New job Family Support Worker (Counsellor 2(A)-(B)) 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, and Disability Support Programs.

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

About Our Opportunity

Working within the Children and Family Services Act and under the direct supervision of the Supervisor or designate, the Family Support Worker (FSW) has frequent and in-depth involvement with families and youth within the child welfare system.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Family Support Worker (Child Welfare) you will provide families and children in care with the knowledge and attitudes that are essential to home management, child rearing, health maintenance, independent family functioning and individual independence.

You play an enabling and supportive role with the families and children in care, assisting with the assessment of client’s needs, counselling, and education to promote enhanced child/youth management and access to health and education services. You also assist with income and social supports, affordable housing, and life skills such as self-esteem, positive parenting, child development, communication, anger management, problem solving, household management, safety, and nutrition.

Qualifications and Experience

You will 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 have a sound knowledge of the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of children and youth in a family setting as well as in care. You have an ability to work independently or in a team, working towards the objectives of the established case plan. Knowledge of normal and abnormal child development and financial management is also required.

You have effective communication skills (oral & written) and the ability to facilitate groups. Knowledge of various software packages, including Microsoft Suite. ICM (Integrated Case Management) would be considered an asset.

Previous Child Welfare experience is also 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

It must be recognized that the nature of this position, with its mandated, often court-ordered services, can result in unavoidable hazards, such as: exposure to unfit, non-hygienic living conditions, communicable diseases, potentially physically/verbally/sexually aggressive people, involuntary clients, and unpredictable travel conditions. Family Support Workers conduct their sessions predominately in isolation from other staff in various locations (i.e., offices, homes, community agencies/organizations) in both rural and urban settings; this can be outside regular working hours. Within homes, some of the hazards may include animals, unknown persons in the home, weapons, pests, unsafe structures, and air pollutants/odors.

Additional Information

You must have a valid driver’s licence and have the ability to travel when responding to various work site locations. Travel expenses will be covered in accordance with the collective agreement, policies and procedures.

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.