Employment Opportunity

Position: Treatment Counsellor (1 Male & 1 Female)
Location: Nelson House Medicine Lodge – Nelson House, Manitoba
Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Are you compassionate, caring, and empathetic? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of people struggling with mental health and substance use disorders? Are you committed to helping stop the cycle of intergenerational trauma impacting First Nations people, families, and communities? If so, we are looking to hire a Treatment Counsellor to join our dynamic team, empowering individuals to strive for a good life rooted in a good heart.

Primary Role

As a vital member of our treatment team, your primary role will involve conducting comprehensive assessments and delivering treatment services within our eight (8) or sixteen (16) week inpatient treatment program.

The successful candidate will possess considerable knowledge of Best Practice Standards in substance use disorders and concurrent disorders, enhancing treatment outcomes. You will promote person-centered care and incorporate traditional and cultural practices into clients’ healing plans.

This role demands expertise in counselling techniques, group facilitation, assessments, treatment planning, and evaluation. Strong human relations skills are essential to guide, influence, and motivate others in achieving the Lodge’s goals. A deep understanding of Indigenous healing methods is crucial to promote culture as the foundation of healing and recovery.

Hours of Work

• Alternating shifts on a rotation basis: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and evening shifts from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Includes Saturday and Sunday shifts.
• Must have at least one full year of abstinence from all substances.

Education and Experience Required

• Degree or certificate in Social Work, counselling, or related field preferred.
• Combination of relevant training and experience considered.
• Strong emotional intelligence, empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to build trust with clients.
• Must possess Class 5 driving license and be willing to obtain a Class 4 license.
• Clear Criminal Record & Vulnerable Persons Check and Adult Abuse Checks (within the last 6 months) required.
• Basic knowledge of MS Office programs or willingness to learn.
• Strong ability to maintain confidentiality.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including dental and vision care, disability insurance, and life insurance after a successful 6-month probationary period.
• 2-bedroom units available for rent on NHML property.
• Retention funds of $4,000 per year for eligible candidates obtaining Addictions Specialist certification.
• Opportunities for training in treatment modalities related to substance abuse, trauma, mental health, and participation in Indigenous healing practices.

Salary Range

• Salary pending education and experience.

Application Process

Please submit the following documents:

• A current criminal record check
• Adult Abuse Registry check
• Resume
• Two references

Submit Applications To:
Ashley Swanson, Administrative Assistant
Phone: (204) 484-2256
Fax: (204) 484-2016
Email: [email protected]

Join us in making a difference in the lives of those seeking recovery and support. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and compassionate professional to our team.

For a full job description, please email Ashley Swanson, Administrative Assistant

The Nelson House Medicine Lodge is looking to hire Two Assistant Cooks:

• (1) Full Time, Permanent Position
• (1) Full Time, Term Position (October 2025 to January 2026)

The Assistant Cook assists the Head Cook with the effective operation of the kitchen to assure efficiency of the operations, nutritional adequacy and acceptability of dietetic service to the residential treatment program participants. The primary duties of the Assistant Cook are to assist in the preparation, cooking and service of the nutritious menus.

Knowledge, Abilities and skills:
Ability to take directions and use the knowledge acquired from dietician/nutritionist and Head Cook in the food preparation, cooking and services.

Education and Experience required:
Any combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, ability and skills. Must have a valid Safe Food Handling certificate.

Starting Rate of Pay: $20 / hr pending qualifications and experience

Deadline: Open Till Filled

Start Date: ASAP

People selected for this position must be an abstainer of alcohol, cannabis & illegal drugs for at least 4 months. An understanding of Indigenous culture & the ability to speak Cree is an asset.

Send cover letter, resume, Adult Abuse and Criminal Records Checks to:
Ashley Swanson, Administrative Assistant
Phone (204) 484-2256
Email: [email protected]

We thank all those that apply, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Position: 1 Full-Time Intake (.25) / Aftercare (.75) Specialist
Location: Nelson House Medicine Lodge – Nelson House, Manitoba
Application Deadline: Thursday, September 18, 2025

Primary Role

The Intake / Aftercare Specialist plays a pivotal role in fostering strong relationships with referral agents, funders, and efficiently coordinating the intake process. Reporting to the Senior Counsellor, this position involves screening applications for the 8-week or 16-week adult residential treatment program and providing follow-up services. This ensures continuity of care for clients who have completed or left the program. Understanding and respect for Indigenous Trauma Informed Practices & Indigenous Gender Informed Practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

Intake (.25)

• Manage the screening, intake, and orientation processes, which are critical components of the NHML in-patient treatment program.
• Process all applications and enter data into the Addictions Management Information System (AMIS).
• Ensure all documentation is completed and attached before submission to the Screening Committee for review.
• Communicate the Screening Committee’s decisions to referral agencies promptly.
• Conduct searches of clients’ luggage and/or persons, and assign bedding.
• Facilitate the intake and orientation process for all new clients.

Aftercare (.75)

• Provide follow-up support for clients who have completed the 8- or 16-week program, focusing on their ongoing recovery and continuity of care.
• Co-facilitate small and large group sessions with clients in the aftercare program
• Work in collaboration with the Treatment Team
• Inform clients of resources, and programs and services available to them.
• Record follow up and progress into Addictions Management Information System  (AMIS) database

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

• Proficiency with computers, the Internet, and effective telephone etiquette.
• Strong human relations skills.
• Must be an abstainer and possess knowledge of the Cree language, cultural practices, and beliefs.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Education and Experience Required

• A combination of relevant training and work experience necessary to fulfill the duties of the Intake Worker.
• At least two full years of living a clean, healthy, and sober lifestyle.
• Understanding and respect for Indigenous culture and ceremonies as the foundation of recovery.
• Ability to speak Cree is considered an asset.

Salary

• Negotiable, based on qualifications and experience.

Application Process

Please submit the following documents:

• A current criminal record check
• Adult Abuse Registry check
• Resume
• Two references

Submit Applications To:
Ashley Swanson, Administrative Assistant
Phone: (204) 484-2256
Fax: (204) 484-2016
Email: [email protected]

Join us in making a difference in the lives of those seeking recovery and support. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and compassionate professional to our team.

For a full job description, please email Ashley Swanson, Administrative Assistant

LOCATION: Nelson House, Manitoba
COMPETTION NO.: 2025-05-001
POSITION: Receptionist – Full-time, Permanent (1)
DEPARTMENT: Administration
SALARY RANGE: $43,423.90 to $ 59,428.61, Pending Qualifications & Experience
START DATE: ASAP
CLOSING DATE: Monday, May 26, 4:00 pm
WORKING HOURS Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, paid lunch

Nelson House Medicine Lodge is seeking dedicated and qualified individuals to join our team. The following full-time position offers a rewarding opportunity to work in a supportive and culturally grounded environment.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Receptionist plays a key role in representing the Nelson House Medicine Lodge and is important to arrive to work on time to greet our relatives (clients), staff and the public at large.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, they are responsible for maintaining the reception area, keeping it clean, tidy and organized and assisting with administrative tasks. They must be prompt, courteous, and practice proper telephone etiquette when greeting visitors and the public at large. They will be aware of the programs and services offered at the NHML and be able to provide general information to the public. The work is usually performed at their workstation within the organization.

The Nelson House Medicine Lodge works with adults with high levels of mental health and substance use challenges, many of whom have experienced acute or chronic trauma. Staff shall be aware of the inherent risks of working with this at-risk population we serve as well as any additional risks that may emerge with new admissions.

We offer a competitive wage and employee benefits package

Application Requirements:

• A current résumé
• Two work references
• A current Criminal Record Check

Submit Applications To:
Ashley Swanson, Administrative Assistant
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 204-484-2256

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please Note: These positions are considered safety-sensitive and involve direct contact with residential clients. As such, abstinence from all mood-altering substances, including alcohol and cannabis, for a minimum of 4 months is a requirement before hiring.

LOCATION: Nelson House, Manitoba
COMPETTION NO.: 2025-05-002
POSITION: Human Resources/Accreditation Coordinator – Full-time, Permanent (1)
DEPARTMENT: Administration
SALARY RANGE: ** currently under review. Negotiable, pending education and experience.
START DATE: ASAP
CLOSING DATE: Monday, May 26, 4:00 pm
WORKING HOURS Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, paid lunch

Nelson House Medicine Lodge is seeking dedicated and qualified individuals to join our team. The following full-time position offers a rewarding opportunity to work in a supportive and culturally grounded environment.

POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Human Resources & Accreditation Coordinator supports the Department Managers by managing administrative tasks, handling employee inquiries, and assisting with various HR processes like recruitment, onboarding, retention, and benefits administration. They will lead, develop and coordinate ongoing accreditation standards as a function of the quality assurance program. They act as a liaison between employees and management, ensuring HR processes run smoothly.

We offer a competitive wage and employee benefits package

Application Requirements:

• A current résumé
• Two work references
• A current Criminal Record Check

Submit Applications To:
Ashley Swanson, Administrative Assistant
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 204-484-2256

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please Note: These positions are considered safety-sensitive and involve direct contact with residential clients. As such, abstinence from all mood-altering substances, including alcohol and cannabis, for a minimum of 4 months is a requirement before hiring.

DEADLINE: Open Until filled
COMPETTION NO.: 2024-11-006
POSITION: NNADAP Counsellor – Full-time, Permanent (1)
DEPARTMENT: Prevention Program
SALARY RANGE Negotiable, Pending Qualifications & Experience
START DATE: ASAP
WORKING HOURS Shift work may include some evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call.
LOCATION: Nelson House, Manitoba

POSTION SUMMARY:

The National Native Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) Counsellor will report to the NNADAP Coordinator. The NNADAP worker is responsible for the prevention, promotion, harm reduction strategies regarding substance use.

The worker will provide counselling and referral services to individuals, families and community members (individually and/or small groups) who have alcohol and/or drug abuse issues and promote drug and alcohol-free lifestyles, positive choices as well as how to identify, understand and overcome personal problems associated with substance abuse.

ABOUT THE NELSON HOUSE MEDICINE LODGE:

The Nelson House Medicine Lodge is a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors proudly located in northern Manitoba’s Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation centered in Nelson House, about 800 kilometers north of Winnipeg and 80 kilometers west of Thompson. We offer a residential, non-medical, 8-week, drug and alcohol treatment program that encompasses both indigenous and western world views guided by our experienced and dedicated counsellors and traditional and cultural spiritual healers. Our Vision is to provide safe, credible client-centred care with a focus on balance, collaboration, and inclusion. And our mission is Ithinimithwayawin – reconnecting people to wellness.

The Nelson House Medicine Lodge works with adults with high levels of mental health and substance use disorders and have been exposed to significant acute or chronic trauma. Staff shall be aware of the inherent risks of working with this at-risk population we serve as well as other risks that may occur with new admissions.

It is important to have an understanding of substance abuse and the recovery process and knowledge or understanding of indigenous culture, speaking Cree and/or other indigenous language fluently, is desired.

We are actively seeking compassionate, self-motivated, dependable, and hardworking individuals with strong work ethics, with an ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team with excellent communication skills and basic knowledge of computers, Microsoft programs and general office equipment.

All applicants must provide a recent Criminal Record / Vulnerable Persons, Adult & Child Abuse Registry checks before hire date.

Preference will be given to those that hold a valid Class 5 driver’s license, minimum. Class 4 license is an asset, or willing to obtain within three (3) months of hire.

BENEFITS:

After a successful 3-month probationary period, employees are eligible for:

• Competitive wages
• Comprehensive benefits package that includes dental and vision care, disability insurance and life insurance.
• Two-bedroom units available for rent on NHML property.
• Access to rides in a commuter vehicle for those who reside in Thompson.
• Moving allowance for those relocating to Nelson House, if applicable.
• Opportunities for training in your field of work and
• Participating and engaging in Indigenous practices that aid in the healing of program participants.

These positions are considered safety-sensitive position(s) involving direct contact with residential clients and therefore we must encourage that you be an abstainer from any mood-altering drugs and alcohol and cannabis for a up to a minimum of one year.

Send cover letter, resume, Adult Abuse and Criminal Records Checks to:
Ashley Swanson, Administrative Assistant
Phone (204) 484-2256
Email: [email protected]

We thank all those that apply, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted.