Job Description

Coordinated Access Manager

Annapolis Valley Coordinated Access System [AVCAS]

Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division

The Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division is looking for a passionate and self-motivated individual to join the Annapolis Valley Coordinated Access System team for a full-time position available immediately and extends to March 31, 2026, with potential for renewal.

ABOUT COORDINATED ACCESS: The Annapolis Valley Coordinated Access System (AVCAS) addresses rural homelessness in the Annapolis Valley at a client-focused, systems level. We do this by collaborating with community partners including those with lived/living experience to simplify access to services for people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless, so they are connected with the appropriate services. AVCAS is committed to prioritizing individuals belonging to traditionally marginalized or disadvantaged populations as they search for housing, including but not limited to 2SLGBTQIA+, indigenous ancestry, black or people of colour, seniors, youth and those with mental or physical disabilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Coordinated Access Manager will be the liaison for the homeless on behalf of community stakeholders represented in the Community Access Committee in the Annapolis Valley (Windsor/West Hants, Kings, Annapolis, and Digby Counties). The Coordinated Access Manager will be responsible for working closely with the committee to ensure that the resources in those communities are effectively leveraged to serve the needs of those who are homeless or are at risk of being homeless

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The key responsibilities includes but is not limited to the following:

Managing the By-Names List; a real-time list of homeless individuals that allows for prioritization and triage to services across Annapolis Valley (Windsor/West Hants, Kings, Annapolis, and Digby Counties.) Ongoing coordination of the Coordinated Access Meetings Respond to individuals, referral partners, and other entities regarding housing needs related to homelessness or at risk of homelessness Record and document individual case information for referral to Housing Support Agencies Utilizing Assessment Tools - assess needs of individual related to housing Prepare internal and external planning and reporting reports Develop and maintain an appropriate record system - utilizing HIFIS and other data gathering platforms. Collect and analyze data as required Provide oversight to Coordinated Access Data Collection, the assessment tool to evaluate housing needs Represent Coordinated Access on municipal initiatives relating to homelessness and housing Other duties as assigned in alignment with the position role and accountability.
LOCATION: Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

WORK SCHEDULE: This is a full-time position, working generally from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (37.5 hours/week). This position requires a combination of working in a home office environment and in community in an office environment, with our community partners. We offer a flexible work environment, and a workplace culture committed to personal wellbeing and psychological safety.

A valid Nova Scotia Driver's License and access to a vehicle is required. Reimbursement will be paid as per the Expense Policy.

WORKING CONDITIONS: As outlined in the Working from Home policy, the employer will provide basic equipment necessary for a home office. The employee will be required to have a suitable designated workspace and reliable high-speed internet. A cell phone will be provided.

QUALIFICATIONS:

[No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you.]

Social Services / Mental Health sector experience is mandatory.

Post-secondary education in Social Services or Community Development including university level courses in social service delivery, community relations or similar programs; and/or strong relevant work history in these areas are mandatory.

Experience working with marginalized populations (including, but not limited to individuals experiencing homelessness, individuals who use substances, individuals with mental health issues)

Experience working with volunteer boards or community-based organizations is considered an asset.

Leadership experience is considered an asset.

Experience in Discourse Analysis is considered an asset.

Motivational Interviewing Training is considered an asset.

A clear criminal record/vulnerable sector check.

PREFERRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

Ability to work well with diverse populations of various socio-economic backgrounds, including those who are marginalized, economically disadvantaged, or living with a disability or mental illness.

Experience dealing with individuals in a 'crisis' situation

Considerable knowledge of the different types of mental health and/or addiction housing models

Sound knowledge and awareness of Housing First principles.

Initiative, compassion, flexibility, creative decision-making, solid judgement, persuasiveness, community knowledge, and strong boundary-setting skills are considered an asset.

Ability to facilitate and build trusting relationships and consensus within a group of community partners.

Community, organizational, development and networking abilities

Ability to advocate for clients and collaborate with multiple community partners.

Attention to detail, strong communication and notetaking skills; including active listening and motivational interviewing.

Experience interviewing and utilizing assessment tools.

Project management skills.

Strong time management skills.

Creative thinking.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Work in both professional and community settings.

Work effectively independently and as part of a small team.

Comfortable with a level of ambiguity as the Coordinated Access system is still developing.

Comfortable with shifting priorities within the role.

Proficient with Microsoft Office, and ability to learn and adapt to new technologies.

ARE YOU A FIT?

If you are interested in applying for the role, please submit a PDF copy of your resume along with a cover letter stating why this is the position for you, by September 19th, 2025.

Apply via email to: johanne.thompson@novascotia.cmha.ca.

We thank you for your interest and please note that only those identified for an interview will be contacted.

CMHA NS is committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities within which we work. As such, we encourage applications from Black, racialized and Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers to Canada, and people with disabilities. If you are a member of a group that has been historically excluded from opportunities, we encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter or resume and to share your pronouns. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and accommodating those with disabilities at any stage of the hiring process.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00-$59,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental care Extended health care Vision care
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kentville, NS B4N 1H7