About Atlohsa
Atlohsa Family Healing Services is an Indigenous led non-profit organization in Southwestern Ontario dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities through traditional and land-based healing practices. Since 1986, we have provided low-barrier, wraparound services to individuals and families facing complex challenges such as mental wellness, substance use, homelessness, and domestic violence. Our holistic wellness approach is rooted in the Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings and the Medicine Wheel Teachings, utilizing a Two-Eyed Seeing approach that emphasizes collaboration, mutual respect, and the recognition that both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
About the Program
Biigajiiskaan is an Indigenous-led mental wellness program that effectively combines traditional healing medicine with Western hospital-based healthcare practices, fostering a holistic approach to care. Developed through a co-lead partnership between Atlohsa Family Healing Services and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, the program aims to enhance services at both the community and hospital levels, acknowledging the Ojibwe concept of renewal and harmony represented by the tree stump that nourishes new life. Addressing the systemic racism and discrimination experienced by Indigenous community members within healthcare institutions, Biigajiiskaan seeks to create a positive experience by integrating traditional healing methods, such as healing circles and ceremonies, with modern mental health services, thereby transforming the journey to mental wellness and improving overall care quality for Indigenous individuals in the London-Middlesex and St. Thomas-Elgin regions.
Role and Responsibility
Using a Holistic Indigenous-led approach to principles of patient centered care, and based upon the foundation of best practice, the successful applicant will be responsible for providing counselling, therapy, case management, pscyho-social-spiritual assessments, appropriate referrals, and culturally appropriate and holistic social services, programs, and resources. The Social Worker will assess and interview clients, record accurate and detailed case notes and develop and maintain sustainable treatment plans and relationships with individuals and their networks of support. The Social Worker will work from a “Culture as Care” framework and will provide support towards a health care approach that combines both Traditional Indigenous Healing from local Indigenous community perspectives and the current treatment modalities being employed within St. Joseph’s hospital and ambulatory care teams. The Social Worker is adept at coordinating and collaborating with the interdisciplinary Biigajiiskaan team toward the achievement of patient centered goals. The successful candidate will provide support to program participants in all areas of mental wellness including but not limited to independent living skills and behavior management; mental health concerns; addictions issues.
Suitability
- Bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree in social work from an accredited university.
- Current registration in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
- Two (2) years of experience working in family therapy, group therapy, and individual therapy.
- Ability to work independently and to quickly establish collaborative relationships within an inter-professional team.
- Effective communication, both written and verbal.
- Interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with others in a respectful manner.
- Demonstrated knowledge, awareness, and understanding of the creation stories, cultures, languages, histories, and healing practices of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Lenape people.
- Current Vulnerable Sector Check required.
While applicants are under no obligation to do so, Atlohsa welcomes applicants to indicate their own lived experiences of homelessness, substance use, and/or Indigenous community teachings within their application. Professional experiences, academic experiences, traditional teachings, and personal lived experiences are all valuable forms of knowledge.
Why Work for Atlohsa?
We offer competitive pay and benefits:
- $33.65 to $38.46 per hour
- 100% employer provided benefits
- Employer-Employee contributory Pension plan
We are committed to ensuring YOUR work-life balance and offer extensive paid time off:
- Three (3) weeks vacation, accessible in your first year of employment and increased entitlement based on years of service.
- Up to 12 paid sick days per year.
- Up to 12 paid self-development days per year
- We recognize 14 statutory holidays every year.
We have a strong commitment to our cultural teachings and traditional knowledge practices, which encompass not just our programs but our daily interactions in the workplace, including:
- Regular opportunities for staff to engage in ceremonies and cultural gatherings.
- Access for staff to connect with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to foster active participation in cultural traditions.
We strive to inspire, empower, and instill a profound sense of pride and belonging within the community while promoting Mino Bimaadiziwin, The Good Way of Life.
How to Apply
If interested to apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with Registered Social Worker in your subject line.
Within the body of your email, please provide answers to the following questions:
- Please briefly outline where your experience with or understanding of First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis communities comes from. You may note professional, academic, or your own personal lived/community experience.
- Are you a First Nations, Inuk, or Métis applicant? If yes, please indicate which community you are from. If you are not connected to your community, just write what you know.
At Atlohsa, we value diversity in our workforce and encourage all qualified candidates to apply, however, due to the nature of our organization, preferences will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources to make arrangements.
We thank all those who apply however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $33.65-$39.46 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- • Please briefly outline where your experience with or understanding of First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis communities comes from. You may note professional, academic, or your own personal lived/community experience.
- • Are you a First Nations, Inuk, or Métis applicant? If yes, please indicate which community you are from. If you are not connected to your community, just write what you know.
Work Location: In person
