RECOVERY COACH
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Aftercare Recovery Program at the Nelson House Medicine Lodge provides ongoing support to Relatives in Recovery who are awaiting to enter or have completed the eight-week residential treatment program. This program is rooted in Indigenous values, traditions, ceremony- and land-based healing practices, ensuring a culturally safe and holistic approach to recovery.
Key Responsibilities:
· Wrap-Around Services: Collaborate with the Intake & Aftercare Specialist to deliver comprehensive support that addresses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
· Home Visits: Participate in scheduled home visits alongside the Intake & Aftercare Specialist, ensuring compliance with the Work Alone Policy and fostering trust and connection within the community.
· Aftercare Programming: Assist in planning and facilitating aftercare sessions, which may include online support groups, sharing circles, cultural activities, relapse prevention strategies, and life skills development.
· Community Engagement: Actively engage with Relatives in Recovery, encouraging participation in cultural and land-based activities and ceremonies, peer support groups, and community events to strengthen their recovery journey.
· Resource Coordination: Help connect individuals with additional resources such as employment programs, counselling services, and traditional healing supports.
· Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate records of visits, program participation, and progress to support continuity of care.
Program Goals:
· Promote long-term sobriety and wellness through culturally grounded practices.
· Strengthen family and community connections as part of the healing process.
· Empower individuals to reintegrate successfully into their home environment with ongoing support.
Qualifications
· Educational Background: A certificate or diploma in counselling, social work, or a related field from a recognized institution is preferred, or equivalent experience.
· Cultural Awareness: Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous cultures and healing practices, including the seven sacred teachings.
· Lifestyle: Maintain a minimum of one (1) year of clean, healthy, and sober living. Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating healthy coping strategies and the ability to manage emotions effectively in stressful situations.
· Technical Skills: Basic proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, Excel, and Teams.
· Driver’s License: Must have a valid Class 5 driver license minimum, with willingness to obtain a Class 4 driver license within six months of hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, supporting staff in their duties.
· Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with our Relatives In Recovery and colleagues professionally and empathetically.
· Organizational Skills: Efficient in managing documentation and scheduling to assist with program logistics.
· Cultural Competence: Understanding of, and respect for, Indigenous healing methods and cultural practices.
· Confidentiality: Commitment to maintaining client confidentiality and upholding ethical standards.
Indigenous Trauma-Informed Practices
· Cultural Humility: Approach with a willingness to learn and understand Indigenous values, customs, and shared histories.
· Safety and Trust: Contribute to creating a safe, respectful environment where our Relatives In Recovery feel heard and supported.
Indigenous Gender-Based Informed Practices
· Cultural Respect: Acknowledge that gender-based experiences are deeply connected with their cultural identity.
· Safety and Trust: Address the diverse gender identities and roles within Indigenous communities.
Duties and Responsibilities
· Intake and Orientation:
o Assist the Intake & Aftercare Specialist in conducting luggage/bag searches and welcoming Relatives In Recovery to the Lodge. Assist with providing them a tour of the building, introducing them to staff, and assigning them their rooms and bedding.
o Assist with intaking list of prescribed medications. Place in secure lockers. Fill in medication charts.
o Help distribute materials and ensure Relatives In Recovery are informed about Medicine Lodge policies and procedures.
· Assist with Assessments and Planning:
o Support the Intake & Aftercare Specialist in collecting data and inputting into client files that will aid the Treatment Counsellors in conducting comprehensive client assessments and developing treatment plans once Relatives In Recovery enter the treatment program.
o Assist in identifying Relatives’ strengths, needs, and risk assessments.
· Relatives In Recovery (Client) Engagement:
o Assist the group facilitator in group meetings as needed; to help record attendance, tend to clients’ needs if the topic matter is too sensitive, helping with group activities, et al.
o Participate in cultural activities, ceremonies, and workshops to support participant engagement and healing.
Assist in co-facilitating psychoeducational workshops, cultural and land-based programming, and group sessions.
· Wrap Around Services:
o Home Visits: Attend home visits with the Intake & Aftercare Specialist to ensure compliance with Work Alone Policy
o Aftercare Programming: Assist the Intake & Aftercare Specialist in the delivery of the Aftercare Program by preparing meeting space, materials, home visits, and engaging Relatives In Recovery who have completed the eight-week residential treatment program
Reporting and Record Keeping
· Documentation Support:
o Assist in maintaining files of Relatives in Recovery and inputting data into the Addictions Management Information Systems (AMIS).
o Ensure all documentation is updated and submitted for bi-weekly file audits.
Additional Responsibilities
· Shift Rotations: Participate in scheduled shift rotations to provide consistent support for Relatives In Recovery. Shifts alternate every two (2) weeks between Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. This role also includes occasional weekend and holiday coverage, as well as participation in an on-call rotation with the Treatment Team.
· Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training and workshops to strengthen skills and maintain required certifications and accreditation standards. Contribute to staff development initiatives, team-building activities, and actively support the accreditation process and continuous quality improvement efforts.
· Event Support: Assist in organizing events and activities for Relatives In Recovery that promote healing and cultural engagement.
· Preparation of Materials: Support staff by preparing and organizing materials for workshops, psychoeducational groups, arts and crafts sessions, and land-based activities. Responsibilities include assisting with inventory management and ensuring supplies are available as needed.
Supervision
The Recovery Coach will report directly to the Intake & Aftercare Specialist and work closely with the Cultural Program Coordinator and Land Based Coordinator to support the healing journey of each Relative In Recovery.
This role is essential in providing supportive care and fostering an environment of recovery and cultural respect at the Nelson House Medicine Lodge. Coordinate and facilitate psychoeducational workshops on mental health and substance use related topics through small and large group sessions, workshops, and arts & crafts, et al.
From time to time, may assist the Treatment Staff when the Associate Treatment Counsellors are away.
Please submit your application to: