Hoèla Weteèst’eèdeè is a community-based action research project based in Yellowknife, Ndilo and Dettah (Northwest Territories) designed in collaboration by Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN). The study will investigate the burden of chronic stress and the relative contribution of sources of stress related to Giant Mine; identify sub-communities in the study area who have higher levels of chronic stress and examine their unique experiences of the Giant Mine; and understand the unique health and social needs of affected communities to inform healing and mitigation activities.

The study is hiring counsellors on a 3-month term to support study implementation and data collection. Participants may be triggered by participation in the study due to the sensitive nature of some survey questions. For this reason the study is seeking trained mental health counsellors to support one or more participant care interventions: (1) support to participants in completing the survey (in-person and via telephone); (2) follow-up support and counselling services to participants; and (3) on-call crisis intervention services.

*Counsellors may be based in Yellowknife, the Northwest Territories or other Northern communities in Canada. 

Closing date: March 9, 2022

Support with Study Data Collection and Analysis

• Participate in 3 days of in-person training, including: Wıìlıìdeh language and Dene wellness workshop, Mental Health First Aid, guidelines for data collection, sampling procedures, COVID measures and other study protocols;
• Sign an Oath of Confidentiality for commitment to research protocols;
• Provide interested community members with information and resources about the study (e.g., website) and respond to questions and requests for additional information;
• Conduct surveys with participants (youth ages 10+ and self-identified adults) both in-person at the site office and via telephone;
• Review and discuss participant consent form with interested participants (e.g., clearly communicate study purpose, foreseeable risks and benefits to participation, and option to withdraw from the study at any time);
• Support secure storage of participant consent forms in accordance with Data Storage Protocols.
• Work closely with other Counsellors engaged in the study and the Hoèla Weteets'eedee research team (Principal Investigator, YKDFN Technical Advisor, Project Coordinator, Nurse);

Study Participant Care

• Ensure participant and staff safety through adherence to Participant Centred Care Protocols and other study procedures;
• Cultural sensitivity for working with a diverse population;
• Facilitate provision of interpreter support, as needed (fluency in languages other than English is an asset);
• Support participants to engage fully in the survey interview, including clarifying survey questions, asking for additional detail to their responses, and effective note-taking;
• Identify and respond to signs of distress or other negative reactions to study participation in order to connect participants with appropriate mental health supports (e.g., standardized mental health assessment and crisis intervention);
• As needed, provide follow-up counselling and appropriate intervention to participants to address negative emotions that arise during or following study participation;
• Work with a team of counsellors to provide on-call crisis intervention and counselling services to participants and support them with longer-term planning and programs for their wellness needs;
• Support participants to transition participants to NWT Health and Social Services for additional mental health counselling services, as appropriate;
• Offer participants contact information for after-care mental health services and the opportunity to be involved in follow-up wellness gatherings.

Research Team Support

• Coordinate work activities by working closely with Research Assistants, Counsellors, and other members of the Hoela Weteets'eedee research team (PI, YKDFN Technical Advisor, Project Coordinator);
• Travel to communities (Ndilo, Dettah) may be needed.

Reporting

• Maintain regular communication with Counsellor team and members of the Hoela Weteets'eedee research team to ensure that work activities follow the agreed timelines and protocols;
• Provide updates on targets and timelines for data collection and associated activities, and any issues encountered, to the Project Coordinator and the research team on a regular basis.

• The successful candidate will have the skills and experience necessary to work both independently and with a team in an outreach role, including working with vulnerable populations, confidential materials and sensitive information.
• Desired educational qualifications include:
  • A Master’s degree in Counselling, Clinical Social Work, or Psychology with a focus on therapeutic counselling and two (2) years of relevant work experience;
  • A Certificate in Addictions Counselling with three (3) years front line experience as a Social Worker; or
  • Equivalent combination of education and/or training with four (4) years related work experience will be considered.

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.

Laurier has more than 19,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well as locations in Kitchener and Toronto. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Our locations are situated on the traditional territories of the Neutral, Anishnawbe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. We recognize the unique heritages of Indigenous peoples and support their intentions to preserve and express their distinctive Indigenous cultures, histories, and knowledge through academic programming and co-curricular activities. Laurier’s Centre for Indigegogy is one example of how Laurier honours Indigenous knowledge.

This position is based in Yellowknife (Northwest Territories), where Laurier has maintained a research office since 2017 for its cold regions research and for its longstanding partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). Located in Chief Drygeese territory, Yellowknife is the traditional land of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and the homeland of the North Slave Métis.

Laurier is committed to providing an inclusive workplace and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. We recognize the unique heritages of Indigenous peoples and support their intentions to preserve and express their distinctive Indigenous cultures, histories, and knowledge through academic programming and co-curricular activities. Laurier's Centre for Indigegogy is one example of how Laurier honours Indigenous knowledge.