Community Healing Coordinator

Location: West Cape Breton Island (Baddeck)

Position:
Community Healing Coordinator

Department:
Health

Location:

We'koqma'q First Nation
Position Type:
Full-Time, 1-Year Contract

Reports To:

Director of Health

Number of Vacancies : 1

About the Role
We'koqma'q First Nation is seeking a compassionate and community-focused Community Healing Coordinator to support healing, wellness, and community resilience initiatives.

Working closely with community leadership, wellness teams, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, service providers, and regional partners, the Community Healing Coordinator will help strengthen community-led approaches to crisis response, healing through loss, grief support, trauma-informed care, and workforce wellness.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the implementation of the Healing Through Loss Framework, promoting culturally safe wellness initiatives, building community capacity, and strengthening partnerships that support the long-term health and well-being of community members.

Key Responsibilities
Community Crisis Response and Healing

Support community-led responses to crisis, grief, loss, trauma, and wellness concerns.

Assist in coordinating resources, supports, and services during times of community need.

Help identify immediate, short-term, and long-term healing and wellness priorities.

Work alongside frontline workers, wellness teams, and community support services.

Healing Through Loss Framework

Support the implementation of the Healing Through Loss Framework within the community.

Coordinate engagement sessions, workshops, meetings, and follow-up activities.

Promote culturally grounded approaches to grief, loss, healing, resilience, and wellness.

Assist with the development of local healing initiatives that reflect community needs and priorities.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Build positive relationships with community members, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, service providers, and regional partners.

Support collaboration between We'koqma'q and external organizations focused on mental wellness and healing.

Participate in Community of Practice meetings and knowledge-sharing activities.

Capacity Building and Education

Assist with community support mapping and resource development.

Identify opportunities for training, education, mentorship, and workforce development.

Support the development of culturally relevant tools, resources, and educational materials.

Promote trauma-informed, culturally safe, and strengths-based practices.

Workforce Wellness

Support initiatives that promote staff wellness, resilience, self-care, and psychological safety.

Assist in planning and coordinating wellness activities for frontline workers and community support staff.

Encourage peer support, collaboration, and reflective practice.

Administration and Reporting

Maintain records of engagement activities, meetings, and program outcomes.

Assist with data collection, evaluation, and continuous improvement activities.

Prepare reports, updates, and recommendations as required.

Monitor emerging community needs and identify service gaps.

Qualifications
Required

Degree in Social Work, Public Health, Community Development, Indigenous Studies, Mental Health and Addictions, or a related field.

Minimum two (2) years of experience in community wellness, mental health, crisis response, Indigenous health, or community development.

Experience working respectfully with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and service providers.

Strong understanding of grief, loss, trauma-informed care, community healing, and mental wellness.

Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Valid Nova Scotia Driver's Licence and reliable transportation.

Successful Criminal Record Check (and Vulnerable Sector Check if required).

Assets

Knowledge of Mi'kmaw culture, traditions, healing practices, and community values.

Knowledge of the Mi'kmaw language.

Experience in crisis response or community wellness programming.

Understanding of Indigenous-led approaches to wellness and healing.

Experience developing resources, facilitating workshops, or supporting community engagement initiatives.

Working Conditions

Combination of office, community, and meeting-based work.

Regular travel within Mi'kmaw communities throughout Nova Scotia.

Occasional evening and weekend activities.

Occasional overnight travel for meetings, training, conferences, and community events.

Work involves sensitive topics related to grief, loss, trauma, and mental wellness.

Why Join Us?
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