New Job Family Support Worker (Counsellor 2(A)-(B)) In Nova Scotia

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

The Family Support Worker works collaboratively to provide education, support, and advocacy. Working within the Children and Family Services Act, and under the direct supervision of the Supervisor, the Family Support Worker has frequent and in-depth involvement with families and youth within the child welfare system.

Primary Accountabilities

You will provide families and children in care with the knowledge, tools, guidance, and resources that are essential to home management, child rearing, health maintenance, independent family functioning, and individual independence.

You have an enabling and supportive role; assisting with the assessment of client’s needs, counselling, and education to promote enhanced child and youth management along with access to health and education services. In this role, you will 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. You must have a valid driver’s licence and the ability to travel. An undergraduate degree in Social Sciences is considered an asset.

You have sound knowledge of the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of children and youth in a family setting, as well as in care. In addition to this you have:

• an ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team;
• an understanding of, and experience with, working towards the objectives of the established case plan;
• knowledge of financial management, as well as healthy child development, and life skills;
• a supportive, warming nature as you provide support and guidance;
• effective communication skills and the ability to facilitate groups; and
• proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Though not required, it is considered an asset if you have experience with ICM (Integrated Case Management), or child welfare.

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 offering 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 various living conditions, aggressive behaviour, 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 hazards may be present.

Additional Information

This is a Temporary opportunity with an anticipated end date of September 9, 2023. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

In accordance with the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Protocol in High-Risk Settings, full vaccination is a condition of employment for this opportunity.

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.