Community Addictions - Indian Brook - Sipekne'katik

Description

Career Opportunity

Community Addictions / Prevention Counsellor (Full-time Permanent)

Date Posted: February 24, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: ASAP

Salary Range: $47, Based on Qualifications and Experience)

General Description

Under the direction of the Mental Wellness Coordinator, the Community Addictions / Prevention Counsellor is responsible for supporting community members through addiction awareness, prevention, early intervention, treatment support, aftercare, and relapse prevention. This role promotes holistic mental wellness by providing culturally appropriate counselling, education, and community-based programming that supports healing, resilience, and healthy living.

The Counsellor works collaboratively with internal teams, external agencies, and other First Nations communities to strengthen addiction and mental wellness services while respecting confidentiality, cultural safety, and community values.

Key Responsibilities

Addictions Prevention and Counselling

• Provide prevention, intervention, aftercare, and relapse prevention support to individuals and families affected by addiction.
• Conduct client follow-up through office appointments, home visits, and telephone support as appropriate.
• Maintain professional, unbiased, and confidential counselling practices in accordance with legislation and organizational policy.

Community Education and Engagement

• Plan and facilitate workshops and group sessions related to addictions and mental wellness, including relapse prevention, self‑help groups, grief and bereavement, suicide prevention, and harm reduction.
• Develop and coordinate culturally based activities and events that promote healthy, substance‑free lifestyles and community connection.
• Promote participation in alcohol‑ and drug‑free community events and wellness initiatives.

Crisis Support and Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with team members to support and maintain the Crisis Land Line.
• Be available to assist, monitor, and respond to crisis situations as required.
• Support training and preparedness initiatives for the Sipekne'katik Crisis Team.

Partnerships and Interagency Collaboration

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with external partners such as RCMP, Court Services, MFCS, healthcare providers, NADACA, and other relevant agencies.
• Coordinate addiction and mental wellness support programs with other First Nations communities when appropriate.
• Participate in joint planning and service coordination to improve outcomes for community members.

Program Planning, Reporting, and Administration

• Plan and coordinate awareness activities related to addiction prevention, mental wellness, and suicide prevention.
• Establish and support working committees for large community‑based initiatives, ensuring timelines and plans are approved by the supervisor.
• Record program statistics and prepare monthly activity reports as required.
• Participate in training and professional development related to addictions and mental health.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience/Skills

• Post‑secondary education in a related field (e.g., addictions counselling, social work, mental health, community services) with a minimum of one (1) year of related experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective, respectful relationships with individuals, families, and community partners.
• Strong organizational, time management, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and community events as required.
• Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical practice.
• Experience working within a First Nations community is required.
• Understanding of culturally grounded, trauma‑informed, and strengths‑based approaches to wellness.
• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check required prior to employment.

Benefits

This position comes with a variety of benefits including Sick, Personal and Vacation Leave, Health, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance, an Employee & Family Assistance Program and employer matched Pension Plan.

Application Procedure

Please apply with a resume, cover letter and criminal records check to the link above or:

Human Resources Department

Email

Mail/drop off: 522 Church Street, Indian Brook, NS B0N 2H0

We are an equal opportunity employer; however, qualified Aboriginal applicants will be given priority in accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. The Band will not assume any expenses related to any job application process, included but not limited to travel, relocation, and application development. Please note certain positions come with mandatory employee benefits.

Only those applicants who qualify for an interview will be contacted.