Community Outreach Worker - Recovery Support Center - Mental Health & Addictions

Natural Factors; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Nova Scotia is seeking a Community Outreach Worker to deliver clinical services to individuals affected by mental health and addiction issues. The role includes assessment, treatment, and advocacy within the community. Ideal candidates will hold a Bachelor of Social Work and possess strong communication and problem-solving skills. This permanent, full-time position requires up to 75% travel and offers competitive hourly compensation.

Qualifications

• At least one year of post-BSW clinical experience in Mental Health and Addictions.
• Knowledge of DSM and experience with trauma-informed care approaches.

Responsibilities

• Provides clinical services to adults and families affected by mental illness and substance use.
• Involves screening, assessment, case management, and treatment in community settings.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Crisis Support

Motivational Interviewing

Group Facilitation

Education

Bachelor of Social Work

Job description

Click here to apply as an internal applicant.

Req ID: 202949

Location: Central Zone, Nova Scotia Hospital

Department: MHA CZ Addiction Hub

Type of Employment: Permanent Hourly FT (100%) x 2

NSGEU Healthcare Position

Posting Closing Date: 27-May-25

Nova Scotia Health is the largest provider of health services in Nova Scotia, offering specialized services across Atlantic Canada. We aim for excellence in health, healing, and learning through collaboration across hospitals, health centres, and community programs. Join our diverse team of professionals providing high-quality inpatient and outpatient services, including academic, tertiary, and quaternary care, as well as continuing care, primary health, public health, and mental health and addictions.

We employ professionals across the province, offering a work-life balance and the opportunity to enjoy the Atlantic lifestyle. Visit www.novascotia.com to learn more about living and working here.

About The Opportunity

Reporting to the Health Services Manager, the Community Outreach Worker (COW) provides clinical services to adults and families affected by mental illness, substance use, or gambling disorder. Services include screening, assessment, brief intervention, case management, and group and individual treatment, in clinic and community settings. The COW plays a key role in navigation, advocacy, and resource coordination within Mental Health and Addictions and the community, using principles of harm reduction, community development, and psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR). The role involves serving as a resource and creating linkages with community organizations.

About You

We would love to hear from you if you have:

• Bachelor of Social Work
• Competencies in other languages, especially French, are an asset
• 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 and risk assessment skills, including suicide risk assessment
• Ability to practice independently, with excellent assessment skills and evidence-based care planning
• Knowledge of DSM
• Experience with brief, supportive interventions focusing on harm reduction and recovery
• Ability to de-escalate situations and provide crisis support
• Group facilitation skills
• Proficiency in motivational interviewing and engaging clients and families
• Knowledge of community resources and development methods
• Understanding of recovery-oriented, client- and family-centered care
• Awareness of social determinants of health and social context in decision-making
• Experience with trauma-informed care approaches
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build collaborative relationships
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Reliable clinical decision-making abilities

Please ensure your resume is current and includes relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.

Hours

• Permanent full-time; 75 hours biweekly
• Up to 75% travel required

Compensation and Benefits

$35.83 - $46.37 hourly

Next Steps

Thank you for your interest. Only selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.

This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position. Preference is given to unionized employees. Employees should review their seniority hours and dates in their SuccessFactors profile. Applicants changing unions or employment status should clarify seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlements prior to accepting the position.

Nova Scotia Health values diversity and encourages all qualified applicants, including Indigenous peoples, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, to apply and self-identify.