POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the First Line Service Intervention Supervisor, the incumbent of this position is responsible for the day to day management of the goals, objectives, and activities of the Prescription Drug Abuse Program Guidelines and the Drug Strategy Counsellor work plan.

The primary goal is to support community members struggling with prescription drug substance abuse and develop mental health and addiction plans that provide a range of harm reduction activities, such as:

- Efforts to strengthen screening and assessment
- Brief intervention approaches
- Case management

Therefore, this person works towards a drug-free community through outreach initiatives and presenting choices and using non-judgmental coercive strategies to empower community members to live safer and healthier lives. Another objective of this position is to reduce the ill health, social harms and tragedies associated with addiction and substance use. Such strategies include meeting clients where they are at, gaining trust with clientele, reducing stigma in the community that challenges harm reduction efforts, enabling connections that promote healthy lifestyles including cultural links.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

· Post-Secondary Diploma/Degree in Mental Health

· a good understanding of addictions

· one (1) year plus work experience or a lived experience of adversities in order to provide emotional and social support, free of judgment, to others who share a common experience

· Valid Class 5 Quebec or Equivalent Drivers’ License

KNOWLEDGE & SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

· Peer leadership, research and guidance skills

· Facilitation skills that will lead people to take charge of their lives

· The ability to assess and self-reflect on the efficiency of the program delivery

· Project management and report writing skills

· Knowledge of traditional medicine and a holistic approach to community health and wellness

· Knowledge of all Microsoft Office programs, email and internet





· Good verbal and written communication skills and report writing and data collection skills

· Organizational skills with the ability to prioritize urgent client needs

· Be knowledgeable of available resources for referrals

· Interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team-oriented environment

· Ability to represent TFN with a professional image

· Bilingualism is an asset

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Outreach Activities and Interventions

· Provide information through conversations with the targeted community members and provide follow-up literature to summarize discussions

· Help with Opioid Agonist Therapy for the client when they are ready

· Relevant self-care introduced, both culturally adapted and/or the western approach depending on the client’s preference

· Effective distribution of harm reduction kits and Naloxone

· Maintain client files according to organizational policy

Client Connection Activities

· Treatment center and detox center referrals with discharge planning and aftercare help

· Accompaniment for clients to methadone clinic treatment

· Help with referrals for nurses, social workers, psychologists, doctors etc.

· Services offered at the safe space apartment coordinated around the needs of the clients

· Efforts to support clients with their social wellbeing with better communication between clients and family members

· Links with activities that foster a healthy lifestyle alternative

· Provide referrals to resources and services

· Cultural/land-based healing connections

Advocacy and Promotion





· Advocate for opportunities for clients who struggle with addictions

· Case management efforts to better coordinate services and supports

· Promote harm reduction

· Other related duties as requested by the supervisor

Drug Strategy Development & Coordination

- Participate in development and implementation of community drug strategy initiatives
- Identify trends in substance use within the community
- Support prevention programming for youth and families
- Collaborate with NNADAP, health services, schools, and justice partners
- Contribute to policy development and program planning

Mental Health Counselling

- Provide individual, family, and group counselling services
- Support clients experiencing:
- Depression, anxiety, trauma, grief
- Intergenerational trauma
- Crisis and emotional distress
- Use evidence-based approaches (CBT-informed, trauma-informed, strengths-based practice)
- Develop personalized wellness and recovery plans
- Counselling services based on motivational interviewing techniques that encompass a holistic approach that targets basic needs and empowers the client

WORKING CONDITIONS: · Flexible hours to meet client needs

· Work requires much interpersonal contact.

· Community based role with outreach responsibilities

· Exposure to high acuity mental health and addiction cases

CULTURAL SAFETY COMMITTMENT

This role is grounded in First Nations holistic wellness principles, including:

- Balance of emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health
- Respect for Elders and traditional knowledge systems
- Integration of cultural healing practices
- Trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches
- Community-led definitions of wellness and recovery

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Pay: $30.82-$43.35 per hour

Benefits

- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- In office parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Community Outreach Worker (Notre-Dame-du-Nord)
🏢 Timiskaming First Nation
📍 Notre-Dame-du-Nord