Fort McKay First Nation·Alberta
The counsellor will provide client-focused, recovery-based counselling services, including intake, assessments, and treatment planning for community members. They will work within an interdisciplinary team to manage cases, provide crisis intervention, and support holistic wellness through individual and group sessions.
The Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor will provide quality, client focused, recovery based, and culturally appropriate counselling services and support for community members, families and groups within the Fort McKay community. The Counsellor will provide intake, assessments, treatment plans, case management, crisis intervention, education and referral services for clients and their families. The work performed is specialized and involves applying psychological knowledge and theories to a variety of situations. Often the work is performed in multi-disciplinary teams to develop and implement care or treatment or behaviour support plans. Counsellors require active registration with the applicable Alberta regulatory college or professional association. This position is a one-year leave replacement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Work with at risk populations including those with complex needs, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders; by providing addictions, life skills and trauma counselling.
Utilize a variety of psychosocial interventions and treatment modalities (individual, family, group) to children and adolescents experiencing significant mental health difficulties.
Complete intakes, assessments and make decisions around treatment goals with the client.
Review, evaluate, and document client progress and make changes to treatment plan, as necessary.
Provide pre-care and after-care planning and support for clients attending Addictions treatment.
Identify and develop safety plans for high-risk clients, manage and support clients to receive emergency services if necessary.
Establish care plans, goal setting and identify needs as they pertain to holistic wellness.
Work as a part of an interdisciplinary team of professionals to case manage, discuss appropriate therapeutic strategies and share information as required.
Provide one on one counselling and run groups that support enhanced person-centered wellness, inclusive of sober living, relapse prevention, living skills, and other supportive measures.
Work with other members of the Mental Health and Addictions team in offering services and support for clients.
Work with Elders to support the cultural and spiritual needs of the clients, as well as seek out and encourage cultural activities that will support sobriety and overall wellness.
Build relationships with services in the Wood Buffalo region to assist clients with additional services.
Provide consistent communication with the direct supervisor.
Provide monthly statistical data to the direct supervisor.
Maintain records and files in a clinical and professional manner.
Perform other related duties as required.
KEY REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s degree in psychology, addictions, health promotion, social work or related human services field is required.
Active registration with the applicable regulatory college or professional association is required.
Three (3) years of related experience in working with at risk groups and supporting healthy living and life skills.
Three (3) years of experience in addictions services and counselling.
Experience working in a First Nations community setting including knowledge of First Nations culture, traditions and values considered an asset Valid class 5 Driver’s License & Clean Driver’s Abstract A clean criminal record and vulnerable sector check is required Successful candidate will be required to live in (or relocate to) Fort McMurray, Alberta
WHY APPLY? At Fort McKay, we value the dedication of our employees, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to Competitive Pay, we also offer the following; A healthy work-life balance with an on-site fitness centre Transportation to and from work The opportunity to work with a community that is committed to protecting its traditional lands Shift: Monday - Thursday - 8:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday - 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
ONLINE: https://fortmckayfirstnation2.applytojob.com/apply You can also check us out on social media -> Facebook & LinkedIn
Closing Date: Open Until Filled Please ensure you indicate the Competition #020-2026
*Preference will be given to qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry in any hiring decision, please declare your Indigenous status in your application.
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field and maintain active registration with an Alberta regulatory college. At least three years of experience in addictions services and working with at-risk populations is required, along with a valid driver's license and a clean criminal record check.
Market context
Behavioral-health roles in Alberta are often driven by ongoing demand for support workers who can assist clients in community and residential settings. This type of position is competitive because employers commonly look for relevant postsecondary training, a valid Class 5 driver’s license, reliable transportation, and comfort with aquatic activities and pets. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and save time on original job-description research.
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