Child and Youth Practitioner

Child and Youth Practitioner (Counsellor 2(A)-(B)) Competition #: 47500, Department: Opportunities and Social Development, Location: NEW GLASGOW, Type of Employment: Permanent, Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG, Closing Date: 02-Dec-25 (Applications accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time). About Us At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD) we provide a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness & Supportive Housing, and Disability Support Program (DSP). Our work advocates for vulnerable Nova Scotians, helping them to be independent, self‑reliant and secure. About Our Opportunity We are seeking compassionate, creative individuals to join our team. Child and youth care is an evolving profession and you will embark on a rewarding career that involves establishing positive connections with youth and families during challenging times. As a Child & Youth Care Practitioner with Janus/Bridges you will provide specialized care with lasting results for young people. Primary Accountabilities You will provide care and programming for children and youth in the care of the Minister or Mi’kmaw Family & Children’s Services, with moderate to severe emotional and trauma‑based responses. Responsibilities Support and engage with children and youth, leading or co‑leading pre‑approved psycho‑educational youth programming (social and emotional learning). Advocate on behalf of children, youth and families for necessary supports and services. Create recreational and leisure opportunities that enhance relationships and community connections. Attend and actively participate in community outings, appointments, and meetings. Contribute to a caring and safe environment for children and youth who may need assistance with self‑regulation, conflict resolution and developing skills for healthy relationships. Collaborate with external professionals such as 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, crisis intervention and assisting in developing programs and activities, where your creative talents are encouraged. Qualifications and Experience Ideally, you have completed a Child & Youth Care Worker diploma from a provincially approved post‑secondary institution or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Notice to Pending Graduates: If you anticipate graduation within the next few months, you are encouraged to apply. Essential to your success is awareness of a trauma‑informed approach, knowledge of the physical, psychological and emotional needs of youth in care, and understanding of healthy child development. Key Qualities Ability to work independently and in a team environment. Effective oral & written communication and the ability to facilitate groups. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). Desirable: experience with case‑management systems, child welfare, early childhood development, crisis services, shelters, support for persons with disabilities or substance dependency. Equivalency We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education and experience, including: Related bachelor’s degree in social science (Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Community Studies). Related diplomas in Social Services, Disability Support, Human Services. Education and experience in Early Childhood Education (ECE). Two (2) years related experience supporting children and youth. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate them in their application. Benefits Based on employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General Illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee & Family Assistance Programs. For more information, see Benefits for government employees. Working Conditions Personal resilience and sound judgement are critical. Child and youth caring environments differ from traditional office settings. You will maintain safety for youth, visitors, employees and the public, and may need Nonviolent Crisis Intervention techniques for pain‑based responses. The facility operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with rotating shifts. Additional Information A valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle are required. What We Offer Career development with guidance, resources, and ongoing training throughout your career. An engaging workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and connected. Countless career paths. Department‑specific flexible working schedules. Pay Grade TE 18 – TE 21 Salary Range $1,864.28 – $2,466.26 Bi‑weekly Employment Equity Statement Our goal is a diverse workforce that represents the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in under‑represented occupations. If you belong to an equity group, you are encouraged to self‑identify. Accommodation Statement We are committed to a welcoming and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you need accommodations during the recruitment process, contact competitions@novascotia.ca. Bargaining Unit Position This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. Offer of employment is conditional upon successful background checks and credentials confirmation. Seniority Level Entry level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Health Care Provider Industries Government Administration #J-18808-Ljbffr