Okanagan Indian Band Mental Health & Wellness Counsellor

KʷU KʷLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE

Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.
Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:

• 3 Weeks’ Vacation Pay

• Extended Health and Dental Benefits

• Employer Matched Pension Plan

• 15 Statutory Holidays

• Paid Winter Holiday Break

• Cultural Leave

• Discounted Silver Star lift passes

• Retention Bonuses after years of service

• 15 Paid Sick Days

• Paid Personal Leave

• Employee Assistance Program

• Professional Development Opportunities

Hours of work**:**
37.5 hours per week

Start Date:
ASAP

Deadline for applications**:**
September 29, 2025

JOB SUMMARY
The Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor will also provide education to individuals and groups in the community with a focus on Mental Health and Wellness related topics, such as suicide prevention, self medicating, anxiety and depression, and the inter-generational impacts of Residential schools. The Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor will be familiar with other services and resources in the community and work closely to provide information and support when required.

The Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor works within an integrated, multi-disciplinary Health team to provide prevention, assessment, referral, clinical counselling and follow-up services to Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) Members affected by Mental Health and Wellness issues. Specifically, engaging OKIB Members in culturally competent, safe, trauma informed, programs and services. This may include confidential individual, family or group counselling about the causes and effect of mental health disorders, support for families dealing with mental health disorders addictions and/or referrals for additional professional, and/or cultural supports and programs.

REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to the Integrated Care Manager.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide Mental Health and Wellness counselling and support to individuals, families and groups in the community:

• Provide mental health counselling regarding the cause, symptoms and prevention strategies of various mental health diagnoses

• Prepare needs and risk assessments

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of crisis management and the impact of trauma on mental health and addiction issues

• Provide outreach counselling in the community

• Accept and make referrals to outside agencies

• Maintain strict confidentiality guidelines regarding all clients, conversations and referrals

• Utilize the Electronic Management Record system to document all client encounters in a timely manner

• Coordinate and facilitate educational workshops on mental health and addiction related topics

• Prepare funding proposals, reports and evaluation for mental health and addiction programs and initiatives, as requested

• Develop promotional materials and information for health promotion initiatives

• Actively participate on OKIB Health and Social Development Mental Health and Wellness related committees

• Participates in community events as requested

• Perform all duties & responsibilities in accordance with the OKIB policies & procedures

• All persons employed by the OKIB may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties

• Performs other duties as required

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.

Education and Experience

• Regulated Health Professional (i.e. Counselling, Social Work, Nursing) in good standing with applicable college.

• Minimum of two years’ experience working with clients struggling with mental wellness challenges.

• Come from a culturally safe and inclusive, trauma informed practice based upon a harm reduction, strength based philosophy.

• Comprehensive knowledge of client centered mental health and addictions interventions, practice methods and professional skills.

• Knowledge of First Nation community resources, treatment centres, social service networks and organizations.

• Knowledge of funding agencies available to assist clients in accessing needed support services and community resources.

• Working knowledge of computer software (email, internet) and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook), and proficiency with Electronic Management Record systems (eg, PROFILE).

• Valid BC driver’s license, class 5 and reliable vehicle

• Current First Aid/CPR certificate or willing to obtain

• Criminal records check with vulnerable sector clearance

Core Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)

• Cultural awareness and sensitivity

• Advocacy skills

• Mental Health and Wellness program development and design

• Strong interpersonal skills to work with diverse client groups

• Effective listening, observation and facilitation skills to effectively assess clients and provide appropriate treatment and consultation

• Strong mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills to respond or assist in emergency situations

• Strong collaboration skills to manage service delivery in conjunction with case managers, clients, their family members/caregivers and other health care professionals

• Ability to deal with demanding interpersonal situations and respond with good judgment and understanding

• Ability to communicate information effectively through a variety of means including meetings, reports, letters and presentations

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and make independent decisions

• Ability to think critically, and be innovative to create/modify strategy or intervention techniques to suet the individual needs of clients.

• Intermediate level computer/technological skills

• Desire to increase capacity through professional development

CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$40.00 - $50.00 per hour dependant upon education and experience.

Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:

**Email:**recruiting@okanagan.org
Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4
If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ 250-542-4328 ext. 1011

The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references

Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code***.***

Education : Bachelor’s degree

Experience : 2 years to less than 3 years