Youth Worker 1-4 (Multiple Opportunities)

About Us

At the Department of Community Services (DCS), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Well-being (CFW), Employment Support (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support (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 under the age of 12, 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!

We’re hiring compassionate, creative Youth Workers to join our team. You’ll 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, you’ll 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 children in the community. You will also support and coordinate orientation programs for children, families, and guardians.  

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a bachelor’s degree in social sciences (such as Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Sociology etc.). 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 interventions. 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 Scotia’s 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 child centered interventions
• 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 systems would 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 bachelor's degree

• 2-year diploma in a related field combined with 2 years of related work experience
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered

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

Multiple one-year term positions are available with anticipated end dates in October 2025. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

You must have a valid drivers licence and have the ability to travel, when required. 

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.