Mental Health & Addiction Support Worker Casual

EHN Canada; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

EHN Canada Saskatoon is seeking a Mental Health and Addiction Support Worker to provide non-therapy support when counseling staff are unavailable. You will assist with intake, de-escalation, safety planning, and basic needs while applying trauma-informed care in a shelter environment.

This role requires documenting interactions in real time, coordinating with nursing, security, and team leads, and helping clients access housing, detox, food, and recovery referrals.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Mental Health, Addictions, Social Work, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care practices.
• Experience working with homelessness, addiction, and mental health concerns.
• Ability to respond to crises calmly and effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Clear Criminal Records Check for vulnerable adults.
• Valid Class 5 Driver's License and/or proof of identity.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assess new intakes, focusing on de-escalation, safety, and basic needs (food, shelter, hygiene).
• Build rapport quickly using trauma-informed approaches.
• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and stabilization strategies.
• Engage clients in brief wellness conversations to assess mental health and support needs.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

De-escalation skills

Empathy and active listening

Education

Diploma or degree in Mental Health, Addictions, Social Work, or related field

Job description

EHN Canada is the nation’s largest private network of industry-leading mental health, trauma, and addiction treatment facilities, each with a passion for providing quality treatment for Canadians. We are committed to both caring for our patients and supporting their loved ones. With over 100 years of collective experience, our inpatient, outpatient, and online programs are offered across the country, providing essential compassionate care to patients wherever they are.

EHN Canada prides themselves on providing both excellent and accessible care to all Canadians.

Learn more at ehncanada.com

Be part of the work that’s changing lives.

Overview:

EHN Complex Needs Facility Saskatoon is specifically designed to support individuals with elevated and unique needs. This facility provides essential services to people who require specialized emergency shelter support, where clients are accommodated based upon an assessment of their needs with the purpose of delivering services to clients within the community.

As a vital member of our interdisciplinary team, the primary function of the Mental Health and Addiction Support Worker (MHASW) is to ensure that EHN Canada operates in accordance with the goals and objectives of the treatment program during times when counseling and administrative staff are unavailable. This role is crucial for providing support, maintaining program integrity, and fostering a safe environment for clients on their recovery journey.

This role is a non-regulated role and therefore is not able to perform psychotherapy with clients. The MHASW provide support, encouragement and facilitate some psychoeducational sessions.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Support & Engagement

• Greet and assess new intakes, focusing on de-escalation, safety, and basic needs (food, shelter, hygiene).
• Build rapport quickly using trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches.
• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and stabilization strategies.
• Engage clients in brief wellness conversations to assess mental health, substance use, safety, and support needs.

Process Notes & Documentation

• Complete necessary forms and document in real time.
• Write clear, factual, and timely process notes following each client interaction.
• Flag safety or medical concerns to nursing staff and/or Team Lead as needed.
• Participate in shift summaries, huddles, and daily debriefs.
• Communicate client updates and concerns to the incoming shift and multidisciplinary team.
• Work closely with nursing, security, housekeeping, and Team Lead to ensure client and facility safety.

Facility Support

• Assist with basic housekeeping duties (e.g., tidying common areas, laundry, replenishing supplies).
• Monitor and promote cleanliness and order within the shelter environment.

Resource Navigation

• Support clients in accessing emergency housing, detox, food, or recovery referrals when possible.
• Advocate on behalf of clients and coordinate with community partners when time permits.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Diploma or degree in Mental Health, Addictions, Community Support, Social Work, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care practices.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health concerns.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to crises in a calm and effective manner.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Clear Criminal Records Check for vulnerable adults.
• Valid Class 5Driver'sLicense and/or proof of identity.
• Reported misuse or abuse of mood-altering chemicals for two years prior to application would disqualify an applicant for a period of one year from the date of application.

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be used to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position by analyzing application materials and generating recommendations to support human decision-making.

EHN Canada is an employment equity employer. If you should require accommodation during the interview process, please contact Human Resources.