Mental Wellness and Addictions Support Worker

Job Description:

Job Summary

The Mental Health and Addictions Support Worker will support the Abegweit First Nation Mi’kmaq Wellness Centre Mental Wellness Team by providing practical, person-centered support to individuals accessing mental health and addictions services. These positions are based in-office and will support clients through facilitated skill-building lessons delivered in group settings and one-on-one sessions. The role also includes participation in land-based cultural sessions that promote wellness, connection, and healing.

Working as part of a collaborative team, the Support Worker helps create a safe, welcoming, and culturally grounded environment where individuals can build coping skills, strengthen daily living skills, and work toward their personal wellness goals. The position requires a compassionate, respectful, and flexible approach, with a strong understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with mental health concerns, substance use, and concurrent disorders.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to individuals accessing mental health and addictions services within the Mental Wellness Team;
• Facilitate or co-facilitate skills development sessions in both group and one-on-one settings;
• Support clients in developing coping strategies, wellness routines, communication skills, and independent living skills;
• Assist with planning and delivering land-based cultural wellness sessions and activities that support holistic healing;
• Build supportive, respectful, and trusting relationships with clients while maintaining healthy professional boundaries;
• Provide encouragement, guidance, and practical assistance to clients working toward their goals;
• Support intake, engagement, follow-up, and referral activities as directed by the clinical team;
• Observe and report concerns related to client safety, well-being, and crisis situations to appropriate team members;
• Assist with crisis response and de-escalation as needed, in collaboration with the Mental Wellness Team;
• Help maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming office environment;
• Participate in case discussions, team meetings, and collaborative service planning;
• Work with community partners and service providers to support referrals and access to resources;
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation according to policy and procedure;
• Support the overall delivery of culturally grounded, recovery-oriented mental wellness programming;
• Other duties as required.

Skills & Qualifications

• Post Secondary training in a Health, Social or Educational field in a related subject area such as Youth Care Work, Human Services, or a related discipline; An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with clients with complex needs;
• Experience working with mental health and addictions clients is required;
• Experience facilitating groups, workshops, or one-on-one support sessions is an asset;
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented service delivery and the social determinants of health;
• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing;
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to work collaboratively with clients, families, community partners, and other service providers;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment;
• Experience maintaining accurate records and documentation using electronic systems and client files;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs;
• Demonstrated maturity, professionalism, and ability to work effectively with individuals facing complex life circumstances;
• Experience working with First Nations communities is an asset.

Other Qualifications

• An understanding of mental health, addictions, and concurrent disorders;
• Experience providing or supporting wellness-based programming;
• Knowledge of community services, referral pathways, and supportive resources;
• Experience working with vulnerable and at-risk populations;
• Ability to work in a culturally safe, respectful, and trauma-informed manner;
• Solid knowledge, sensitivity, and relevant work experience related to the issues of mental health and addictions;
• Assets include Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Mental Health First Aid, Motivational Interviewing, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, and training related to concurrent disorders;
• The successful candidate must provide a satisfactory criminal record check and vulnerable sector check prior to beginning employment;
• Vehicle and valid driver’s license required, with frequent travel within the community;
• CPR/First Aid is an asset.

Working Conditions

• Office-based role with regular participation in group and one-on-one client sessions
• Occasional travel within the community for land-based and outreach activities
• High level of interaction with community members experiencing mental health and addictions concerns
• Collaborative, interdisciplinary work environment
• Management of confidential and sensitive information
• Emotionally demanding work requiring strong boundaries, resilience, and self-care

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