Trauma Therapist
Two Year Term Position – October 2022-October 2024
Part-time (21 hours week)
Hourly rate: $50/hr
Location: Shubenacadie/East Hants, Nova Scotia
Closing date for applications: October 21, 2022 (11:59pm)

​The After Trauma Empowerment Network (ATEN) is a non-profit organization in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, that empowers all gender individuals, families and communities affected by and living with the mental health impact from trauma, violence and abuse. Our vision is to improve the lives, well-being and functioning of individuals, families and communities affected by trauma so we can live in a world where individuals, families and communities affected by trauma live an empowered life to reach their fullest potential. For more information visit www.atenns.ca.

Position Summary:
The Trauma Therapist is responsible for providing ethically sound, evidence-based outpatient treatment in the field of trauma and mental health within a small but growing non-profit organization. The primary client population to be served are adults and adolescents who are survivors of trauma, violence and abuse.
We are seeking a compassionate trauma-informed Therapist to assist and guide our clients, in addition to facilitating workshops/groups. As a Trauma Therapist, you will be required to work with clients and conduct regular one-on-one meetings, develop recovery strategies, promote individual self-determination and decision-making to individuals who have experienced trauma, violence and abuse. In addition, you will be required to facilitate regular workshops and groups to individuals from the community.
 
Trauma Therapist Responsibilities:

• Establish therapeutic relationship with client.
• Meet with clients regularly to offer one-on-one support. Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery using one-on-one and group sessions. During these sessions you will support clients in identifying and creating goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources to aid them in achieving those goals.
• Provide support to individuals who have experienced trauma to assist them to regain control over their own lives and support them in their recovery process.
• Develop recovery plans, coping methods, empowerment skills and self-help strategies with clients.
• Promote and encourage clients’ independence, hope, self – determination and recovery.
• Organize and facilitate groups for support, social, and educational purposes.


• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments with clients, and/or their families, with special attention to histories of trauma and oppression.
• Conduct individual sessions in person (or via telehealth where indicated) with clients, as well as with partners, family, groups, or others as clinically appropriate.
• Provide a moving forward plan at the conclusion of the first session.
• Complete assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes in a timely manner/contemporaneously as consistent with the relevant licensing boards.
• Conduct follow-up with clients and/or collateral contacts as needed.
• Successfully keep neat, accurate, up to date records.
• Ensure safety and security of all notes, including securing hard copies under lock and key.
• Actively participates in case review and any meetings as needed.
• Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the trauma and mental health field by reading books, journals, and other relevant materials.
• Build and maintain a strong network of community partners within the region for the purpose of
• collaborative care and referrals.
• Facilitate workshops on topics related to trauma, abuse, healing, mental health, etc.
• Ethical commitment to the informed consent process, client confidentiality and the limits of
• confidentiality in practice.
• Other administrative duties associated with a non-profit organization where indicated.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work/Counseling/Psychology
• At least three years’ experience working with trauma survivors, with a focus on systemic oppression and interpersonal violence and abuse. Other trauma subspecialties will be considered.
• Advanced training or supervision in trauma specific interventions, such as EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, somatically based interventions, IFS, TF-CBT, etc.
• Advanced knowledge of internet and email.
• Experience with tele-counselling and virtual counselling (Zoom).

Requirements:

• Trauma-informed - Intermediate or advanced knowledge of impacts of trauma, including Complex Trauma.
• Valid independent clinical licensure and appropriate insurance coverage.
• Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Check
• Deeper understanding of intersectional identities, oppression, and trauma, and a strong commitment to one’s own cultural competency and cultural humility process.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong commitment to social justice.
• Ability to work independently.
• Highly organized with attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience working with diverse populations, including LGBTQIA+

 
The After Trauma Empowerment Network is a trauma-informed environment that is characterized by respect, choice & inclusion. We strive to reflect the diversity of the community. We are committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted, please advise us if you require any accommodation measures to ensure you will be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.

Funding for this position provided by Community Foundation of Nova Scotia and Green Shield Canada.

Cover letters and resumes/CV are invited by email to info@atenns.ca with subject line Trauma Therapist. Only applicants to be interviewed will be contacted. No phone call please.

Office Administrator/Coordinator
Term Position – October 2022-July 2023 (with possibility for extension)
Part-time (21 hours week)
Hourly rate: $20/hr
Location: Shubenacadie/East Hants, Nova Scotia
Closing date for applications: October 21, 2022 (11:59pm)

The After Trauma Empowerment Network (ATEN) is a non-profit organization in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, that empowers all gender individuals, families and communities affected by and living with the mental health impact from trauma, violence and abuse. Our vision is to improve the lives, well-being and functioning of individuals, families and communities affected by trauma so we can live in a world where individuals, families and communities affected by trauma live an empowered life to reach their fullest potential. For more information visit www.atenns.ca.

Office Administrator/Coordinator Responsibilities:

• Welcoming clients/visitors and directing them to the relevant office/personnel.
• Carrying out clerical duties such as answering phone calls, responding to emails, and preparing documents, including office correspondence, memos, and presentations.
• Coordinating and managing meetings and the conference room schedule in order to prevent duplicate bookings.
• Performing bookkeeping tasks such as invoicing, monitoring accounts receivable, and budget tracking.
• General filing.
• Overseeing the maintenance of office facilities, and equipment.
• Adaptability and flexibility to adjust priorities for whatever task is most important at any given time
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information

• Oversee and achieve organizational goals while maintaining an efficient, productive, and positively cultured office and employee experience
• Performing other relevant duties when needed.

Office Administrator/Coordinator Requirements:

• High school diploma or degree/diploma in business, administration, or a related field.
• 2 or more years’ office administration experience.
• Proficient in a variety of computer software applications including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access).
• Comfort with and sensitivity to working with individuals who experienced trauma, violence and abuse and mental health challenges.
• Comfortable handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently (self-motivated) and within a team environment
• Ability to prioritize needs and organize work efficiently; perform tasks on an established schedule
• Proficiency in English; strong oral and written communication skills
• Multi-tasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Office is located on second floor via staircase only.

The After Trauma Empowerment Network is a trauma-informed environment that is characterized by respect, choice & inclusion. We strive to reflect the diversity of the community. We are committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted, please advise us if you require any accommodation measures to ensure you will be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.

Funding for this position provided by the Nova Scotia Government – Mental Health & Addictions.

Cover letters and resumes/CV are invited by email to info@atenns.ca with subject line Office Administrator. Only applicants to be interviewed will be contacted. No phone call please.

ATEN Update

It is with immense gratitude, relief and excitement that I share this update with you.

On May 30, 2022 I sent out an email stating that ATEN would have to close by August 1 if we did not receive funding or a miracle. Well, miracles do happen! WE WILL NOT BE CLOSING OUR DOORS!

First miracle – Hants Realty Ltd. heard our plea and very generously offered ATEN an incredible unheard of rental rate for a huge commercial space in Shubenacadie. With this new space, we will have more office spaces, a thrift shop (with profits going to support ATEN), a gift shop and wellness rooms. Hants Realty Ltd. has truly gone beyond corporate social responsibility and supporting their community.

Second miracle - support from community has been tremendous. Community members and supporters of ATEN stepped up and voiced their concerns to government by writing letters of support, making phone calls and posting on social media. Also, community members like Amy Seymour and Kaitlyn Hardy organized and hosted fundraising events and continue to do so. The outpouring of support and donations from the community is so amazing and validating!

Third miracle - Nova Scotia Government has committed to providing ATEN one year of bridge funding!!! This is BIG news and what we have been working so hard to achieve. Victory!  

Fourth miracle - ATEN received two-year funding from the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia and Green Sheild Canada to hire an additional therapist!

Words cannot express the gratitude and appreciation to every single person who helped support ATEN through this. We never do it alone.

We look forward to opening our doors at our new location (2836 Hwy 2, Shubenacadie) in September. Our office will be closed during the month of August while we move and transition to our new space. We look forward to hosting a Grand Opening in September.

WE DID IT and we couldn’t have done it without all of the support from our community and province.

With heartfelt honor, privilege, gratitude and tears in my eyes, thank you!

Have an empowering day!

Margaret Mauger
Co-Founder/Registered Counselling Therapist

After Trauma Support in East Hants GoFundMe campaign (hosted by Amy Seymour): ​https://www.gofundme.com/f/after-trauma-support-in-east-hants

ATEN Community Heroes Quilt Fundraiser: community-heroes-quilt-fundraiser.html

Donations in any amount can be e-transfered to ATEN directly at info@atenns.ca

Dear Nova Scotia Government, colleagues and community;

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this letter.

In January 2020, I Co-founded the After Trauma Empowerment Network (ATEN) in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, to meet a high need and demand for a community-based, not-for-profit resource to address multiple forms of trauma (i.e., sexualized violence, abuse, assault, domestic violence, human trafficking and exploitation, intergenerational trauma, vicarious, homicide, etc) and those living with the mental health impact. ATEN offers barrier-free trauma-informed counselling therapy, support and resources to all gender individuals, families and communities affected by trauma. I currently have a caseload of over 50 clients and a waitlist of over 20 people wanting to access services. Over the past two years we have provided services and supports to over 275 people across Nova Scotia.

For over two years I have been contacting different departments in our provincial government to schedule an urgent meeting to discuss core operational funding. I either get no reply or get a message to try again in two months. This has been going on for over two years now. We have not had any funding or financial support from either our municipal or provincial government since we began operating. I am exhausted and frustrated.

To date, our operational expenses (i.e., rent, phone, internet, office supplies) have been paid from donations, fundraisers and out-of-pocket. I have been volunteering full-time my professional services since March 2022.
We very much value and appreciate all of the much-needed support we have received from our community, Nova Scotia and Canada.

ATEN’s services and supports are “life-saving” and invaluable to those who have experienced trauma and those who support them.

It breaks my heart to share with you that ATEN will have to close our doors by August 1, 2022 unless we acquire bridge/core funding, or a miracle.

If you would like to help and support, please consider emailing:
Minister of Health & Wellness, Honourable Michelle Thompson - Health.Minister@novascotia.ca
Minister of Mental Health & Addictions Honourable Brian Comer - MentalHealth.Minister@novascotia.ca
Deputy Minister of Health & Wellness and Mental Health & Addictions Jeannine Lagassé - jeannine.lagasse@novascotia.ca

With this fundraiser, we are offering businesses, organizations and individuals the unique opportunity to show their community support by purchasing a quilt square or heart on our Community Heroes Quilt.

The name of the business, individual, In Loving Memory of…, or words of encouragement will be embroidered on the quilt space they purchase.

The finished quilt will be displayed at the ATEN office and various local businesses and organizations and all names will be posted on our Community Heroes webpage.

All funds raised will go directly toward ATEN services and helping those who have experienced trauma.

Benefits of Buying a Quilt Square

• Support a local non-profit organization
• Support individuals/families who have experienced trauma
• Support and enhances sense of connection with community
• Support individuals who need your support
• Inspire others
• Contribute to your own happiness of giving
• Helps make the world and community a better place
• Be a community hero​

We are currently accepting submissions for our 2023 Kindfulness Calendar fundraiser.
​Deadline for submissions is June 20, 2022 

To view our 2022 Kindfulness Calendar click here.

Peer Support Specialist & Trainer
One Year Term Position – May 2022-May 2023
Part-time (21 hours week)
Hourly rate: $30/hr
Location: Shubenacadie/East Hants, Nova Scotia
Closing date for applications: May 2, 2022 (11:59pm)
 
The After Trauma Empowerment Network (ATEN) is a non-profit organization in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, that empowers all gender individuals, families and communities affected by and living with the mental health impact from trauma, violence and abuse. Our vision is to improve the lives, well-being and functioning of individuals, families and communities affected by trauma so we can live in a world where individuals, families and communities affected by trauma live an empowered life to reach their fullest potential. For more information visit www.atenns.ca. 
 
We are seeking a compassionate trauma-informed Peer Support Specialist & Trainer to assist and guide our clients as well as facilitate peer support training programs. As the Peer Support Specialist, you will be required to work with clients and conduct regular one-on-one support meetings, develop recovery strategies, use your experience and knowledge to provide highly individualized services with clients and in the community, promote individual self-determination and decision-making to individuals who have experienced trauma, violence and abuse. In addition, you will be required to facilitate Peer Support Training to individuals from the community.
 
Peer Support Specialist Responsibilities:
 

• Meet with clients regularly to offer one-on-one support. Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery using one-on-one and group sessions. During these sessions you will support clients in identifying and creating goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources to aid them in achieving those goals.
• Provide support to individuals who have experienced trauma to assist them to regain control over their own lives and support them in their recovery process.
• Develop recovery plans, coping methods, empowerment skills and self-help strategies with clients.
• Integrate own recovery process and lived experience of the mental health system to support clients with their recovery journeys.
• Promote and encourage clients’ independence, hope, self – determination and recovery.
• Organize and facilitate groups for support, social, and educational purposes.
• Teach and model the value of every individual’s unique recovery experience.
• Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the trauma and mental health field by reading books, journals, and other relevant materials.
• Build and maintain a strong network of community partners within the region for the purpose of collaborative care and referrals.
• Facilitate Trauma-informed Peer Support Training Programs to registered participants.
• Ethical commitment to the informed consent process, client confidentiality and the limits of confidentiality in practice.

 
Peer Support Specialist Requirements:
 

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license and own transportation
• Trauma-informed practices/principles

• Completion of Peer Support Training Certification

• At least one year of experience as a peer support specialist
• Personal lived experience with trauma, violence, abuse or mental health conditions.
• Willingness to share that lived experience in a relevant and appropriate manner, maintaining peer/client boundaries
• Comfort with and sensitivity to working with individuals who experienced trauma, violence and abuse and mental health challenges
• Ability to work with clients integrating recovery and empowerment principles
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently (self-motivated) and within a team environment
• Ability to prioritize needs and organize work efficiently; perform tasks on an established schedule
• Proficiency in English; strong oral and written communication skills
• Computer competent (MS Word, E-Mail, Internet)
• A satisfactory and current criminal records and vulnerable sector check
• CPR/First Aid
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills
• Highly compassionate and attentive to detail
• Ability to establish priorities and boundaries
• Ability to make decisions with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of client support services and resources within the community
• Excellent assessment and crisis intervention skills
• Ability to work with a variety of clients, and in different work situations

 
The After Trauma Empowerment Network is a trauma-informed environment that is characterized by respect, choice & inclusion. We strive to reflect the diversity of the community. We are committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted, please advise us if you require any accommodation measures to ensure you will be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.
 
Funding for this Peer Support Specialist position provided by the Canadian Women’s Foundation.
 
Cover letters and resumes/CVs are invited by email to info@atenns.ca (Subject: Peer Support Specialist).
Only applicants to be interviewed will be contacted. No phone calls please.