Mental Wellness Coordinator

About Millbrook First Nation
Millbrook First Nation is a Mi’kmaq community located within the town of Truro, Nova Scotia, with additional reserve lands in Beaver Dam, Sheet Harbour, Dartmouth, and Cole Harbour. The community has steadily built a reputation for strong economic development, with thriving ventures such as the Millbrook Power Centre, a gaming centre in Cole Harbour, and a wharf in Sheet Harbour.

At its heart, Millbrook is a community that leads with care, with deep respect for Mi’kmaw ways of being, and a strong vision for the health and well-being of all generations.

About the Health Centre
The Millbrook Health Centre is home to a dedicated team committed to supporting the wellness of community members. The Health Centre provides management and coordination for a variety of health programs and services, ensuring access to care for Millbrook Band members and residents.

This Moment, This Position
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.

How You’ll Contribute

• 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 professionally and ethically, 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.

 

What You’ll Bring
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-centered 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

 

Statement of Intention
We’re looking for someone who brings care, calm, and compassion to the work of mental wellness and who understands the importance of culturally grounded, trauma-informed support.

Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants, particularly those who identify as Mi’kmaq and/or are members of Millbrook First Nation. To ensure a thoughtful and inclusive process, we’ve partnered with the P4G search team, who are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment. They’re here to listen and help accommodate your needs, making sure your journey with us is intentional and inclusive.

 

The Package

Status: Full-time (32-hour work week)
Location: On-site in Millbrook, with travel within Millbrook and satellite communities as needed
Salary: $55,000 – $70,000 (Based on education, skills and experience)
Benefits: Health & Dental, Vacation, Pension Plan
Hours: Monday to Friday, with some flexibility required based on community needs

Application Details
Applications will be accepted until 12:00 pm on June 13th, 2025

Please include a cover letter that shares a bit about who you are and what calls you to this work. Wela’lin!

What to Expect
Placemaking 4G (P4G) is a Social Enterprise Community Interest Company (CIC) in Nova Scotia dedicated to human-centred recruiting and fostering inclusive workplaces. We connect purpose-driven organizations with talent that aligns with their mission, creating spaces where people feel valued and supported.

• We closely review all applications and read each cover letter (we promise).
• If you are selected as a top candidate, expect an invitation to chat with a Lead Placemaker from P4G. This is someone who treats the recruitment process non-traditionally. We want to get to know what inspires you.
• Selected candidates will proceed to a virtual interview with the Lead P4G Placemaker and 2-3 organization representatives.
• Finalists will participate in a second-round interview or skills activity (virtual or in person).
• P4G will check employment references and assist in presenting an offer to the successful candidate.