Trauma Worker

Position Overview

The Trauma Worker functions as a member of the Health Outreach and Community Support (HOCS) team to respond to requests to assist with trauma experiences of marginalized, at-risk populations, including specifically trauma experienced by Indigenous individuals, and provide support to the agencies that serve them including, but not limited to Housing First teams and shelters. The Trauma Worker is a mobile, regional resource and can provide support where population needs surface. The Trauma Worker will integrate knowledge and resources of the broader Indigenous community to enhance personal, team and partner agency capacity to address trauma impacts.

The Trauma Worker provides outreach consultation, coordinated service planning assistance, capacity building support as well as providing individual and group support, including ceremonies. The Trauma Worker works in partnership with agencies and other health and mental health services to bridge service gaps and coordinate continuity of care when behaviors exhibited as a result of trauma impact access and participation. Clinical practice is provided to meet immediate needs, support engagement, and establish person-centred plans while connections to longer term services are coordinated. The Trauma Worker may coordinate a range of group counseling sessions or capacity building sessions with partners.

The Trauma Worker adheres to the documentation, consent and privacy standards of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. The Trauma Worker ensures that s/he performs her/his duties in a manner which is consistent with the standards of the appropriate professional/ licensing body.

The Trauma Worker responds to the direction and supervision provided by the Health Services Manager – CCSI and Homelessness Lead.

Experience

• Minimum three years related community practice experience, including development of person-centred care plans and clinical counseling related to trauma experienced specifically by Indigenous populations (i.e., residential schools, intergenerational trauma).
• Experience working with marginalized populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness and complex challenges.
• Formal training in group therapy, treatment, and/or support group facilitation specific to trauma.
• Demonstrated experience with independent decision-making.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• BSW, BSc MH, BSc, BN, BMR (OT), RPN, or related health/human service degree.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• ASIST Certificate (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training).
• Subject to a criminal record check and Adult Abuse registry check.
• Member in good standing of relevant professional organization if applicable.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle.

Qualifications and Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Effective networking and agency relations skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other disciplines.
• Ability to perform both independently and as an integrated community team member, including effective communication with team manager.
• Demonstrated effective organizational, interpersonal, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, conflict resolution and decision-making skills.
• Willingness to adapt to new concepts, techniques and best practice.
• Competence in providing Recovery-oriented services; assessment, crisis intervention, basic support, and treatment.
• Experience with health and social service systems including knowledge of available resources for referral.
• Experience with providing capacity building support related to trauma informed care.
• Experience and compliance with protocols for consent, practice, documentation, and privacy.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of Trauma-Informed Recovery.
• Knowledge of Aboriginal cultural history and population impacts.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of population public health.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of Harm Reduction.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of Housing First.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of Person-centered Planning.
• Computer literacy for communication, word processing and utilized clinical applications.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to provide mobile, outreach support and manage exposure to emotional stress.
• May encounter aggressive and/or agitated clients/visitors/staff.