Clinical Therapist (Masters) - First Nations - Adult Team - Mental Health & Addictions

​Req ID: 193571
Location: Western Zone, Yarmouth Regional Hospital  
Department: MHA WZ Adult YRH
Type of Employment: Permanent Hourly FT (100%) x 1 
CUPE
 Healthcare Position
Posting Closing Date: 7-Jan-25

Nova Scotia Health is the largest provider of health services in Nova Scotia, with some specialized services also offered to clients throughout Atlantic Canada. We’re on a mission to achieve excellence in health, healing, and learning through working together, which is reflected in the hospitals, health centres, and community-based programs we operate across the province. Our passionate team of professionals provides a variety of high-quality inpatient and outpatient services including academic, tertiary, and quaternary care, as well as continuing care, primary health care, public health, and mental health and addictions. Join a diverse team of innovators, collaborators, and creative thinkers today.

Nova Scotia Health employs professionals in all corners of our beautiful province. We believe there's a place here for everyone to call home, from vibrant cities with exuberant nightlife to quaint towns with picturesque trails. The work-life balance that comes with a Nova Scotia Health role means you'll have the time to explore, discover, and participate in that coveted Atlantic lifestyle. Visit us today and check out www.novascotia.com to see why more people from across the globe are moving here.

Recruitment Incentives

Successful candidates may be eligible for a $5000 signing bonus and up to $5,000 of relocation assistance with a defined Return of Service contract.

About the Opportunity

Nestled in the scenic and tranquil district of Southwest Nova Scotia, this position offers a unique opportunity for a Clinical Therapist to work across a variety of beautiful and supportive settings within a vibrant community. As a Clinical Therapist, you will play a pivotal role in delivering essential mental health and addiction services, by providing both First Appointments and ongoing Treatment sessions.
Reporting to the Manager, Adult Outpatient – Mental Health & Addictions, the Clinical Therapist is an integral member of a multi-disciplinary team responsible for delivering high-quality, time-limited, evidence-based psycho-social assessments and treatments. You will be working with adults (19 years and older) who are experiencing Tier-3 mental health disorders and Substance Use Disorders.

This position is split in two: 80% (4 days a week) working on site at our Community Mental Health clinic out of Yarmouth Hospital, and 20% (1 day a week) working at Acadia First Nations and supporting on reserve community members of all ages (across the lifespan).

Key Responsibilities

Provide First Appointments and Treatment sessions for adults with mental health and substance use issues across various district sites.
Deliver time-limited, evidence-based psycho-social assessments and interventions, adhering to Stepped Care principles and clinical care pathways that are disorder-specific.
Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team, offering consultation and receiving peer support to ensure the effectiveness and integrity of all assessments and treatment plans.
Participate in regular consultation group meetings to foster collegial support, accountability, and professional growth.
Adhere to recognized ethical codes, standards, legislation, and professional guidelines relevant to clinical practice in mental health and addictions.
Maintain a strong commitment to inclusivity and respect, with a deep understanding of the complex and subtle diversity and inclusion challenges faced by different population groups in the community.
Why Southwest Nova Scotia?
This position offers more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to live and work in one of the most picturesque regions in Canada. Southwest Nova Scotia is known for its breathtaking coastal landscapes, charming communities, and strong sense of belonging. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and boating or prefer exploring rich local culture and history, this region offers an exceptional quality of life for those looking for a fulfilling work-life balance.

About You

We would love to hear from you if you have the following:

  • Master’s Degree in a clinical health-related discipline (Masters in Social Work, Psychology, Masters in Counseling, Masters in Nursing, or Masters in Occupational Therapy)
  • Current registration with relevant provincial regulatory body or eligible
  • Minimum two (2) years' related experience required including assessment and planning, treatment and intervention, and discharge planning
  • In-depth and critical understanding of the principles of harm reduction, the dynamics of addiction, and evidence-based interventions for the treatment of addiction
  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of standard criteria used (DSM-5) for the classification and diagnosis of mental health disorders
  • Demonstrated knowledge and skills in individual/ group cognitive behavioral therapy as well as psycho-educational groups
  • Demonstrated knowledge and skills in crisis intervention, suicide, and violence risk assessment/ intervention
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently with limited supervision and participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team
  • Basic competencies in relation to identifying and treating concurrent mental health and substance use disorders
  • Experience in interviewing, counseling, and teaching health concepts to individuals, families, and groups
  • Demonstrated knowledge and skills in collaborating with families in relation to sharing information, and implementing family-sensitive services that involve families in the care and recovery of people living with mental illness and addiction

Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred

Minimum two (2) years of clinical experience required. If not available, candidates with less than two (2) years of experience may be considered for the selection process. If offered employment, they will be placed on the Clinical Therapist (Developmental) scale.
 
Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.

Hours

  • Permanent, full-time position; 75 hours bi-weekly
  • Travel between sites may be required

Compensation and Benefits

Clinical Therapist

$39.39 - $51.78 hourly

Clinical Therapist (Less than two years experience):

$34.27 - $43.27 hourly

Successful candidates may be eligible for our benefits package which includes health, dental, travel, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage as well as a defined benefit pension plan.

Once You've Applied

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. 

​This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Employees are encouraged to view their seniority hours and dates in their SuccessFactors online profile. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units, or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage, prior to accepting the position.

Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve. We encourage all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.


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