New Job Child & Youth Care Practitioner (Relief Roster) (New Heights) (Counsellor 2Ab) 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 well-being (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 support and staff, to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.

About Our Opportunity

We consider this to be the best job in the world and are seeking compassionate, creative individuals to join our team. Child and youth care is an evolving profession, and when you join our team, you will be embarking on a rewarding career. You will have the opportunity to establish positive connections with youth and families, during challenging times in their lives.

If you have a passion for people and are looking for your next opportunity to showcase your various active, artistical, creative, and musical talents, consider a career as a Child & Youth Care Practitioner with New Heights.

New Heights provides placements for eight children in the care of the Minister. We are child-centered and aspire to bring diverse and inclusive practices to the center of our work. We have a team of qualified staff who work collaboratively and celebrate success. We inspire our staff to use various strategies to encourage the participation of our youth and make sometimes otherwise ordinary activities into events and assist our youth in ‘trying various interests on’ until they find a fit.

We are part of a beautiful community, where your education and skills will be leveraged to provide specialized care that will have long-lasting results for young people.

This posting will establish a Relief Roster for New Heights. This Roster will be used to fill multiple relief opportunities over the next several months. Relief opportunities are perfect if you are seeking flexibility in your work, or if you are furthering your education. Our department offers flexible working options, which can be explored further during your interview.

Primary Accountabilities

As a Child & Youth Care Practitioner in our Provincial Child and Youth Caring programs, you will provide care and programming 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 trauma- based responses.

You will provide support and engage with children and youth, leading and co-leading pre-approved psycho-educational youth programming (social and emotional learning). A few of your key responsibilities include:

• Appropriate role modeling and advocating on behalf of children, youth, and families for any necessary support and services.
• Creating opportunities for recreational and leisure activities to provide children and youth the opportunity to enhance relationships and make connections in the community.
• Attending and actively participating in community outings, appointments, and meetings.
• Being part of a team that provides a caring and safe environment for children and youth who may require assistance with self-regulation, conflict resolution, and developing skills needed for healthy relationships.
• Collaborating with external professionals including social workers, health care professionals, policing services, probation, and public schools when necessary.

You are also responsible for accurate reporting, case management notes, file maintenance, and crisis intervention, as well as assisting in developing programs and activities. This is where your creative side will shine through, as you incorporate your personal talents and love for unique social and emotional experiences.

Qualifications and Experience

Ideally, you have completed a 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.

Essential to your success in this role is awareness of a trauma informed approach, knowledge of physical, psychological, and emotional needs of youth in care and the family unit. You also demonstrate knowledge of healthy child development, providing opportunity for youth to expand on life skills through support and guidance.

Key qualities of yours include:

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Effective communication skills (oral & written) and the ability to facilitate groups.
• 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 a desirable 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

This is an excellent career opportunity for many, and we do consider an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience. Related equivalencies may include, but are not limited to:

• A related bachelor’s in social science (such as Psychology, Sociology, Social Work)

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Salary Information

TE 18 - TE 21

$24.73 - $32.72

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

Your personal resilience and ability to act decisively and with sound judgment in routine matters or crisis situations are critical. Child and youth caring environments differ substantially from traditional office settings, where you will facilitate and maintain awareness to provide safety and security for youth, visitors, employees, and the public. While we take precautions, children and youth may demonstrate pain-based responses where Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) techniques may be required to ensure a safe environment.

The Facility does operate twenty-four (24) hours of the day and seven (7) days a week, with scheduled rotating employee shifts.

Additional Information

A valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle is required.

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.