Indigenous Wellness Specialist (substance Use)

Position Summary
Northern Health values diversity within the workplace and our commitment of reaching a representative workforce. For this position, we also want to highlight First Nation, Inuit, Métis or Indigenous Ancestry is regarded as directly relevant to the skills and knowledge for this position. All candidates will be considered; however, preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. For this initiative candidates from this group who wish to qualify for preferential consideration are encouraged to self-identify.

Are you interested in an opportunity to grow professionally within a positive and progressive culture? Northern Health is seeking a Indigenous Wellness Specialist (Substance Use) to join our Specialized Mental Health and Substance Use Services or Community Interprofessional Team.

In accordance with the established mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of Northern Health, and under the general supervision of Manager or designate, the Indigenous Wellness Specialists are members of Specialized Mental Health & Substance Use services or the Interprofessional team. This role works in collaboration with the Interprofessional team including Physicians, Nurses, Mobile Support Teams, and other health care providers, to provide trauma informed, culturally safe, harm reduction services that are flexible and community based. This role is designed to promote the stability, recovery and community reintegration of Indigenous individuals who have a mental illness and require substance use supports. The Indigenous Wellness Specialist maintains a caseload and, in collaboration with the interprofessional team, coordinates and provides, in a compassionate and responsible manner, assessment, crises intervention and follow-up services to Indigenous clients and identified supports as required. The Indigenous Wellness Specialist performs all routine team responsibilities including lead responsibility for integrating concurrent treatment with the tasks of other team members. The Indigenous Wellness Specialist will have knowledge of and ability to apply the principals of Harm reduction, and MI, CBT, and Solutions focused therapy when working with the client.

Shift Rotation/Hours of work: Monday to Friday, Days - 08:30 to 17:00

Qualfications
• Bachelor's degree (from an accredited educational institution) in an Allied Health, Behavioural or Social Science field relevant to the position plus two (2) years recent, related experience in a health setting working with complex care clients with concurrent disorders.

Skills and Abilities:
• Assessment and Treatment: Demonstrated ability to complete initial and ongoing client assessments (clinical and diagnostic reasoning) through appropriate/prescribed technical, therapeutic, safety type interventions.
• Broad knowledge of Trauma-Informed Practice, Cultural Safety, Harm Reduction approaches, Stages of Change, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and Solutions focused therapy. Knowledge of the long-term impacts of Colonization and intergenerational trauma on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous persons would be an asset.
• Teaching: Ability to teach clients and others both one-on-one and in groups.
• Knowledge Integration: Integrates best practice and current research evidence to support professional practice decisions and actions.
• Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, the public, medical staff and members of the interdisciplinary team using verbal, written, computer communication means. Ability to effectively apply conflict resolution skills.
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to integrate and evaluate pertinent data (from multiple sources) to problem-solve and make decisions effectively. Applies the problem solving process demonstrating critical thinking and decision making skills using a systems approach.
• Human Caring and Relationship Centered Practice: Ability to promote client-focused care that demonstrates care for and with clients and significant others, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, client advocacy and social justice concerns.
• Management: Demonstrated ability to organize work, set objectives and establish priorities. Manages time and resources, implements activities to promote cooperation among the interdisciplinary team and collaborates across disciplines.
• Leadership: Promotes staff morale, engagement and empowerment. Demonstrates creative planning for change and innovation, implementation of NH policies or other protocols, and ongoing professional development of self and others.
• Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and a commitment to excellence in the provision of client care.
• Equipment: Demonstrated computer skills including the use of Meditech and Windows based programs. Demonstrated data analysis skills including appropriate data analysis and reporting tools. Demonstrated ability in the use of e-mail and word processing. Ability to operate other related equipment as required in the specific practice area.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Where you will be working:
Community:
Information about living, working, and thriving in the area is available through Prince Rupert

More about Northern Health
Northern Health covers nearly 600,000 square kilometers, delivering health services to more than two dozen communities and 55 First Nations communities across the region. We provide both hospital and community-based care to a population of approximately 300,000 people. With a team of over 12,000 staff and physicians, we are committed to offering high quality, person centered care in collaboration with communities and partner organizations throughout Northern BC.

What Northern Health Has to Offer You!
Joining Northern Health means becoming part of a supportive team that values your growth and well-being. Here's what we provide:
• Comprehensive benefits including extended health, dental, and a municipal pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. Casual employees have option of paying for benefits.
• Four weeks of vacation after one year of continuous service.
• Financial support for moving expenses for eligible positions.
• Employee referral program with attractive incentives.
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities.
• Access to spectacular outdoor activities and enjoy the shortest commutes in BC.
• Loan Forgiveness Programs offered through Federal and Provincial Government for eligible professions.

Important Application Information
Please ensure you upload the following documents as part of your application:
• Registration number (if you belong to a regulated profession).
• Supporting documents for education and qualifications, such as:
• Program certificates or diplomas.
• High school, college, or university transcripts.
• Cover letter and resume (recommended).

International Applicants
Before applying, please review the steps outlined on our Northern Health Careers page: Information for international applicants