Intake & Assessment Worker (Contract)

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is accepting applicants for the position of:

Position Title:            Intake & Assessment Worker (Contract)

Department:             Child, Youth, and Family Well-Being Services

Hours of Work:       37.5 hours per week working onsite 8:30am – 4:30pm

Location:                  328 Chippewa Road, Muncey ON and/or London satellite office

Posting Date:          May 12, 2026

Posting Closes:      June 2, 2026

Summary:

The Intake & Assessment Worker plays a key role in supporting access to culturally safe, trauma-informed, and wholistic mental health services for children, youth, adults, and families within Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. This position provides the first point of contact for clients, gathering information, conducting culturally appropriate assessments, and ensuring referrals to both traditional and Western supports as needed. The Intake and Assessment Worker is an integral part of the Mental Health Team including consultation and clinical perspective. Guided by the Seven Sacred Teachings and community protocols, the Intake & Assessment Worker ensures that each client’s journey begins with respect, compassion, and safety.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the first point of contact for individuals, families, and community members seeking mental health services, and provide a welcoming, respectful, and confidential intake process that reflects First Nation values.
• Explain available services, supports, and healing options, including both traditional and Western approaches.
• Conduct comprehensive strength-based assessments of client needs, resources, and goals using wholistic frameworks (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual).
• Develop initial care or service plans in partnership with clients and families, ensuring cultural safety and inclusivity.
• Refer clients to appropriate internal programs, Cultural Practitioners, community resources, or external partners.
• Work closely with the Manager, mental health staff, and community partners to ensure seamless service coordination.
• Respond to clients in crisis when navigating external systems to ensure access to service 
• Maintain strong working relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and other cultural supports to ensure balanced pathways of care.
• Maintain clear communication and initiates debriefing opportunities with direct supervisor when required and needed. 
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date intake records and assessment documentation.
• Support program evaluation by contributing to data collection, reporting, and quality improvement processes.
• Document triage decisions, rationale, and follow up plans in accordance with organizational and community protocol.
• Respect and follow Chippewas of the Thames First Nation cultural protocols during assessments and referrals.
• Engage in ongoing cultural learning, including participation in ceremonies and teachings to strengthen practice.
• Assists and participates in staff and department meetings, and in Community events both on the First Nation, as well as in our Treaty territory, when required and needed.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Indigenous Studies, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in intake, assessment, or front-line service within a health, social service, or First Nation community setting.
• Experience working with First Nations, with understanding of intergenerational trauma, colonization, and community wellness approaches.
• Knowledge of traditional healing practices, ceremonies, and cultural teachings.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification. 
• Must possess a valid “G” driver’s license and insured vehicle.
• Must possess and maintain a clear CPIC and Vulnerable Sector Screen/Check.

What Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Has to Offer:

• Comprehensive benefits for permanent employees, supporting health, dental, and overall well-being.
• Employer-matched pension plan to help build long-term financial security.
• Access to a confidential Family Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support mental, emotional, and family wellness.
• Two-week holiday closure over Christmas and New Year’s, providing dedicated time to rest and recharge with family and community.

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation gives hiring preference to qualified Indigenous applicants, with first preference given to qualified Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Band Members. Applicants who wish to be considered under this preference are encouraged to self-identify in their application.
Interested applicants, please submit a cover letter, resume, three work related references, photocopies of education documents to:

human.resources@cottfn.com 
OR
320 Chippewa Road, Muncey, ON N0L 1Y0 

Please indicate "Intake & Assessment Worker” in your application. 

We thank all candidates for applying; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Accommodations are available on request (by email to human.resources@cottfn.com) for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

As a federally regulated employer, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is not required to include compensation ranges in job postings. Depending on the nature of the recruitment and the position, we may choose to share salary or pay band information in the posting or during the early stages of the process. Compensation is always discussed with candidates during recruitment to ensure clarity and alignment with their expectations and experience.