As an Employee Assistance Program Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellness initiatives of the Department of National Defence. You will work alongside Employee Assistance Program coordinators and mental health professionals to deliver confidential support services to DND civilian employees and their families. Your responsibilities include scheduling appointments, maintaining records, processing referrals, and ensuring program participants receive timely access to counselling and support resources.
Your day-to-day work involves administrative coordination of EAP services, including managing databases, communicating with service providers, and tracking program usage. You will handle sensitive personal information with discretion while maintaining strict confidentiality in accordance with Treasury Board policies and privacy legislation. You may also assist with program promotion, coordinate wellness workshops, and help prepare reports on program utilization and outcomes.
You will work within a human resources or occupational health and safety department, typically in an office setting. You interact regularly with employees seeking support, program managers, external service providers, and other government departments. The role offers meaningful work that directly contributes to employee wellbeing and organizational health within the defence community.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver employee assistance program services to managers and employees, Advise on HR policies, procedures, and best practices, Process HR transactions and maintain accurate records, Support organizational HR initiatives and programs
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some competitions may prefer post-secondary education in human resources, business administration, or a related field. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with computer systems are essential.
You should have experience with confidential record-keeping, appointment scheduling, and basic office administration. Familiarity with human resources practices and employee support services is an asset. Many successful candidates have previous experience in administrative or clerical roles within government or the private sector.
Once hired, you will receive on-the-job training specific to the Employee Assistance Program, including confidentiality protocols, crisis response procedures, and the use of departmental information systems. Professional development opportunities may include training in mental health awareness, customer service excellence, and advanced administrative software. You may pursue certifications in human resources or occupational health and safety as your career progresses.
Entry Plans
The Government of Canada recruits Employee Assistance Program Assistants through merit-based competitions announced on the Public Service Commission's website and through the DND Civilian Workforce recruitment pages. Most positions are posted under the Personnel Support Services or Human Resources administration classifications.
You can enter this career path through several routes: applying directly to posted competitions, registering in lateral move pools if you are already a federal public service employee, or participating in internship and student employment programs if you are pursuing post-secondary education. The DND also maintains eligibility lists from competitions, which may allow for subsequent placements without requiring you to compete again.
If you are a current federal employee in another department or role, you may be able to move into this position through internal processes. The Public Service Commission website lists all current competitions regularly. We encourage you to monitor postings on the DND Civilian Workforce careers site and the Government of Canada Jobs website for available opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Employee Assistance Program Assistant positions typically offer flexible work arrangements. Many DND locations provide part-time and job-sharing opportunities, particularly for positions supporting administrative coordination and scheduling functions. Remote and hybrid work options are increasingly available, especially for administrative tasks such as data entry, report preparation, and appointment coordination.
The nature of the role—supporting employees who may seek support outside standard business hours—sometimes creates opportunities for flexible scheduling or shift work. Work-life balance is prioritized within DND, and you may find opportunities to arrange work schedules that accommodate personal needs while maintaining service delivery. Specific flexibility options depend on the operational requirements of your work location and the preferences of your manager.
When applying for positions, you can inquire about available flexible work options during the selection process. Many DND employees take advantage of Treasury Board policies that support part-time employment, compressed work weeks, and telework arrangements. The department recognizes that supporting employee wellness begins with supporting the wellbeing of its own workforce.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
