Competition # : 41671

Department: Community Services

Location: TRURO

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 08-Feb-24 ( Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

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

Wood Street Campus 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.

This Hiring Pool will be used to fill multiple Permanent, Term, Temporary and Casual opportunities over the next several months.

Primary Accountabilities

You professionally and therapeutically respond to children who may act out in a physically or verbally abusive manner towards peers and staff. You will support children by through the development and implementation of:

• life skills and psychoeducational youth programming that meet individual needs
• counselling and assisting in the classroom
• individualized treatment plans
• recreation and leisure opportunities
  
  

You will provide appropriate interventions in response to crisis situations as well as support and accompany children and youth into 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 Worker, 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 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 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 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 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

Skills

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
  
  

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 Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

You will work in a treatment facility that operates 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week. Rotating shift work is required. Components of the treatment program/ campus may be secured. You will facilitate and maintain both dynamic and static security to provide safety and security of youth, visitors, staff, and the public. While we take precautions, children and youth 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 licence and have the ability to travel, when required.

This Hiring Pool will be used to fill multiple Permanent, Term, Temporary and Casual opportunities over the next several months.

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.
  
  

Pay Grade: PR 04 - PR 11

Salary Range: $1,764.93 - $2,852.85 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

This Is a Bargaining Unit Position Initially Restricted To Current Civil Service Employees Represented By The Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If Applying From Outside a Government Office, Employees Must Apply Correctly Via This Link

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.