Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre·London, Ontario
Provide comprehensive mental health and substance use assessments, counselling, and case management for Indigenous people. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and external providers to deliver culturally appropriate, wholistic care and wellness activities.
Comprehensive health, dental, life insurance, and more Pension: HOOPP (defined benefit plan) Posting Date: July 3, 2026 Deadline: Open Until Filled Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, dynamic, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency. We strive to provide quality, wholistic health services by sharing and promoting traditional and western health practices to enable people to live in a more balanced state of well-being. SOAHAC provides services to Indigenous people including those who live on and off reserve, status, non-status, Inuit, and Metis within the Southwest, Waterloo Wellington and Erie St Clair regions. SOAHAC has a mandate of ensuring that health services are accessible, of high quality, and are culturally appropriate. It is SOAHAC’s objective to build health care capacity within Indigenous communities. Currently, we are seeking the services of a Mental Health Counsellor to join our interdisciplinary staff team to work at our London site. Reporting to the Integrated Care Manager, the Mental Health Counsellor is responsible for providing effective and comprehensive assessments, counselling and case management for Indigenous people who are living with mental health and/ or substance use issues. This role will be part of an interdisciplinary care team and will also be expected to work and partner with external service providers.
Masters level education and professional membership an asset (MSW, RSW preferred) or related education at a Masters level such as counseling or psychology combined with at least 3 years’ direct experience Post-graduate Addictions degree or diploma or equivalent experience preferred Knowledge of FNIM Traditional Teachings, Culture, Values and History, including intergenerational trauma 3-5 years of experience working with the Indigenous community using a wholistic model to incorporate traditional beliefs, values and culture-based practices into the therapeutic work to promote wellness and healing 3-5 years of experience in working with mental health, including providing trauma informed care. 3-5 years of experience and/or education in working with substance and/or behavioural addictions, including: concurrent disorders, stages of change, motivational interviewing, harm reduction and relapse prevention Knowledge of and ability to use structured screening, assessment, and treatment tools. Experience in the delivery of both individual and group counseling using evidence informed approaches Knowledge and understanding of services available to FNIM people in London and area Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team Proficient time management, organizational and computer skills Demonstrated communication skills, interpersonal skills, and professionalism. Travel within London area, as well as, SOAHAC sites as required Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies. Clean and current vulnerable sector police check as a condition of employment Valid Ontario Driver’s “G” license; clean driver’s abstract, as well as proof of personal auto insurance (must be insured a minimum of 3 years and in good standing) Up-to-date immunizations and records
Provide or facilitate the provision of services through a culturally based framework Complete screening and comprehensive assessments for issues related to mental health, substance and behavioural addictions Develop wholistic, client-centered, individualized treatment plans Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions focused on improved health and wellness using evidence-informed therapeutic techniques Coordinate access and referrals to local community resources Collect, monitor and maintain detailed records on individuals and groups Consistently work in collaboration with SOAHAC’s Integrated team Perform ongoing evaluation and improvements to programing and client outcomes Partner with community providers to deliver health and wellness activities as appropriate Represent SOAHAC at community events Provide outreach as required, i.e. attend home and/or hospital visits This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre. SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants. SOAHAC is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please advise Human Resources. Please apply through the link below: Mental Health Counsellor | Dayforce Jobs Please visit Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre online at: www.soahac.on.ca or like us on www.facebook.com/soahac to learn more about us! Please note that our applicant tracking system may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support aspects of the recruitment process. All hiring decisions are made by our team. We thank all those for applying but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Market context
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.
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