Job Description

This Moment, This Position
Millbrook First Nation is seeking a compassionate and trauma-informed Substance Use Prevention Counsellor to provide comprehensive support to community members in areas of substance use prevention, education, harm reduction, and recovery. Under the direction of the Director of Health Services, the counsellor will deliver services focused on promoting awareness, intervention, treatment navigation, aftercare, and relapse prevention.

This role involves facilitating informative and productive sessions for community members and fostering a safe and supportive environment. The counsellor will provide guidance on substance use challenges, promote participation in alcohol- and drug-free activities, and connect individuals and their families with appropriate treatment and counselling services as needed.

The ideal candidate will work closely with other health and community agencies, including NADACA, RCMP, court officials, and health care providers, to coordinate care and resources effectively. Their ability to engage community members in educational workshops and maintain an up-to-date understanding of best practices will play a key role in supporting healthier lifestyles and substance-free living within Millbrook First Nation.

How You Would Contribute
Workshop Facilitation: Facilitate community workshops on Substance Use and Mental Wellness, covering topics such as prevention/intervention, harm reduction strategies, relapse prevention, self-help groups, grief and bereavement, and suicide prevention.

Public Awareness Coordination: Organize activities to raise awareness about substance use and its impact on individuals, families and community.

Event Planning: Plan, coordinate and promote community events which promote culture, healthy living and community engagement, while encouraging participation in alcohol- and drug-free activities.

Substance-Free Support: Promote a healthy addiction-free lifestyle by delivering presentations to youth and adults on the harms of addictive substances and behaviours.

Treatment Assistance:
– Support community members by connecting them to treatment programs, counselling, and supportive services, while ensuring that families and concerned individuals also have access to professional counselling.
– Support clients with completing referral and admission forms and treatment plans.
– Maintain supportive contact with clients through their treatment journey.
– Assist clients in creating aftercare plans to ensure a smooth transition back to the community after they complete treatment.

Home Visits: Perform home visits to assess client needs, provide support, and connect individuals with essential community resources.

Resource Management:
– Maintain and regularly update a resource list on and off-reserve substance use and addiction programs, such as withdrawal management, rehabilitation, aftercare, and maintenance.
– Share information on social media and other available communication channels.

Community Partnerships: Work closely with other agencies such as NADACA, RCMP, Court Officials, health care providers, and MFCS as needed.

Training & Development: Participate in ongoing substance use and mental health training to stay current on “best practices” and emerging trends.

Crisis Response: Assist with crisis response efforts in the community.

Education and Experience
– Post-secondary Degree in Community Services, Addiction Counselling, Social Work, Psychology, Criminology or Sociology, Health Sciences or related field
– Minimum of one (1) year of related experience
– Training or experience in substance use in Indigenous communities
– Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and remain unbiased and professional
– Proven experience in supporting individuals with substance use challenges, through non-judgemental care, education and advocacy while promoting safety, dignity, and well-being and empowering individuals to make informed choices on their path to recovery
– Basic computer skills with experience using MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
– Experience or formal training in grief and loss and a strong understanding of life skills development. Training in trauma-informed and strengths-based practices will be considered an asset.
– Openness to pursuing additional relevant training
– Willingness to work flexible hours to deliver community education sessions, support prevention activities and programs, and respond to urgent situations such as community crises.
– Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation

The successful candidate will be required to obtain or upgrade the following certifications: Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector, Child Abuse Registry Check, and First Aid (Level C CPR).

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal contributor for this role is socially aware and organized and has excellent organizational and time management skills. They are comfortable making ethical and thoughtful recommendations, supported by research to support the healing and recovery of community members.

They have a strong understanding of social, economic, and political concerns and histories in Indigenous communities and possess high standards of discretion, sound judgment, and confidentiality when handling sensitive information.

As an effective relationship builder who values trust and collective well-being, this candidate brings a logical and trauma-informed approach to Health Services.

Statement of Intention
We are seeking a candidate with knowledge of and cultural sensitivity toward First Nations culture and our way of life.

Preference will be provided to qualified Indigenous peoples, particularly those who identify as Mi’kmaq, and/or who are from Millbrook First Nation.

If accommodation during the process would help you to present your full contribution, we would love to support you.

The Package
Salary: $60,000 – 70,000 (based on education and experience)

Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily (40 hours/week).

Benefits & Perks: Health & Dental Benefits, Pension, Vacation and Holiday closure in December

Location: Millbrook, Nova Scotia (hybrid work environment offered with periodic office days throughout the month).

Application Details
Click “Apply” to be redirected to our website to Apply Today!

Applications will be accepted until 12:00 pm on February 21, 2025.

Please include a cover letter that speaks to your experience and offers a glimpse of your personality. Wela’lin!

What To Expect
– We closely review all applications and read each cover letter (we promise).
– If you are selected as a top candidate, expect an invitation to chat with a Lead Placemaker from P4G. This is someone who treats the recruitment process non-traditionally. We want to get to know what inspires you.
– Selected candidates will proceed to a virtual interview with the Lead P4G Placemaker and 2-3 organization representatives.
– Finalists may participate in a second-round interview or skills activity (virtual or in person).
– P4G will check employment references and assist in presenting an offer to the successful candidate.

Required languages: English

Education level: Post-secondary Degree in Community Services, Addiction Counselling, Social Work, Psychology, Criminology or Sociology, Health Sciences or related field

Required skills: Trauma-Informed Care, Substance Use Prevention & Intervention, Counseling & Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Communication & Active Listening, Cultural Competency, Community Outreach & Education, Collaboration & Interagency Coordination, Documentation & Report Writing, Ethical & Confidential Practice.

Closest intersection: Millbrook