The Wellness Navigator works alongside the Outreach Worker to help individuals and families access wellness, recovery, and healing services. The role focuses on service navigation, referrals, advocacy, treatment coordination, and continuity of care for community members experiencing substance use, mental health challenges, trauma, and related concerns.

The Navigator connects clients with detox, treatment, aftercare, land-based healing, and culturally appropriate supports. The position uses a trauma-informed, culturally safe, and non-judgmental approach through community-based services and the Mobile Overdose Prevention Services (MOPS) van.

The role supports First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) priorities and promotes access to services consistent with the principles of Jordan's Principle. It is not a Jordan's Principle-funded position and does not administer or approve funding.

Key Responsibilities

- Help individuals and families access detox, treatment, recovery, aftercare, land-based healing, and other wellness services.
- Coordinate referrals, treatment arrangements, wellness plans, and follow-up to support continuity of care.
- Work with the Outreach Worker to connect community members with services through mobile and community outreach, including the MOPS van.
- Assess clients' self-reported wellness needs, complete program intakes, and connect clients with appropriate clinical, cultural, and community supports.
- Provide non-clinical individual and group support, including healing circles and family meetings, within the employee's training and scope of practice.
- Provide education on substance use, harm reduction, recovery, FASD, prenatal alcohol exposure, and healthy living.
- Develop and coordinate wellness programs, activities, and community engagement initiatives.
- Connect clients with housing, employment, education, and other community resources.
- Collaborate with treatment centers, health professionals, cultural supports,



and community partners.
- Maintain accurate client records, service plans, referrals, and program statistics in accordance with privacy requirements and funding agreements.
- Recognize and respond to overdose, mental health crises, and other emergencies in accordance with established procedures.
- Provide temporary outreach coverage when required, including wellness checks, harm-reduction support, naloxone response, and service connections, within approved training and safety procedures.
- Participate in team meetings, program planning, and evaluation, and perform other related duties within the scope of the position.
- Other duties as required.

Qualifications & Experience

- Diploma or certificate in Addictions Studies, Mental Health, Social Services, Health Care, or a related field; or Grade 12 with at least two years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience supporting individuals affected by substance use, mental health challenges, or trauma.
- Knowledge of detox, treatment, recovery, harm reduction, aftercare, and culturally appropriate healing services.
- Ability to provide non-clinical individual and group support while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Experience working with First Nations communities and lived or living experience related to substance use or mental health are assets.
- Strong communication, coordination, documentation, and confidentiality skills.
- First Aid, CPR, and naloxone training, or willingness to obtain certification.
- Satisfactory criminal record check,



including vulnerable-sector screening, as required.
- Valid Class 5 driver's license, satisfactory driver's abstract, and eligibility to operate Cheam First Nation vehicles.

Working Conditions

- Community-based work involving office duties, home visits, walking outreach, and use of the MOPS van.
- Regular interaction with individuals experiencing substance use, mental health challenges, trauma, or crisis.
- Flexibility to work scheduled evenings and weekends as required.
- Physical activities may include walking, standing, driving, and lifting light supplies.

How to Apply Apply by submitting your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role.

Cheam First Nation is an equal prospect employer and is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

As an Indigenous organization, preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit).

All applicants are encouraged to voluntarily self-identify in their application if they are a member of an equity-deserving group.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team at Cheam. We appreciate the time and effort you have taken to apply for this role.

Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest and encourage you to apply for the future opportunities that match your qualifications.

Pay: $25.00-$30.00 per hour

Application question(s)

- Are you First Nations, Metis, and Inuit?
- Are you a Cheam member?
- Detail your experience in a similar role?
- Why do you want to work with Cheam?

Work Location: In person

📌 Wellness Navigator (Rosedale)
🏢 Cheam First Nation
📍 Rosedale