Youth Care Support Specialist

Competition #: 43870

Department: Community Services

Type of Employment: Relief

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

The Department of Community Services (DCS) is a comprehensive and diverse entity offering a wide range of programs and services, including Child and Family Wellbeing, Employment Support Services, Income Assistance, Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support Programs.

Our mission is to advocate for and assist vulnerable Nova Scotians in achieving independence, self-sufficiency, and security. We collaborate across the province with a dedicated network of supports and personnel to attain shared outcomes for all.

We are seeking empathetic and innovative individuals to fill the role of Child & Youth Care Practitioner. This profession is continually evolving, and joining our organization offers a fulfilling career path. You will have the chance to forge positive relationships with youth and families during pivotal moments in their lives.

If you possess a passion for helping others and wish to utilize your diverse talents in arts, creativity, and music, consider a career as a Child & Youth Care Practitioner.

Our community is vibrant, and your education and skills will be instrumental in providing specialized care that yields lasting impacts for young individuals.

This Roster will be utilized to address multiple relief opportunities in the coming months.

As a Child & Youth Care Practitioner within our Provincial Child and Youth Caring programs, you will deliver care and programming for children and youth under the Minister of Community Services or Mi'kmaw Family & Children's Services, who exhibit moderate to severe emotional and trauma-related responses.

Your role will involve supporting and engaging with children and youth, leading and co-leading approved psycho-educational youth programming focused on social and emotional learning. Key responsibilities include:

• Modeling appropriate behaviors and advocating for children, youth, and families to access necessary supports and services.
• Creating opportunities for recreational and leisure activities to help children and youth build relationships and connect with the community.
• Participating in community outings, appointments, and meetings.
• Contributing to a team that ensures a caring and secure environment for children and youth needing assistance with self-regulation, conflict resolution, and developing healthy relationship skills.
• Collaborating with external professionals, including social workers, healthcare providers, law enforcement, probation, and educational institutions as required.

You will also be responsible for accurate documentation, case management notes, file maintenance, and crisis intervention, as well as assisting in the development of programs and activities. This is an opportunity for your creativity to shine as you integrate your personal talents and passion for unique social and emotional experiences.

Ideally, you have completed a Child & Youth Care Worker diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution. Notice to Pending Graduates: If you expect to graduate from your program within the next few months, you are encouraged to apply.

Success in this role requires an understanding of a trauma-informed approach, knowledge of the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of youth in care, and the family unit. You should also demonstrate an understanding of healthy child development and provide opportunities for youth to enhance life skills through support and guidance.

Key attributes include:

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong communication skills (both oral and written) and the capability to facilitate group activities.
• Familiarity with various software applications, including Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).

While not mandatory, experience with case management systems is considered a valuable asset. Previous experience in child welfare, early childhood development, crisis services, shelters, and supporting individuals with disabilities and substance dependencies is also advantageous.

We will evaluate the above qualifications and competencies through various methods, including written assessments, standardized tests, oral presentations, interviews, and reference checks.

This is an excellent career opportunity for many. We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies may include:

• A related bachelor's degree in social science (such as Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Community Studies)
• Related diplomas in Social Services, Disability Support, and Human Services
• Education and experience in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
• Two (2) years of relevant experience supporting children and youth.

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

Depending on employment status and union agreements, the Government of Nova Scotia offers a comprehensive range of benefits, including a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General Illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation, and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.

Your personal resilience and ability to act decisively with sound judgment in routine and crisis situations are essential. Child and youth care environments differ significantly from traditional office settings, where you will need to maintain an awareness of safety and security for youth, visitors, employees, and the public. While precautions are taken, children and youth may exhibit pain-based responses, necessitating the use of Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) techniques to ensure a safe environment.

The facility operates twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, with scheduled rotating employee shifts.

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

A relief employee is one who is not regularly scheduled by the Employer but works relief assignments as operational needs arise. Consequently, a relief employee does not have guaranteed hours of work.

• Career Development opportunities, including access to guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• An engaging workplace where employees feel valued, respected, connected, and engaged, supported by forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Diverse Career Paths.
• Department-specific flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade: TE 18 - TE 21 Hourly

Salary Range: $32.88 Hourly

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to cultivate a diverse workforce that reflects the citizens we serve at all job levels. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy and encourages applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Women in under-represented occupations. If you belong to one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify in your application.

Current government employees may access this posting through the appropriate channels.

Employment offers are conditional upon the successful completion of all applicable background checks and credential verification, with satisfactory results required by the employer. We appreciate all applicants' interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.