Family Support Worker (Counsellor 2AB)

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 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

As a Family Support Worker, you will provide support to the children, youth and families connected to the Child and Family Wellbeing program. You will have an in-depth involvement and will play an active role in working with children, youth and families to build resilience and inspire change. While working collaboratively with the social worker, you will develop and deliver a plan to provide service, education, support and advocacy to the families, children & youth in care.

If you are looking for an opportunity to make positive impacts on the lives of children and families, establish positive connections and build everlasting relationships within your community, we welcome you to apply!

Primary Accountabilities

As an integral part of the Child and Family Wellbeing program, some of your key responsibilities include:

• Developing strategies and providing knowledge, tools and guidance to families and youth to support independent living and meeting their physical/emotional, social and learning needs.
• Building positive relationships with diverse clients (families, children & youth), ensuring respect, empathy and an understanding of the impact of their trauma.
• Advocating for clients and helping them connect to community supports and resources.
• Assisting with income and social supports, affordable housing and life skills.
• Making independent visits to clients in their homes/communities and attending court sessions.
• Comprehensive and timely evaluation of ongoing services to clients with an intent to find solutions and improve services.   

Qualifications and Experience

You have an approved Child & Youth Care Worker diploma from a provincially approved post-secondary institution. An undergraduate degree in Social Sciences is considered an asset.

You are compassionate, empathetic and resilient with a focus on inclusivity and understanding the needs of diverse clients. You must demonstrate:

• Knowledge of child development, family dynamics and community resources along with an understanding of physical, psychological, and emotional needs of children and youth in a family setting as well as in care.
• Knowledge of financial management and healthy child development & life skills
• Understanding and experience with working towards the objectives of the established case plans.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, to strengthen and improve the support provided to children and families.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships & networks with diverse individuals, groups and communities.
• Effective interactive communication skills (written and verbal) to engage collaborations and navigate diverse client environments with tact and empathy.
• Ability to adapt to the changing/unpredictable client circumstances, exercise timely judgement and make decisions to provide a culturally responsive service to clients.
• Knowledge of various software packages, such as Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook,  PowerPoint, Teams).

Following are the assets for this role:

• previous experience in child welfare or other social services,
• experience with the department case management systems (ICM/CCM)

Please ensure your application demonstrates how you meet the required qualifications and experiences outlined for this position.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies, using one or more of the following tools: standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and background & 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 bachelor’s in social science (such as Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or Community Studies)
• A completed diploma in Disability Supports or Social Services

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

Most of your work involves independently meeting with clients conducting their sessions predominately in isolation from other staff in various locations (i.e. offices, homes (hazards may be present within homes), community agencies/organizations) in both rural and urban settings; this can be outside regular working hours. This necessitates considerable driving time, sometimes with unpredictable and adverse travel/weather conditions.

While present in the office, your time is spent a comfortable office environment.

Your personal resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be immersed in high stress and crisis situations, exposed to various living conditions and aggressive behaviour. You must be able to work under pressure and with clients who may be resistant to service and should be personally and professionally committed to inclusively working with culturally diverse individuals.

Additional Information

A valid drivers license, having the ability to travel and access to a reliable vehicle is required. You will use your personal vehicle, and your vehicle must be properly equipped for the transportation of infants and children.

What We Offer

• Career Possibilities: you will have access to multiple career paths, career guidance, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Rewarding and versatile work; daily, you will get to see the impact you have in and around your community.
• Engaging workplace; you are respected, supported, and valued. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies and incorporate your feedback to enhance our services.