Community Addictions Services Coordinator

Waycobah First Nation•Whycocomagh, NS

10d•Onsite

About The Position

We’koqma’q First Nation is seeking a compassionate, experienced, and community‑focused individual to fill the role of Community Addictions Services Coordinator. This position provides leadership, coordination, and direct support to individuals and families impacted by substance use and addiction while overseeing community‑based addiction services and staff. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about healing, prevention, advocacy, and culturally grounded approaches to wellness. The Community Addictions Services Coordinator is responsible for leading and coordinating addiction services within the community. This includes staff supervision, program planning, community education, advocacy, harm reduction, rehabilitation follow‑up, and collaboration with internal and external partners. The successful candidate will work closely with the Health Centre team and community partners to ensure services are responsive, effective, and aligned with community needs.

Requirements

Degree in Social Work, Social Science, Health, or Community Services
Experience managing staff
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Basic computer skills
Strong work ethic
Ability to work with empathy, compassion, and professionalism
Ability to write proposals and reports

Nice To Haves

Certified Substance Abuse Counsellor (or equivalent)
Minimum of five (5) years’ experience working in addictions and/or mental health
Knowledge of the provincial addictions system
Personal experience with sobriety (not required)
Experience working in or with First Nation communities

Responsibilities

Supervise and support Community‑Based Addiction Workers
Create structured department workplans with a strict focus on addiction services
Plan, implement, and update prevention‑based activities for community members
Develop, roll out, and maintain rehabilitation follow‑up plans, adapting as community needs change
Assist with intake procedures for rehabilitation, withdrawal management, and Opioid Replacement Therapy programs
Proposal writing for addiction‑related program funding
Provide support and advocacy for community members and families affected by addiction
Provide peer support and addiction counselling (where certified)
Facilitate or provide therapeutic group programming (e.g., parenting through addictions, women and violence, family supports)
Provide programming and support for families dealing with the addiction of a loved one
Facilitate or provide weekly cultural events focused on healing and wellbeing, to be included in workplans
Develop and deliver a monthly community education plan
Educate the community on the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse, problematic addictions, and associated comorbidities
Work collaboratively with Health Centre staff and community groups to support and educate youth on social pressures and risk‑taking behaviours (e.g., bullying, peer pressure)
Liaise with advocacy and partner organizations, including (but not limited to): MLSN, MMFCS, RCMP, Healing Centres, Hospital‑based addiction services, Physicians and other service providers
Refer clients to members of the Health Centre team when required (e.g., prenatal care, mental health counselling)
Develop and facilitate community harm reduction programs