Family Support Worker

Opportunities and Social Development At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD) , 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. As a Family Support Worker, you will provide support to the children, youth and families connected to the Child and Family Wellbeing program. You will have an in-depth involvement and will play an active role in working with children, youth and families to build resilience and inspire change. While working collaboratively with the social worker, you will develop and deliver a plan to provide service, education, support and advocacy to the families, children & youth in care. As an integral part of the Child and Family Wellbeing program, some of your

key responsibilities
include: Developing strategies and providing knowledge, tools and guidance to families and youth to support independent living and meeting their physical/emotional, social and learning needs. Building positive relationships with diverse clients (families, children & youth), ensuring respect, empathy and an understanding of the impact of their trauma. Advocating for clients and helping them connect to community supports and resources. Assisting with income and social supports, affordable housing and life skills. Making independent visits to clients in their homes/communities and attending court sessions. Comprehensive and timely evaluation of ongoing services to clients with an intent to find solutions and improve services. You 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. Knowledge of child development, family dynamics and community resources along with an understanding of physical, psychological, and emotional needs of children and youth in a family setting as well as in care. Knowledge of financial management and healthy child development & life skills Ability to work independently and in a team environment, to strengthenand improve the support provided to children and families. Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships & networks with diverse individuals, groups and communities. Ability to adapt to the changing/unpredictable client circumstances, exercise timely judgement and make decisions to provide a culturally responsive service to clients. Knowledge of various software packages, such as Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams). Following are the assets for this role: previous experience in child welfare or other social services, experience with the department case management systems (ICM/CCM) We will assess the above qualifications and competencies, using one or more of the following tools: standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and background & reference checks. We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. A related bachelor’s in social science (such as Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or Community Studies) A completed diploma in Disability Supports or Social Services Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees 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 and Family Assistance Programs. Most of your work involves independently meeting with clients conducting their sessions predominately in isolation from other staff in various locations (i.e. offices, homes (hazards may be present within homes), community agencies/organizations) in both rural and urban settings; This necessitates considerable driving time, sometimes with unpredictable and adverse travel/weather conditions. While present in the office, your time is spent a comfortable office environment. Your personal resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You must be able to work under pressure and with clients who may be resistant to service and should be personally and professionally committed to inclusively working with culturally diverse individuals. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate. A valid driver's license, and the ability to travel and access to a reliable vehicle are required. You will use y