Millbrook First Nation is a Mi'kmaq community located within the town of Truro, positioned in the hub of Nova Scotia. Millbrook First Nation also has reserve land in Beaver Dam, Sheet Harbour, Dartmouth, and Cole Harbour, along with other privately owned lands near Truro and Sheet Harbour.

Using its geographic location, Millbrook First Nation has thrived in numerous economic development endeavours within the past decade. Economic development projects include but are not limited to the construction of the Truro, Millbrook Power Centre, residential apartment buildings and a gaming centre located in Cole Harbour, and a wharf in Sheet Harbour.

The Mental Wellness Coordinator will support mental health and healing in Millbrook by coordinating responsive, holistic, and culturally relevant wellness programming. Reporting to the Director of Health Services, this role holds space for both immediate crisis response and long-term mental wellness planning.

You’ll work with individuals and families navigating mental health needs, while also engaging the wider community in conversations and workshops about wellness, trauma, and care. Your work will involve coordinating traditional and land-based healing opportunities, supporting referrals to culturally safe services, and helping reduce the stigma around accessing mental health support.

This is a collaborative role—connecting with local organizations, health providers, Elders, and other departments to create systems that uplift and support the community.

• Develop a crisis response protocol through engagement with community resources.

• Initiate crisis response in the community, working closely and in collaboration with the health centre and other relevant departments or organizations.  

• Identify and schedule relevant mental health and crisis response training opportunities as needed.

• Facilitate referrals/navigation of culturally-safe, trauma-informed mental health counselling, support and advocacy to community members.

• Collaborate with other staff to address the mental health needs and concerns of patients/clients (e.g., identifying appropriate referrals, offering crisis or emergency support in a timely manner).  

• Facilitate and document ongoing community engagement on mental wellness needs.

• Enhance community and individual mental wellness by identifying and engaging Mi’kmaw cultural, traditional, land-based supports and resources.

• Schedule debriefing sessions with staff following community crises and identify an appropriate resource person to facilitate the debrief session.  

• Work with staff and other organizations (e.g., The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq

• Nova Scotia Health, Office of Addictions and Mental Health) to provide mental health workshops, services, programs, and support to the community.

• Conduct educational sessions on mental health awareness and destigmatization with the community.  

• Apply for program funds that support the mental health needs of the community, carry out programming related to those funds, and report on the funds.

• Raise awareness about and share available mental health services and resources regularly, through the community newsletter and social media platforms.

• Act in a professional and ethical manner, following all recognized codes of ethics, standards, legislation, and guidelines relevant to the position.

• Complete annual training required for the position, such as non-violent crisis intervention training.

• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients and treatment plans.  
  

Education & Experience

• A degree in a health-related discipline or social work, with demonstrated experience in mental health

• Experience working with First Nations communities, especially individuals living with mental health or substance use challenges

• Familiarity with peer-led programming and an understanding of peer support models (completion of peer support training is an asset)

• Experience in proposal development and program design
  
  

Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of health, wellness, and the social determinants of health

• A holistic perspective on human health and behaviour

• Deep respect for and knowledge of Mi’kmaw traditions and Millbrook community culture

• Awareness of the policies and procedures governing health and safety in First Nations communities
  
  

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills

• Confident in public speaking and community-facing communication

• Skilled in workshop facilitation and clear, concise documentation

• Effective verbal, written, and active listening skills

• Strong conflict resolution, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work with minimal supervision

• Motivational, assertive, and able to remain calm and grounded in high-pressure situations

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook Calendar, Zoom, and/or MS Teams
  
  

Personal Attributes

• Culturally sensitive and community-centred in approach

• Flexible, dependable, and committed to confidentiality

• Known for your integrity, compassion, and sound work ethic

• Respectful and able to build effective, trusting relationships with staff, leadership, community, and organizations.

• Comfortable navigating policies while upholding boundaries and care
  
  

Other Requirements

• Mental Health First Aid, ASIST, Grief Support, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training (or willingness to complete these in a timely manner)

• Current First Aid/CPR Level 1 (or willingness to complete)

• Valid Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle

• Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check