Career Opportunity

Internal/External

Wellness Worker, Mamisarvik Healing Centre

Full Time, Term for 1 Year and Casual on-call

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 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), TI continues to deliver quality programs and services that directly benefit our growing urban Inuit population.

The Wellness Worker plays a vital front-line role in supporting the daily functioning and therapeutic environment of the Mamisarvik Healing Centre (MHC). This is a non-clinical, non-counselling position focused on delivering consistent, culturally safe, trauma-informed care and practical support to residents throughout their healing journey.

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-centred 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.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of Inuit culture, values, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and traditional healing methods and practices. 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. Awareness 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. Deep awareness of the intergenerational impacts of colonization, residential schools, and forced displacement on Inuit wellness. Encouragement of Inuktitut language use and culturally relevant activities to support cultural identity and community connection. Capacity to meet individuals where they are at with empathy, respect, and without judgment. Collaborative skills to work effectively with Elders, families, local leaders, and multidisciplinary teams, recognizing and honouring traditional roles in care and decision-making. Adaptability and resilience in dynamic, fast-paced, and emotionally complex environments.

Proficient use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, video-conferencing platforms and electronic records management applications is required. Clear Vulnerable Sector Check with results acceptable to TI and availability to work evenings and weekends is required. Ability to speak Inuktitut is preferred.

High School Diploma or Equivalency Diploma is required. Undergraduate Degree in Human Relations and/or Social Work is preferred. Drivers License, CPR, Crisis Intervention and Prevention, Suicide Intervention and Prevention skills and training, Food Handling and Preparation and other relevant certifications preferred.

Two plus years’ experience in Frontline Support Services, Crisis Intervention & De-escalation, Human Relations or Social Work is required. Two plus years’ experience in Wellness, recovery or healing-centered support is preferred.

**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 $45,000 to $48,000 annually
• TI offers a competitive total compensation package. Employees are provided with an exceptional benefits plan which includes major medical and dental coverage for the employee and their dependents, and employee life insurance for those eligible as per the policy.
• TI provides paid sickness, personal and family sickness leave days, and a 24/7 confidential Employee and Family Assistance Plan.
• Vacation (earn 3 weeks/year).

Deadline for applications is August 22, 2025

PLEASE CLICK ON **APPLY NOW** TO SUBMIT YOUR RESUME.

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. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request.

The Wellness Worker works out of 1071 Richmond Road in Ottawa.

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