NorWest Community Health Centres·Thunder Bay, Ontario
Provide culturally safe, trauma-informed, and client-centered support to Indigenous individuals and families with complex needs. Facilitate access to community resources and advocate for services to support client care.
Indigenous Health and Wellness Worker 1 FTE contract to March 2027 Thunder Bay Site One of a network of provincial community health centres, the NorWest Community Health Centres is a community based, non-profit organization funded by Ontario Health, emphasizing access to primary health care and prevention programs and services.
We are currently seeking a 1 FTE contract Indigenous Health and Wellness Worker, who as a valuable member of the Community Health Centre team will provide culturally safe, trauma-informed, and client-centered support to Indigenous individuals and families experiencing complex and multiple needs in the communities that we serve.
The position has a competitive salary and an option to join Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).
The pay range for this position is $30.502 to $36.748 per hour.
Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.
We do not use AI to screen resumes.
Post secondary education in a health, social service, or related field of studies. This may include but is not limited to Honours Bachelor of Social Work, Indigenous Services or Registered Practical Nurse. Two to three years of experience in a community service setting. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants. Ability to effectively engage, assess and support clients with complex and multiple health and/or social needs to access programs, services and resources that address their needs. Demonstrated ability to facilitate and advocate for services to support clients in their care. Knowledge of, and experience providing Indigenous-led services and programs with individuals and families. Understands the intersection of gender, race, discrimination, and subsequent intergenerational impacts affecting Indigenous people. Strong understanding of community needs and resources, including Indigenous-led services, mental health and addictions systems, community resources, government services and non-traditional services. A strong understanding of the determinants of health framework. Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable populations from a trauma-informed and culturally grounded approach. Awareness of and sensitivity to health, socio-economic and cultural issues particularly within populations who face barriers to accessing care (vulnerably housed, living with mental health challenges or diagnoses, current or past substance use, complex health histories, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomers, non-insured, Black and Indigenous). Demonstrated experience with de-escalation of difficult situations and developing risk assessments. Strong interpersonal, organizational and group facilitation skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with an inter-professional team using a client-centered approach. Strong writing and documentation skills. Ability to work flexible hours and to travel to communities and locations served by NorWest Community Health Centres. A current driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
Please visit https://norwestchc.org/team/ The deadline for applicants is Friday, September 4, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Please submit your cover letter, resume and three work reference contacts with your online application. Cover letters can be addressed to:
Lesly Gunasekara, Manager of Human Resources NorWest Community Health Centres 525 Simpson Street Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C 3J6 FAX: 807-622-7637 www.norwestchc.org NorWest Community Health Centres is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and barrier-free workplace. We provide accommodation throughout all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Requires post-secondary education in a health or social service field and two to three years of experience in a community service setting. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of Indigenous-led services and the determinants of health framework.
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.