WNHAC·Kenora, Ontario
The Emotional Wellness Counsellor facilitates group sessions and provides one-on-one counselling to support clients' healing journeys. They also maintain documentation, collaborate with the interprofessional team, and participate in program development to ensure quality service delivery.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 1 Full-Time (Existing) Position
Emotional Wellness Counsellor The Healing Services Team supports people in their healing journeys by listening and sharing the strengths of our Anishinaabe language and ways of life in a safe and comfortable environment.
The Healing Lodge supports personal change and growth by promoting Minobimaadiziwin, achieving a good life and good health for Anishinaabeg and communities through traditional and contemporary healthcare encompassing mind, body, heart and spirit.
The Emotional Wellness Counselor develops and facilitates wholistic mental health services that restore, maintain and enhance well-being by mobilizing strengths, supporting coping capacities, linking clients to necessary resources, and providing psychosocial education related to wellness.
This position works as part of a team to support clients’ healing journeys through group facilitation and individual counselling.
NOTE: Traditional practices involving burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar and other cultural protocols occur regularly within our work setting.
Facilitate group sessions that will advance and support participants’ healing journeys. Provide one-on-one supports and/or group counselling to assist in understanding and/or meeting participants’ goals and objectives and referring on to more intensive therapy services if deemed necessary. Complete documentation required to chart progress, ensure accountability and facilitate effective communication as prescribed by established organizational policies and standards. Participate in the development and evaluation of program content and activities to ensure ongoing quality and effectiveness of services. Maintain effective communication between program staff, interprofessional management and team members. Other duties as required. In extenuating situations or in the event of an emergency, may be redeployed to ensure provision of essential services.
Post-secondary degree in social work, counselling, Indigenous studies, or any other related discipline; training and experience in trauma informed practice, life skills, grief and loss, addictions, and suicide prevention preferred; extensive experience in providing group counselling; Demonstrated understanding of wholistic health and well-being; personal experience or strong knowledge of the healing journey and abstinence from mind altering chemicals; Ability to work in a collaborative, de-colonial, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach and to support WNHAC values in meaningful ways; knowledge of historical trauma and the impacts of that history on the health of people, families, and communities; Demonstrated capacity for wholistic and strategic thinking, and competence in conflict resolution; Excellent verbal and written communication skills (including computer skills); demonstrated interpersonal skills to deal effectively with a wide variety of people; Deep understanding and experience of Indigenous culture, values, and perspectives as well as traditional and contemporary health care practices, and wholistic health and wellbeing; ability to speak and understand Anishinaabemowin a definite asset; Experience working in an Indigenous organization; understanding and/or willingness to learn of Indigenous culture and values; Proof of immunization in compliance with policy requirements is mandatory; Valid drivers’ license, own vehicle and willingness and ability to travel required; Criminal records check and current drivers’ abstract required; Commitment to ongoing training and professional development relevant to job requirements; and Positive attitude and capacity to act as a healthy lifestyle role model.
$62,575-$85,265 with excellent benefits, including HOOPP pension plan. Salary is based on education and experience.
Application deadline: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, please note only those selected for an interview will be contacted. As an Indigenous employer we encourage First Nations, Inuit, and Metis applicants to apply. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and will provide accessibility accommodations as part of the application process upon request.
Candidates must hold a post-secondary degree in social work, counselling, or a related discipline and possess experience in trauma-informed practice. A deep understanding of Indigenous culture, values, and wholistic health is essential for this role.
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.
