New job Counsellor 2(A)-(B) (Relief Roster - Nexus) in Nova Scotia

About Us

The Department of Community Services (DCS) works collaboratively with community, social enterprise, other departments of government, and not-for-profits to ensure vulnerable children, families and individuals receive the supports they need to live safe, healthy, and productive lives. We are committed to a social service system that helps people be as independent and healthy as possible, and to reach their full potential.

We offer various programs including Child, Youth & Family Support, Employment Support & Income Assistance, Homelessness and Disability Support Programs.

For more information on our Department please click here: https://novascotia.ca/coms/.

About Our Opportunity

Provincial child caring facilities provide community-based placement options for children and youth in the care of the Minister of Community Services or Mi’kmaw Family & Children’s Services with moderate to severe emotional and behavioral problems, and who require a higher level of supervision and structure than is available in family foster care.

Under the direction and supervision of a Team Leader, the Counsellor provides care programming and care of children and youth in the care of the Minister of Community Services who reside in a youth-in-care facility setting, at Nexus. The facilities operate twenty-four (24) hours of the day; seven (7) days per week.

This posting will establish a Relief Roster for Nexus. This Roster will be used to fill multiple relief opportunities over the next several months.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Counsellor, you are responsible for accurate reporting, file maintenance, crisis intervention, and for assistance with developing programs and activities. You will both lead and co-lead pre-approved psycho-educational youth programming (social and emotional learning), and will role model, lead and/or participate in role plays, and provide support to assist youth development.

Qualifications and Experience

You will have an approved child & youth care worker diploma from a provincially approved post-secondary institution. 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 a sound knowledge of physical, psychological and emotional needs of a youth in care and the family unit. Your ability to work independently or in a team towards the objectives of the established case plans is essential. You also demonstrate knowledge of normal/abnormal child development and financial management.

You have effective communication skills (oral & written) and the ability to facilitate groups. You also have knowledge of various software packages, such as Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowePoint). ICM, or experience with case managment systems, would be considered an asset.

Previous Child Welfare experience is also considered an asset.

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

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Related equivalencies may include, but are not limited to:

• A related bachelors in Social Science

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 offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

The facility's environment differs substantially from normal office conditions. While we take precautions, it must be recognized that a possibility exists of being verbally and/or physically assaulted by children or youth.

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

Additional Information

You must have a valid driver’s licence and the ability to travel when responding to various work site locations.

A relief employee is an employee who is not regularly scheduled by the Employer, but who works relief assignments on an as-needed basis as operational requirements demand. As such, a relief employee does not have guaranteed hours of work. Please note: when competing for vacancies, a successful Temporary, Term or Permanent Relief Employee who is currently employed with the Province will maintain their bargaining unit status, seniority and benefit level at the new workplace.

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.