Opportunities Youth Worker 1-4 (Dartmouth)(Multiple Opportunities)

About Us

At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD) we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW) Employment Support Services(ESS) Income Assistance (IA) Homelessness and Supportive Housing and Disability Support Program(DSP).

Through our services we advocate and help vulnerable Nova Scotians be independent self-reliant and secure. We work collaboratively across the province with a strong dedicated network of supports and staff to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.

About Our Opportunity

This opportunity is for individuals who are passionate about supporting the development of children and youth in a community-based program in Dartmouth NS. While the program is based in Dartmouth NS the services for the children will be an extension of WSC Long Term Treatment program in Truro NS.

Wood Street Campus (WSC) is a cornerstone in providing specialized treatment services for children in the care of the Minister of Community Services. We operate 24 hours a day seven (7) days a week and are passionate about supporting our youth and enhancing their development into successful young people in the community. The experience of fostering positive outcomes for children is very rewarding and requires a highly motivated and energetic individual!

Were hiring compassionate creative Youth Workers to join our team. Youll work in an engaged and rewarding environment where you have a direct positive and long-lasting impact on the lives of many children. When you join our team youll become a member of an Interdisciplinary Team where we all work together to provide diagnostic assessment and treatment services and programming for children in care.

As a Youth Worker you are a critical member of the team and are responsible for the day-to-day direct delivery of treatment programming and case management and stabilization services.

Primary Accountabilities

You professionally and therapeutically respond to children through the development and implementation of:

• life skills and psychoeducational youth programming that meet individual needs
• individualized treatment plans
• recreation and leisure opportunities
• Plan and maintain an environment that protects the health security and well-being of children
• Organising and supervising community activities such as sports and recreation

You will provide appropriate interventions in response to crisis situations as well as support and accompany the childrenin the community. You will also support and coordinate orientation programs for children families and guardians.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a bachelors degree in Social Sciences (such as Social Worker Psychology Counselling Sociology etc.) or an equivalent combination of training and experience.Notice to Pending Graduates: If you anticipate graduation from your program within the next few months of this posting you are encouraged to apply.

You demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of short-term crisis stabilization programs and effective youth care intervention. You demonstrate knowledge of human behaviour stages of development of youth and children the dynamics of group care along with trauma informed care. You are inclusive and demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of the varied lived experiences of Nova Scotias diverse demographics.

Key qualities of yours include:

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to prevent and resolve conflicts effectively using good counselling
• Excellent Report writing and effective communication
• Quick decision-making skills in high-stress situations
• Discretion with confidential matters
• Knowledge of various software packages such as Microsoft Suite (Word Excel Outlook and PowerPoint).

Though not necessary any experience with case management systemswould be considered an asset. Previous experience with child welfare early childhood development crisis services shelters and supporting persons with disabilities and substance dependency are considered assets.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination standardized tests oral presentations interview(s) and reference checks.

Equivalency

This is an excellent career opportunity for many.We recognize equivalent combinations of training education and experience providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include but are not limited to:

• 4 years of related work experience without a bachelors degree

• 2-year diploma in a related field combined with 2 years of related work experience

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan Health Dental Life Insurance General illness Short and Long Term Disability Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

You will work in a child and youth caring program that operates 24 hours a day seven (7) days a week. Rotating shift work is required. You will facilitate and maintain both dynamic and static security to provide safety and security of youth visitors staff and community. While we take precautions children may demonstrate harmful/aggressive behaviours and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) techniques are utilized to manage these behaviours.

Personal resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be subjected to a high degree of stress and must be able to work under pressure and in crisis situations.

Additional Information

You must have a valid drivers licenceand have the ability to travel when required.

Currently four (4) temporary opportunities are available with anticipated end dates of September 30 2026. The appointment status (term temporary or casual) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance tools resources and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued respected connected and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless career paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.