Counsellor 3 (Team Lead, Child & Youth Care)

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 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 support and staff, to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.

About Our Opportunity

At New Heights, we are part of a beautiful community, where your education and skills will be leveraged to provide specialized care that will have long-lasting results for young people.

We're hiring a Team Lead responsible for the well-being of clients in our care. You are an essential team player, and leader, who provides staff supervision, including coaching, mentoring, and motivating your team to achieve success.

With your expertise, you are essential in providing guidance and oversight in the development, coordination, implementation, and ongoing delivery of case plans. You have a direct impact on the planning and development of programs, along with related activities within the facility which operates twenty-four (24) hours a day and seven (7) days per week.

Primary Accountabilities

You will supervise and consult with your staff, review performance targets, and develop performance objectives. With your experince and expertise, you ensure that Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)-approved techniques are used in accordance with regulations, acts, and policy.

You'll actively participate in case team meetings to develop and review case plans as well as decisions regarding transfers and discharges. Regularly, you will consult with internal and external team members regarding the implementation of client case plans and monitoring their progress, while ensureing success. You are a critical resource in ensuring client's nutritional needs are met and psycho-educational programs are delivered.

Qualifications and Experience

You have graduated from an approved child & youth care worker diploma, and have at least three (3) years of related experience. A valid drivers licence and the ability to travel is required.

You demonstrate in-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, guidelines, occupational health and safety practices, along with crisis intervention techniques. In addition you:

• are familiar with a variety of computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• demonstrate effective leadership, motivation, and team building skills
• have strong communication skills (both written and verbal)
• excercise good judgment and strong initiative

Previous supervisory experience is an asset, however you must demonstrate leadership abilities including building, motivating and leading teams. 

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

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:

• A related bachelors degree in social science and (1) one year of related experience 
• At least five (5) years related 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

This position will require on-call hours.  Rotating shift work may also be required.

The facility's environment differs substantially from normal office conditions and is often unpredictable. While we take precautions, it must be recognized that a possibility exists of being verbally and/or physically assaulted by children or youth. As Team Leader, you will be supporting clients in-care with complex emotional/behavioural needs, requiring your resilience and perseverance.

The work environment operates twenty-four (24) hours and seven (7) days a week with scheduled rotating employee shifts.
 

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.