Mental Health First Responder jobs in Ontario

• Help children and youth thrive through culturally grounded mental health, wellness, and suicide prevention programming
• Become an active and visible presence in the community while fostering meaningful connections through traditional teachings and land-based activities
• Enjoy a competitive $60,000-$80,000 annual salary, comprehensive benefits, pension matching, and generous paid time off

About Aroland First Nation

With a strong cultural heritage and a deep connection to the land, Aroland First Nation is a vibrant Anishinaabe community located in Northwestern Ontario. Aroland First Nation has a deep connection to the lands and waters of their Traditional Territories, surrounded by natural beauty, including vast boreal forests, rolling hills, and pristine lakes and rivers, all of which are home to a diverse array of wildlife.

Aroland First Nation is committed to preserving its traditions and way of life, while also embracing modernity and progress. From fishing, trapping, and hunting to education, health, and economic development, Aroland First Nation is creating a community where people can thrive.

To learn more about us, please visit arolandfirstnation.ca

About the Opportunity

Aroland First Nation is looking for a full-time Mental Health and Well-Being Counsellor based in Aroland, Ontario, at Johnny Therriault School.

Reporting to the Principal/Education Director, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the mental health and well-being of children and youth by providing counselling services, crisis intervention, suicide prevention support, and community outreach initiatives.

In this position, you will be primarily responsible for supporting the mental health and well-being of children and youth through counselling, suicide prevention initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and holistic wellness activities that promote resilience, connection, and healing.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing psychological support and individual, family, and group counselling services focused on mental health, addictions, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention
• Conducting needs and risk assessments and developing appropriate support and intervention plans
• Coordinating referrals to treatment programs, healthcare providers, and external support services while supporting clients and families throughout the referral process
• Building trusted relationships with youth through regular school presence, community engagement, and participation in extracurricular and cultural activities
• Designing and delivering engaging mental health education, awareness campaigns, workshops, and wellness initiatives aligned with school, provincial, and national awareness events
• Coordinating community outreach activities and creating engaging opportunities that promote mental health awareness, help-seeking behaviours, and positive youth development
• Supporting youth through holistic, culturally grounded approaches that incorporate traditional teachings, land-based activities, and community connections
• Maintaining confidential records and collaborating with families, schools, community partners, and program staff to strengthen mental health supports

To read the full position description, please click here.

About You

To qualify, you will need a Bachelor's degree in Counselling Psychology, Social Work, or a related field, and registration with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, or another recognized professional counselling body. You will also bring 2+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, and/or families in a clinical, educational, community, or similar counselling environment. Candidates with a relevant diploma in Social Service Work, Human Services Counselling, or a similar discipline may also be considered.

The following are required:

• Ability to undergo a criminal record check with a vulnerable sector check
• Hold a valid driver’s licence, with a satisfactory driver’s abstract, and access to a reliable vehicle

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• Experience providing mental health, addictions, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention support
• Experience working with First Nations children, youth, families, or communities
• Knowledge of First Nations culture, history, and the realities of remote Indigenous communities
• Experience conducting assessments, developing intervention plans, and coordinating referrals to external services
• Understanding of trauma-informed, family-centred, and culturally responsive approaches to care
• Experience delivering workshops, presentations, or community outreach initiatives focused on mental health and wellness
• Knowledge of therapeutic approaches such as family systems theory, crisis intervention, cognitive behavioural therapy, and suicide intervention
• Training and experience in creative approaches such as Music, Art, or Play Therapy (asset)
• Ability to communicate in a First Nations dialect of the Treaty 9 region (asset)

As our ideal candidate, you are a compassionate and relationship-focused professional who combines strong counselling skills with creativity, initiative, and a genuine passion for youth engagement. You are comfortable developing programs, leading outreach activities, and finding innovative ways to engage children and youth both inside and outside the classroom. Your ability to build trust, promote wellness, and create meaningful opportunities for belonging will allow you to thrive in this role.

This is a meaningful, community-centred role for a mental health professional who is passionate about supporting youth through counselling, prevention, education, and culturally grounded approaches to wellness. You will play a vital role in helping young people build resilience, strengthen their connection to culture and community, and access the support they need to thrive.

About the Benefits

In exchange for your experience and commitment, the successful candidate will receive a competitive annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $80,000, commensurate with skills, experience, and qualifications.

• Extended health, dental, and vision coverage
• Pension plan with 5% employer matching
• Additional paid time off beyond vacation, including culture week in the spring and fall, plus two weeks off around the Christmas period
• Professional development assistance
• Meaningful opportunities to support youth through culturally grounded, community-focused programming
• A welcoming, close-knit community with ongoing cultural and community events that encourage connection, participation, and meaningful engagement

Upon joining the Aroland First Nation, you will be welcomed into a supportive team and have the opportunity to make a real difference in the community.

Don't miss this unique opportunity. APPLY TODAY!