Child and Youth Care Practitioner (Counsellor 2(a)-(b))

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

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 Nexus.

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.

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 supports 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. We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

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

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 a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Your personal resilience and ability to act decisively and with sound judgement in routine matters or crisis situations is critical. Child and youth caring environments differ substantially from traditional office settings, where you will facilitate and maintain an 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.

This is a Term opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 1 2026. The appointment status ('term', 'temporary' or 'casual') is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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.