Job Description

CMHA - Colchester East Hants currently has a vacancy for a Youth Outreach Worker. This is a contract position renewal for a one years period, effective immediately. Working alongside other staff members, the Youth Outreach Worker will provide a range of supportive services designed to reduce barriers and assist youth in being their best and to thrive.

CMHA CEH believes in the power of diversity in its staff and approaches. We are eager to receive resumes from varying backgrounds.

The successful applicant will have completed post-secondary education in a field of study related to youth and/or mental health. They will have a background in working with youth, experience in the mental health field and a knowledge of community resources.

This position is funded by the Department of Community Services. This Job Posting is for 40 hours per week and at present is considered a Full Time Contract position.

The jurisdiction of the Youth Outreach Worker(s) is Colchester and East Hants Counties. This position is to provide supports and services specifically in the East Hants area and will be rotated with other YOW's within the organization.

The Youth Outreach program is a community-based program designed to improve the immediate and long-term social, educational/vocational, economic and health outcomes for vulnerable youth between the ages of 15 and 21+ who are facing multiple challenges with limited supports.

The Youth Outreach Site (859 Prince Street) and Worker will provide support to vulnerable youth in the following areas:

Drop in: provide a community-based, welcoming place for Youth to go where they can feel safe and build trusting relationships. Crisis Management: support Youth in addressing and/or problem-solving crisis situations Supportive conversations (individual/group): provide emotional support and problem solving in areas the Youth have identified Programs/Workshops: facilitate group sessions/workshops that address the holistic needs of Youth (physical, social, emotional, vocational/educational) Referrals/linkages: support Youth in accessing services and supports (e.g., housing, health, mental health, income assistance, employment training, emergency services, etc.). Mentoring: develop opportunities for mentoring by caring, responsible adults in the Community (i.e., volunteers) who can act as roles models and develop trusting relationships with Youth. Accompaniment: accompany and support Youth in navigating systems and services. Outreach: develop and implement creative ways to reach out and support Youth in the community, to meet them where they are. Family Work/Support: recognizing the importance of family context, family support work may include, where appropriate, addressing youth-family relationships and supporting/exploring family reunification.
Specific duties include:

1. Developing and implementing creative strategies to meet and reach out to vulnerable Youth in the community.

2. Networking and building partnerships with programs, services and respected leaders in the Community.

3. Working individually with Youth to identify strengths, resources and areas for development.

4. Working individually with Youth to develop holistic support plans.

5. Developing opportunities for Youth group programs/workshops as a way to promote the holistic development of Youth; either through direct facilitation or partnering with other service providers.

6. Making referrals and linkages for Youth to other formal/informal supports and services.

7. Documenting work, including recording progress and supportive work with Youth as well as statistical information for the project.

8. Acting as an advocate for individual Youth in accessing supports and services and in their development.

9. Participating in regular, weekly supervision and informal debriefs

10. Participating in case conferencing that includes the Youth client and other service providers

11. Participating in ongoing training and professional development

Qualifications:

Experience in working with youth in a community-based setting; personal life experiences are considered an asset.

Knowledge and understanding of youth development

Knowledge and understanding of family, community, social and historical factors and its impact on youth development

Knowledge and experience in motivational interviewing

Knowledge of youth/family/community resources, programs and services within the community and within Nova Scotia

Knowledge and understanding of provincial and federal policies that apply and are relevant to Youth

Knowledge, understanding and experience in working with culturally and socially diverse Youth

Demonstration of experience in working from a strengths-based and relationship-based perspective

Creative, adventurous and a demonstration of knowledge/understanding of community and trends pertaining to Youth

Demonstrates a passion for working with Youth, specifically in supporting Youth who may be facing multiple and complex challenges

Willingness and flexibility to work evening and weekend hours.

Employment Conditions:

Must have a valid Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle

The successful applicant(s) will understand that Health Benefit coverage is presently not available while working the one-year term position

Sick leave will be accumulated at a rate of 2 hours per pay period, as is stated for part time employees in the Personnel Policy Manual.

Guiding Principles -

The Youth Outreach Worker will use the following guiding principles to guide and center their work and the development of Best Practices in working with referred youth from Colchester and Cumberland counties. Knowledge and demonstrated practice of these Principles is considered an asset:

1. Youth Centered:

Youth are entitled to have their basic needs met in a manner that guarantees maximum opportunity for personal fulfillment and achievement. Their development and well-being is the central goal of Youth Outreach programming.

2. Strengths-Based:

Staff and activities engage young people's diverse talents, skills, and interests; building on their strengths and involving them in planning and decision-making.

3. Safe and Supportive Environment:

Programs and services take place in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe and supportive.

4. Experiential Learning:

Opportunities are provided for youth to practice new skills through hands-on experiences, which incorporate opportunities for reflection and discussion.

5. Leadership Development:

The Youth Outreach Worker will facilitate opportunities for youth to develop and practice leadership skills.

6. Relationship-Based:

central to the work is building trust and developing a positive relationship with youth. In addition, Programs and activities promote consistent and positive relationships with adults and peers.

7. Harm Reduction Approach:

Approaches focus on the reduction of negative consequences of high-risk activities without judgmental or coercive strategies. Programs and services recognize that incremental changes can lead to healthier lifestyle practices.

8. Culturally Competent:

Programs will demonstrate an awareness of the culture and diversity of youth, and strive to ensure the delivery of culturally competent programs and services.

9. Holistic Approach:

Supports and services take into account the whole person, including physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and creative development. The supports and services recognize the importance of context such as familial relationships, peer relationships, history, culture, and race.

10. Community Development:

Programs and services are relevant to the community being served. Partnerships and collaborations occur with existing community resources to build on programming and to promote community capacity.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: From $21.69 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

On-site parking
Work Location: In person