POSITION SUMMARY:
To provide holistic support to patients, families, staff and volunteers by embedding Indigenous spiritual practices into the delivery of care. This role will be fulfilled by a highly qualified Indigenous Spiritual Care and Counselling Professional, who is recognized and verified by their community. As a member of the Spiritual Care Team, connected to the Indigenous Health Team, they will collaborate with colleagues of diverse backgrounds, bringing their unique gifts to support the whole person- spiritually, physically, emotionally, psychologically, mentally, and socially.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Indigenous Social Service Worker Diploma, or Indigenous Spiritual and Pastoral Care Diploma is preferred
• Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Social Work, or Indigenous Health Studies an asset
• Master of Arts in Spiritual Care, Divinity, Psychospiritual Studies, Religious Studies, Indigenous Studies, Psychotherapy or an equivalent graduate study in a theological field is an asset
• Must be recognized by their Indigenous community as a legitimate provider of spiritual care and guidance, with community-based affirmation
• Certified with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC) is preferred
• Member of College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) an asset
• Completion of Clinical Psychospiritual Education (CPE) units at the basic and/or advanced level is required. Candidates without CPE may be considered if willingness to obtain the required units
• Minimum one year experience working with and/or living in Indigenous communities, with an understanding of community-led approaches and culturally grounded practices
• Proven experience engaging with Indigenous communities with sensitivity to the diversity of Nation-based perspectives
• CPI - Crisis Prevention Training (or successful completion as part of clinical orientation) is required
• Demonstrated knowledge, sensitivity and expertise in the care of seniors and their families
• Gentle Persuasive Approach training is preferred
• Awareness and training in Intergenerational trauma-informed approaches to care and communication
• Additional training and experience regarding therapeutic interventions, especially in mental health, is preferred, including:
o Counselling skills and experience with diverse family systems
o Demonstrated ability to develop therapeutic rapport with a wide range of clients
o Understanding and ability to contribute to collaborative patient care planning, implementation and evaluation of individualized plans of care
o Knowledge of theories and concepts of behavioural science
o Ability to assess risk and safety factors in a therapeutic environment and implement appropriate car
o Willingness and ability to continue to enhance professional competence and knowledge
• Must have professional identity and a recognized Indigenous community member who is rooted in spiritual / and cultural traditions, that connects with self, other and the sacred, for a holistic and spiritually oriented approach to care and therapy. From this foundation, the candidate reflectively integrates the wisdom of spiritual and cultural traditions with psychotherapeutic modalities as a way of being with and for others during times of crisis, challenge and change.
• Must have knowledge and integrates psychological and spiritual and cultural frameworks and engages in evidence-informed professional practice supported by traditional knowledge systems and ways of knowing as well as current research where applicable.
• Advocates for excellent, equitable care, and demonstrates accountability to clients, the public, spiritual and cultural communities, employers and relevant regulatory and professional organizations in all professional relationships
• Has professional skills and utilizes a comprehensive skill set for the purpose of engaging in therapeutic relationships with individuals, groups, communities and organizations with attention to the spiritual and the sacred in each encounter.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Adheres to the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC) or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) or another regulatory body for professional practice accountability if applicable
• Conducts spiritual and/or ceremonial needs assessments and plans of care, that sensitively encounter the patient, their family, and care team, facilitating healthy relationships as an engagement strategy in their healing process
• Coordinates and provides services and ceremonies of celebration, commemoration or memorial, respecting recipients' spiritual and faith-based beliefs and practices
• Ensures that patients and families have access to Traditional Medicines and Medicine Peoples during celebrations, commemorations, memorial services, and other times as needed
• Actively engage with Indigenous communities served by attending cultural and community events, building trust through consistent presence, and fostering respectful relationship grounded in cultural understanding and rapport
• Supports staff as they provide care to patients and families, including crisis intervention, debriefing traumatic interventions, bereavement support, memorial services and other ceremonies.
• Actively supports healthcare staff to build their capacity to engage and participate in the spiritual care of patients and families, according to local Indigenous community protocols
• Provides guidance and support, as appropriate, to Spiritual Care Residents and Learners in consultation with the Spiritual Care Educator/s responsible for this aspect of departmental operation
• Will be actively engaged and a participating member of the St. Joseph’s Health System Spiritual Care Community of Practice
• Responsible for fostering strong relationships with the Indigenous Health team and ensuring that all spiritual care and practices are aligned with the Indigenous community-led governance, values and protocols.
· St. Joe’s fosters an environment where we celebrate diversity, where teams reflect the diversity of the community in which we serve, enhancing the connection to patients, clients, community, and each other.