Atlohsa Family Healing Services is seeking a motivated and dynamic individual to fill the role of
Healing Lodge Support Worker for the Southwest Healing Lodge. The primary role of the
Healing Lodge Support Worker is to provide culturally appropriate holistic services for the
participants of the land-based healing program; ensuring high-quality, participant-centered
services that are in line with the vision, mission, and philosophy of the organization.
The Southwest Healing Lodge is intended to provide day and residential addictions treatment
for Indigenous peoples through land-based healing programming. Additionally, the Healing
Lodge has a special focus on empowering families and the prevention and healing from gender-based violence.
As Atlohsa continues to rapidly grow and expand, a willingness to be flexible and accommodate
ongoing change is necessary.
Role and Responsibility
Using a wholistic Indigenous-led approach to principles of Harm Reduction and trauma-informed
care, the Healing Lodge Support Worker will be responsible for delivering Indigenous (First
Nations, Inuit, and Métis) land-based programs to residential program participants. The program
aims to support Indigenous peoples’ healing from the effects of intergenerational trauma.
Reporting to the Healing Lodge Program Manager, the Healing Lodge Support Worker delivers
approved Indigenous program activities to the Healing Lodge participants, while following
legislative requirements, regulations, policies, procedures, and the mission of the organization.
Using a trauma-informed approach, the Healing Lodge Support Worker will utilize traditional
Indigenous wholistic practices, including ceremony, use of the four medicines, and in alignment
with the Seven Grandfather Teachings (Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility,
and Truth).
The Healing Lodge Support Worker will be a dynamic role, navigating the challenges of facilitating an on-the-land program overnight, bed-based program while supporting the program
participants on their healing journey. The candidate will have strong outdoors and camping skills
that include safety awareness and the ability to lead and facilitate ceremonies such as healing
circles and smudging. The candidate will be able to provide professional cultural understanding
and intervention in response to the dynamic needs of the participants.
The Healing Lodge Support Worker will also be responsible to:
Complete necessary documentation, reports, case notes, and checklists.
Collaborate with the intake worker and other Healing Lodge workers.
Maintain security and safety of the participants and adhere to Atlohsa Family Healing
Services policies and procedures.
Facilitate with the cook for mealtimes.
Perform belongings searches when necessary.
Dispense medication in compliance with Atlohsa’s policies and procedures.
Coordinate with third-party health and paramedical care as required for the participants.
Delegate chores to the program participants.
Maintain confidentiality.
Exercise good judgment.
Be available for travel as required.
Suitability
Social service worker, addictions worker, or other related degree
Certification with ICBOC or CCPC is an asset
Minimum 3 years experience in mental health counseling, group ceremony facilitation, or addictions treatment
Experience working with Indigenous peoples who have been exposed to violence/abuse,
homelessness, mental health challenges
Knowledge of the Indian Residential School system and the intergenerational trauma of
Indigenous people of Canada.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of traditional holistic healing practices,
languages, and cultures of the Indigenous population of the Southwestern Ontario region.
Moderate to strong knowledge of colonialism, and the historical and ongoing impacts on Indigenous peoples
Demonstrated strengths in interpersonal relations, problem-solving, crisis intervention, group dynamics, and trauma-informed approach
Effective communication (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with others in a respectful manner as defined in the Atlohsa Code of Conduct
Knowledge of the First Nation Mental Wellness Continuum Framework and the Native Wellness Assessment are assets
Valid Ontario G-Class Driver’s License, First Aid and CPR certificate and Current
Vulnerable Sector Check
ICBOC certifications require three years of sobriety from substance misuse and abuse.
EMPLOYMENT TERM: Permanent; Full-Time
CLOSING DATE: June 27, 2025
REMUNERATION:
· $25.00 per hour
· 100% employer provided benefits:
o Healthcare
o Dental
o Vision
· Employer-matching Retirement Pension Plan (RPP)
· Three (3) weeks’ vacation
· Up to 12 sick days per year
· Up to 12 self-development days per year
Individuals who self-identify as First Nations, Metis or Inuit are strongly encouraged to apply. At Atlohsa, we value diversity in our workforce and encourage all qualified candidates to apply, however, due to the nature of our organization, preferences will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources to make arrangements.
We thank all those who apply however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
