Community Outreach Worker - Community Based Services - Mental Health & Addictions

Nova Scotia Health Authority; Sydney; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking healthcare provider as a Community Outreach Worker, where you'll play a vital role in supporting adults and families facing mental health challenges. This position emphasizes clinical services, advocacy, and resource coordination, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the community. With a focus on harm reduction and recovery, you'll engage with individuals through assessments, interventions, and group treatments. If you're passionate about mental health and dedicated to fostering collaborative relationships, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a diverse and innovative team.

Qualifications

• At least one year of post-BSW clinical experience in Mental Health and Addictions.
• Knowledge of social determinants of health and trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical services to adults affected by mental illness and substance use.
• Conduct screening, assessment, and case management in community settings.

Skills

Screening and assessment skills

Crisis de-escalation skills

Motivational interviewing

Group facilitation skills

Knowledge of DSM

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of community resources

Education

Bachelor of Social Work

Job description

Click here to apply as an internal applicant.

Req ID: 201872

Location: Eastern Zone, Cape Breton Regional Hospital

Department: MHA EZ Community Outreach Team

Type of Employment: Temporary, Full-Time, 100% (Long-assignment), 1 position

Healthcare Position

Posting Closing Date: 13-May-25

About Nova Scotia Health

Nova Scotia Health is the largest provider of health services in Nova Scotia, offering specialized services throughout Atlantic Canada. We are committed to excellence in health, healing, and learning through collaboration across hospitals, health centres, and community programs. Our team provides inpatient and outpatient services, including academic, tertiary, and quaternary care, as well as continuing care, primary health care, public health, and mental health and addictions. Join us to be part of a diverse team of innovators and collaborators.

We employ professionals across the province and promote a work-life balance that allows exploration of the Atlantic lifestyle. Visit www.novascotia.com to learn more about living and working here.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Assistant Manager, the Community Outreach Worker (COW) provides clinical services to adults and their families affected by mental illness, substance use, or gambling disorder. Responsibilities include screening, assessment, brief intervention, case management, and group treatment in clinic and community settings. The role emphasizes navigation, advocacy, and resource coordination within Mental Health and Addictions and the community, utilizing principles of harm reduction, community development, and psychosocial rehabilitation. The COW will serve as a resource and foster linkages with community organizations.

About You

We welcome applicants with:

• Bachelor of Social Work (or equivalent)
• Registration or eligibility for registration with a professional regulatory body
• At least one year of post-BSW clinical experience in Mental Health and Addictions
• Screening, risk assessment, including suicide risk assessment skills
• Independent practice, assessment skills, and evidence-based care plan implementation
• Knowledge of DSM
• Experience with brief, supportive interventions focusing on harm reduction and recovery
• Crisis de-escalation and support skills
• Group facilitation skills
• Motivational interviewing and client engagement skills
• Knowledge of community resources and development methods
• Recovery-oriented, client and family-centered care approach
• Understanding of social determinants of health
• Trauma-informed care experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build collaborative relationships
• Strong problem-solving and clinical decision-making skills
• Proficiency in additional languages (French preferred)

Please ensure your resume is current and comprehensive.

Hours and Duration

Long-term, full-time; approximately 75 hours biweekly for about 12 months.

Compensation and Benefits

$35.82 - $46.37 hourly; developmental rate $34.80 - $43.30 hourly.

Next Steps

Thank you for your interest. Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. This position is within the Healthcare bargaining unit, with preferences for unionized employees. Please review your seniority and employment details in your profile. For those changing unions or employment status, clarify benefits and entitlements beforehand.

Nova Scotia Health values diversity and encourages applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.