The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia has been actively serving our communities since 1950. Our mission is effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime. We work collaboratively with clients, government and community agencies to support individuals and families who have come into conflict with the law or who are at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Our core activities include direct service provision, community education, research and resource development and advocacy. We seek capable, dedicated people to join our team and engage in this exciting and rewarding work.
Our Employment Team works collaboratively to support needs, interests and goals across the social determinants of health as people attempt to (re)enter the workforce.
Program: EDGE
EDGE specifically targets youth ages 18-26 who are transitioning out of care, are attached to ESIA or are at risk of attachment to ESIA, using an Africentric Lens. EDGE's primary goal is to support youth with securing and maintaining employment. JHSNS will accomplish this goal by offering tailored support and skill development opportunities that empower youth towards self-sufficiency and stability, including culturally responsive support. We have the expertise and networks to achieve EDGE's vision with care and integrity.
JHSNS EDGE supports youth experiencing multiple barriers to employment. JHSNS employs a lens to program development and delivery that is youth-centred, built on the Nguzo Saba (the seven Africentric Principles), and spans the social determinants of health. This allows for person-centred, wrap-around support that meets the EDGE program requirements identified by DCS.
JHSNS EDGE offers a multipronged approach for supporting youth and reducing barriers to participation. This involves a combination of the following:
Continuous intake while building cohorts for some program activities.
Structured and semi-structured skill development workshops for employability and life skills, fostering an environment of peer support.
Intensive, supportive case management that develops and actions individualized support plans for achieving personal and employment goals.
Supported career exploration and labour market connection.
Community Navigation that facilitates wraparound supports and access to relevant resources available through ESIA, JHSNS/EDGE, and/or other service providers.
Mentorship for supporting personal and work-related challenges.
Onsite Mental Health support (group, 1:1; scheduled, as-needed; pre- and post-employment).
Transportation support during program participation.
A safe, inclusive and welcoming space for participation and personal development. Opportunities for youth innovation through supported project development and implementation by each cohort.
Specific Accountabilities
Facilitate Employability Workshops, ensuring curriculum is updated and modified to reflect current best practice. Examples of topics include (but not limited to): interviewing, resumes/cover letters, effective job search/online etiquette, workplace etiquette, employee/employer rights & responsibilities
Facilitate Life Skills Workshops, ensuring curriculum is updated and modified to reflect current best practice. Examples of topics include (but not limited to): budgeting, communication skills, time management, conflict resolution, etc
Schedule one-on-one meetings with clients to cover material unique to their case plan
Semi-structured client-focused activities
Job specific skill enhancement, offering certificates such as: First Aid, WHMIS, Food Handlers, TCP, Mental Health First Aid, and more.
Being available on a drop-in basis for meetings with clients
Optional activities and workshops for clients
Unstructured client-focused activities
Dynamic responses to emerging client needs.
Conduct regular check-ins and maintain open two-way communication with youth through texts, phone calls and in -person meetings.
Providing after-care for clients when finished EDGE via texts, phone calls, and in-person meetings.
Act as a liaison between youth and potential employers/job shadowing opportunities. The position will seek to strengthen and expand our network of employers and provide youth with employment and volunteering opportunities that match their unique skill set
Develop personal and career related goals with youth, in relation to their support plans.
Provide intensive case management to ensure participant's individual and unique needs are being supported. Work closely with other EDGE staff to identify youth who are in need of additional community support.
Complete reports and document interventions and adjustments as required.
Provide mentorship to participants in relation to their support plans and role modeling during all program activities.
Other administrative duties as needed
Experience & Qualifications:
Required:
Must provide a satisfactory Drivers Abstract and a valid driver's license. The incumbent must have a reliable personal vehicle and be willing to travel on a daily basis and be able to obtain liability insurance (minimum $2 Million) coverage.
Must complete a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check. (Note that positive results will not necessarily preclude employment).
Experience in front?line service delivery using strength?based, action?oriented approaches for systems navigation across the Social Determinants of Health.
Previous experience conducting in?depth needs assessments, case management processes (including record keeping), developing support plans and report writing.
Experience working with diverse populations of youth, one-on-one and in groups.
Asset:
Facilitating group workshops with youth
Experience providing client?driven supports that promote capacity building, independence, informed choice and social inclusion.
Training/Certification in Mental Health First Aid, ASIST, NVCI, Standard First Aid, and WHMIS.
College Diploma or University Degree in a relevant discipline (i.e. Social Sciences, Human Services, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, etc.) or a demonstrated acceptable equivalent.
Competencies & Skills:
Experience working effectively within and across equity-seeking communities, particularly with marginalized youth.
Strong communication skills in both oral and written.
Promote the program and its participants in the community.
High degree of cultural competency or cultural sensitivity.
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to make recommendations and decisions in ambiguous circumstances.
Ability to facilitate the learning of others through effective coaching, consulting and presentation skills.
Strong organizational and time management skills required. Able to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to change efficiently and effectively.
Works efficiently as a team member and independently. Ability to be flexible, work positively and collaboratively as a team member.
Proficiency with technology, including familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
Experience utilizing a trauma?informed approach.
Travel:
Periodic travel within the region to meet with clients, and community partners.
Working Conditions and Hours of Work:
35 hours per week (including 1 hour unpaid lunch break)
Daily hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Potential for occasional weekend and evening hours.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $26.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2025-09-03
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