As a Supervisor in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), you provide leadership and oversight to a team of professionals dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Department of National Defence employees and their families. You manage day-to-day operations, staff performance, and service delivery while ensuring programs meet the highest standards of confidentiality and care. Your role bridges human resources management and employee wellness, making a direct impact on workplace culture and employee retention across the Department.
In this position, you are responsible for supervising EAP counsellors, coordinators, and support staff. Your duties include hiring and training team members, monitoring service quality, managing budgets and resources, and developing policies that improve program accessibility. You also serve as a liaison between the EAP, departmental management, and external service providers, ensuring seamless delivery of counselling, crisis intervention, and wellness initiatives.
You work in a professional office environment with opportunities to engage with employees across the Department. Your work involves both administrative responsibilities and direct interaction with staff who access EAP services. The role requires strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily employee assistance program operations, Assign work, monitor progress, and provide guidance to team members, Review work products for quality and compliance with standards, Contribute to operational planning and process improvement
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in human resources, psychology, social work, counselling, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold a master's degree in these areas or in organizational leadership. Some positions may accept equivalent professional experience in employee relations or human resources management.
Relevant certifications that strengthen your candidacy include those in human resources management through professional bodies such as the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations (CCHRA). Experience with Employee Assistance Program operations, counselling service delivery, or mental health support is valuable.
Once hired, you will have access to professional development through the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's learning programs, the Canadian Public Service University, and departmental training initiatives. The Public Service offers continuing education in supervisory skills, mental health awareness, conflict resolution, and organizational management. Many employees pursue certifications in senior human resources management or strategic organizational development to advance their careers.
Entry Plans
Entry into this supervisor role typically occurs through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most commonly, candidates are recruited through external or internal competitions posted on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and internal Public Service portals. You may enter as a new supervisor directly if you have relevant education and experience, or you may be promoted from within the EAP as a counsellor, coordinator, or human resources professional.
The Public Service may also use staffing pools to fill supervisor positions, allowing qualified candidates from previous competitions to be hired quickly when vacancies arise. If you are already employed in the federal Public Service in a human resources, counselling, or related role, you can apply for internal competitions. External candidates with a strong background in EAP operations, HR management, or employee wellness programs are encouraged to apply when positions are advertised.
Student and graduate programs, such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign, can provide entry points into the Public Service at the coordinator or junior professional level, allowing you to build experience toward a supervisory role. Lateral transfers from other departments are also possible if you hold equivalent experience and have successfully completed a Public Service competition.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work in supervisory EAP roles is limited but available depending on departmental needs and operational requirements. Some positions may offer flexible full-time arrangements, such as compressed work weeks or flexible start and end times, to accommodate work-life balance.
Remote and hybrid work options have become more common in human resources and administrative positions since 2021. As a supervisor, you may have the flexibility to work from home for administrative tasks such as staff scheduling, performance management, and report preparation, while maintaining regular office presence for team meetings, staff supervision, and employee consultations. Arrangements depend on departmental policy and the specific needs of your EAP team.
The Department of National Defence is committed to supporting employees with flexible work options where operational requirements permit. If flexible arrangements are important to you, discuss these possibilities during the recruitment process. Collective agreement provisions for your group also outline entitlements to leave, workplace accommodation, and other supports that contribute to work-life balance.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
