School Social Worker/Children's Mental Health and Substance Awareness Practitioner

Waycobah First Nation; Whycocomagh; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

School-year schedule

Professional development

Supportive work environment

Meaningful community impact

Job summary

We'koqma'q Mi'kmaw School is seeking a compassionate School Social Worker to support the mental, emotional, social, behavioural, and cultural well-being of students. This school-year, full-time position emphasizes early intervention, family engagement, and collaboration with Elders and community partners to create a safe, inclusive learning environment.

The role centers on Mi'kmaw identity, language, culture, and resilience.

Qualifications

• BSW or related social work degree required.
• Experience with children's mental health, attendance challenges.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, crisis response, prevention.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Eligible for Criminal Record Check.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group support for mental health and wellness.
• Deliver classroom wellness programming.
• Coordinate referrals and services for students.
• Engage families and collaborate with staff and community partners.
• Maintain confidential records and report outcomes.
• Support Mi'kmaw cultural wellness and language integration.

Skills

Strong communication

Assessment

Documentation

Organizational skills

Trauma-informed practice

Crisis response

Prevention

Strengths-based approach

Education

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related degree

Job description

Position: School Social Worker / Children's Mental Health & Substance Awareness Practitioner

Location: We'koqma'q Mi'kmaw School

Department: Student Services & Wellness

Position Type: Full-Time (School Year Position)

Reports To: School Administration

Number of Vacancies: 1

Make a Difference in the Lives of Students

We'koqma'q Mi'kmaw School is seeking a compassionate, culturally responsive, and student-focused School Social Worker / Children's Mental Health & Substance Awareness Practitioner to support the mental, emotional, social, behavioural, and cultural well-being of students.

This position plays an important role in promoting student wellness through early intervention, prevention, family engagement, substance use education, and culturally grounded mental health supports. Working collaboratively with students, families, school staff, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community partners, the successful candidate will help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where students can thrive.

About the Role

The School Social Worker / Children's Mental Health & Substance Awareness Practitioner will provide individual and group support to students, deliver classroom wellness programming, support families, and coordinate referrals and services for students experiencing mental health, behavioural, attendance, social, or substance-use-related challenges.

The position recognizes the importance of Mi'kmaw identity, language, culture, relationships, and connection to community as protective factors that strengthen resilience and support student success.

Key Responsibilities

Student Mental Health and Wellness

• Provide individual and small-group support to students experiencing mental health, behavioural, social, attendance, or emotional challenges.
• Support students in developing coping skills, emotional regulation, resilience, healthy relationships, and positive decision-making.
• Develop student wellness goals and support plans in collaboration with families and school staff.
• Identify students requiring additional supports and coordinate referrals to appropriate services.

Substance Use Education and Prevention

• Plan and deliver age-appropriate substance use prevention and awareness programming.
• Promote healthy coping strategies, resilience, self-esteem, and informed decision-making.
• Support school-wide wellness, prevention, and awareness initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with health and community partners to provide accurate and relevant information and supports.

Classroom Wellness Programming

• Develop and facilitate classroom presentations and activities related to:
  • Mental health awareness
  • Emotional regulation
  • Healthy relationships
  • Substance use prevention
  • Conflict resolution
  • Personal safety
  • Resilience and self-esteem
  • Peer pressure and decision-making

Mi'kmaw Cultural Wellness

• Integrate Mi'kmaw teachings, cultural knowledge, language, traditions, and land-based learning into wellness programming.
• Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, families, and community members.
• Support initiatives that strengthen cultural identity, belonging, pride, and resilience among students.

Family Engagement and Support

• Build positive relationships with students and families.
• Support families in accessing services and community resources.
• Facilitate family meetings, workshops, and educational opportunities.
• Strengthen communication between home, school, and community services.

School and Staff Support

• Consult with teachers and school staff regarding student wellness, behaviour, attendance, and classroom strategies.
• Promote trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approaches.
• Participate in Student Support Team meetings and interdisciplinary planning.

Program Evaluation and Reporting

• Maintain confidential records and case documentation.
• Track referrals, student participation, and program outcomes.
• Prepare quarterly updates and annual reports.
• Identify emerging needs, service gaps, and opportunities for improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or degree in Social Work, Counselling, Psychology, Child and Youth Care, or a related field.
• Experience supporting children and youth experiencing mental health, emotional, behavioural, social, or attendance challenges.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, crisis response, prevention, and strengths-based approaches.
• Knowledge of substance use prevention, mental health promotion, and youth wellness.
• Experience working collaboratively with families, educators, community agencies, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication, assessment, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and sound judgment.
• Valid Driver's Licence and reliable transportation.
• Successful Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.

Assets

• Master of Social Work (MSW) or advanced clinical training.
• Registration or eligibility for registration with a professional regulatory body.
• Knowledge of Mi'kmaw culture, traditions, language, and community values.
• Experience working in Indigenous education or community settings.
• Training in suicide intervention, crisis response, first aid, or mental health supports.
• Experience with culturally grounded healing and land-based approaches to wellness.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A student-centred and strengths-based approach.
• Cultural humility and respect.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Compassion, professionalism, and integrity.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• A commitment to supporting student success, wellness, and belonging.

Working Conditions

• Based primarily at We'koqma'q Mi'kmaw School.
• Combination of direct student support, classroom programming, family engagement, and collaboration with community partners.
• Participation in school events, meetings, and wellness initiatives.
• Occasional travel and work outside regular school hours may be required.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competencies.
• Comprehensive employee benefits package.
• A work schedule that follows the school calendar, with approximately 10 months of work and 2 months off during the summer months.
• Opportunities for professional development and ongoing learning.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of Mi'kmaw children, youth, and families.

We'koqma'q First Nation is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Preference may be given to qualified We'koqma'q community members and Indigenous applicants.