Patient Access Navigator - Wellness Courts - Mental Health and Addictions

Click here to apply as an internal applicant.

Req ID: 221139
Location: Western Zone, Chipman Facility
Department: MHA WZ Wellness Courts Chipman - VRH
Type of Employment: Temporary Hourly FT long-assignment (100%) x 1
NSGEU Healthcare Position
Posting Closing Date: 11-Sep-26

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.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager, Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) Program, the Patient Access Navigator supports the Bridgewater and Kentville Wellness Courts by providing navigation, advocacy, and coordination services for individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use concerns. The Patient Access Navigator builds collaborative working relationships within Mental Health and Addictions and the Wellness Court teams to support participants in accessing appropriate services and resources.

The Patient Access Navigator assists individuals in identifying and overcoming barriers to care while promoting self-navigation within the health care system. Through assessment of client needs, the role facilitates connections to treatment, community-based supports, and ancillary services that address mental health, substance use, gambling-related concerns, and social determinants of health. Acting as a liaison between community resources, Wellness Court partners, and Mental Health and Addictions services, the Patient Access Navigator remains knowledgeable of available programs, services, and supports to ensure individuals receive timely, coordinated, and person-centered care. The role contributes to positive client outcomes through collaboration, problem solving, advocacy, and ongoing support throughout the client's wellness journey.

About You

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

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work is required
• Registration with Nova Scotia College of Social Workers required
• Three years of related experience in Mental Health and Addictions in a health care setting
• Experience working with individuals with Mental Health and/or substance use/gambling concerns
• High degree of motivational interviewing skills and engagement techniques
• Experience utilizing screening and triaging tools
• Knowledge of harm reduction strategies and stages of change theory
• Demonstrated awareness of community resources and programs and community development methods
• Demonstrated knowledge of recovery-oriented practice & patient and family-centered care
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Mental Health First Aid an asset, or committing to complete these courses
• Working knowledge of DSM
• Ability to navigate and de-escalate situations and offer crisis support using appropriate methods when needed
• Demonstrated knowledge of cultural sensitivity and cultural competency
• Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred

Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.

Hours

• Long assignment, full-time position; 75 hours biweekly
• Approximately 18 months

Compensation and Benefits

$36.58 - $48.53 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.