Traditional Healer Full Time

Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care is a 315-bed academic and teaching hospital that provides specialized mental health, addiction and geriatric care. Located on the shores of Georgian Bay, we serve some of the most complex and disadvantaged individuals in Ontario and are the sole provider of high-secure forensic mental health services in the province.

The Director for Ethics & Spiritual Care is currently seeking a Full-Time Traditional Healer. The purpose of the position is to provide cultural and spiritual care services to First Nations/Metis/Inuit (FNMI) and Earth-Based patients, clients and their families including providing spiritual and clinical assessment as full members of inter-professional teams and contributing to holistic treatment plans on assigned units; designing, developing and delivering innovative FNMI spiritual care activities including organized circles, ceremonies, sweats, smudges, spirituality discussion groups, and 1:1 cultural and spiritual support. In addition, the purpose of the role is to provide cultural, spiritual and emotional support to FNMI employees and families of the Hospital.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

-Conducting all FNMI Cultural and Spiritual Intake and Assessments on all Waypoint programs and recording information in the clinical record and data tracking tools; assessing FNMI patient and client cultural/spiritual needs on Waypoint patient programs and to liaise with family and communities as appropriate.
-Including assessed cultural and spiritual needs and preferences in the development of FNMI patient/client treatment plans. Contributing to holistic care as a member of inter-professional teams by providing insight into FNMI cultural and spiritual needs and perspectives related to treatment.
-The development and coordination of relevant circles, ceremonies and group spiritual activities.
-Linking with FNMI communities and agencies to promote a supportive network for FNMI clients living in the community as well as a strong base for FNMI services available on site.
-Providing FNMI client and staff grief and bereavement support and attending to special memorial needs.
-The maintenance of the principles of Faith-based Health Care as outlined in the Health Ethics Guide.
-Contributing to the mission leadership at Waypoint by representing Spiritual Care at committee and workgroup levels as assigned by the Director of Ethics and Spiritual Care.
-Providing training and education to FNMI students, spiritual visitors, and others as assigned.
-Providing service development and evaluation activities using a CQI approach.
-Assume on-call responsibilities when necessary as established by Director.
-Maintaining professional/clerical standards through participation in approved professional organizations, lodges and functions.
-Managers have the right to assign additional duties and schedule alternate work locations based on operational requirements.
-Performs all work at all times in compliance with all hospital policies and procedures, legislation (Occupational Health & Safety Act, Fire Code, WHMIS,etc) relevant to health and safety, security and potential risk hazards.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

-Endorsement by a recognized Lodge, Elder or Traditional community to function as a Traditional Healer, Pipe Carrier and Sweat Lodge Conductor.
-Minimum of three years of experience acting in a healing capacity.
-Experience with mental health and addictions.
-The methods and disciplines of traditional healing practice
-FNMI cultural needs and distinctions
-FNMI cultural and spiritual resources and requirements
-Traditional healing perspectives on mental health disorders and treatment
-Principles of faith-based ethics and cultural competency.
-The importance of dignity in the treatment of vulnerable populations and advocacy for the poor and marginalized.
-Computer software packages in order to perform basic word processing, email and calendarization tasks.
-Assessment skills in order to advocate for FNMI cultural and spiritual needs.
-Interpersonal skills in order to work well in team settings and to support conflict resolution.
-Written and verbal communication skills in order to complete administrative duties and contribute effectively in inter-professional team environments.
-Organizational skills in order to organize and maintain diverse duties and responsibilities.
-Analytical thinking skills in order to problem solve and propose solutions.
-Leadership skills in order to effectively model spiritual care team standards and provide direction to spiritual visitors, students, and others as assigned by the Director.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Waypoint employees apply through the Employee Self-Service portal at https://employees.waypointcentre.ca and external applicants apply to http://www.waypointcentre.ca/i_want_to/join_your_team by close of business (4:00 pm) on March 17, 2025 quoting Job ID WC24-422. Attach your cover letter and resume detailing why you are interested in this opportunity and how you meet the qualifications and key accountabilities specified. You may also apply by sending your resume to careers@waypointcentre.ca while quoting the Job ID.