Adaptability and resilience in dynamic, fast-paced, and emotionally complex environments.
• Deep awareness of the intergenerational impacts of colonization, residential schools, and forced displacement on Inuit wellness.
• Collaborative skills to work effectively with Elders, families, local leaders, and multidisciplinary teams, recognizing and honouring traditional roles in care and decision-making.

Acceptable combinations of education and experience may be considered for this position. We encourage you to apply if you have equivalent years of education and/or experience equal to the education and experience requirements listed above.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary range is $20.00 to $21.09 hourly
• TI provides paid sickness, personal and family sickness leave days, and a 24/7 confidential Employee and Family Assistance Plan for Full-time staff.
• Vacation (earn 3 weeks/year) for Full-time staff.

The deadline for applications is September 11th, 2026.

Preference in hiring will be given to qualified Inuit candidates; applicants are encouraged to self-identify. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit our website at www.tiontario.ca to learn more about our programs and services. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact [e-mail].

The Wellness Worker works out of 1071 Richmond Road, Ottawa (main location) and designated locations within the Ottawa region.

We thank all interested applicants in advance for their interest. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

Hiring Process Disclaimer:

We do not use artificial intelligence or automated decision-making tools to screen, assess, and/or select candidates. All applications and interviews are reviewed and conducted by qualified human hiring professionals.