Workplace Well-Being Assistants support the health, safety, and wellness initiatives of Department of National Defence civilian teams. You'll work alongside human resources and occupational health and safety professionals to implement programs that help employees thrive in their roles. Your day-to-day work includes coordinating wellness events, maintaining wellness resources, processing health and safety documentation, and communicating program information to staff across your organization.
In this role, you'll be the connecting point between HR departments and employees, ensuring wellness information reaches the right people at the right time. You may help organize mental health awareness campaigns, track participation in fitness programs, manage wellness resource libraries, or support employee assistance program initiatives. You'll work in a supportive environment where your contributions directly improve workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
This is an ideal position for someone organized, detail-oriented, and genuinely interested in helping others. You'll interact regularly with employees at all levels and collaborate with various departments to understand their wellness needs. The role offers meaningful work in the growing field of workplace wellness within a stable, inclusive employer.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver workplace well-being 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
Most candidates have a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring completion of Grade 12. Many Workplace Well-Being Assistants have post-secondary education in human resources, business administration, health sciences, or a related field, though this is not always required.
Once hired, you'll receive on-the-job training specific to your department's wellness programs, policies, and systems. The Government of Canada offers professional development opportunities through the Public Service Learning Portal, including courses in human resources fundamentals, occupational health and safety, project management, and communication skills. Many employees pursue HR certifications over time, such as those offered by professional associations like the Canadian HR Reporter or the Canadian Society for Training and Development.
Your organization may also support wellness-related certifications, such as those in mental health first aid, ergonomics, or health promotion. Taking initiative in your own development is encouraged, and advancement often comes through gaining broader HR knowledge and experience.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several Public Service pathways. The most common route is competing in a public staffing process advertised on the Government of Canada job board (jobs.gc.ca). Positions are typically posted at the CR-2 or CR-3 classification level and are open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and in some cases, temporary residents meeting eligibility requirements.
If you're already a federal public servant, lateral moves from other administrative or HR support roles are common and may follow streamlined processes. The Public Service may also use recruitment pools or continuous recruitment for this role, allowing you to apply once and be considered for multiple opportunities across DND.
Student programs, such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), offer entry opportunities if you're enrolled in a relevant post-secondary program. Some candidates start in entry-level administrative positions and transition to workplace well-being roles as they gain experience and demonstrate interest in HR and wellness work.
Meeting language requirements is important—positions may be designated English-only, French-only, or bilingual (English and French) depending on organizational needs. Most postings require proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and may ask about your familiarity with HR systems or databases.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are often available for Workplace Well-Being Assistant roles, particularly in larger departments where workload and scheduling allow flexibility. Many positions offer the option to work four days per week, compressed work weeks, or staggered hours that align with broader HR office operations.
Remote work options vary by department and have become more common following Government of Canada modernization initiatives. Some wellness coordination work can be done from home, particularly administrative tasks, communications, and research. However, expect to work on-site for in-person wellness events, employee engagement activities, and collaborative meetings with your HR team.
Flexible arrangements are typically discussed during the hiring process or after you've successfully completed your initial training period. The specifics depend on your department's operational needs and manager discretion. Telework agreements are formalized in writing and may be adjusted based on business requirements. If workplace flexibility is important to you, ask about these options during your interviews and in your initial conversations with your manager.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
