Youth Support Worker

Title: Youth Support Worker

Location: Community YMCA, 2269 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS

Program: Youth Educational Support Program (YESP)

Position Status: Full-Time, Contract (until May 2027)

Compensation: $33,500-$44,800K per year

Reports To: YESP Supervisor

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults. 

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.  

With us at their side, they can Shine On. 

As part of your total compensation: 

• Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
• Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
• Discounts on YMCA childcare and camp programs
• 3 weeks’ Vacation entitlement and paid wellness days 
• Comprehensive benefits package and pension 
• Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

About the Role:

YESP is an Educational Support Program designed to support youth at critical times in their educational journey. This program will enable youth to engage and succeed in their academic studies and transition smoothly to post-secondary education. It will endeavor to improve participants’ access to financial and material support to participate in their academic studies. YESP will build participants’ educational aspirations and resiliency through workshops and individualized support and help to improve participants’ wellbeing, sense of belonging and academic motivations.

Reporting to the YESP Supervisor, the Youth Support Worker (YSW) provides youth, leading up to and at critical academic transition points, with the community supports and life skill development they need for educational attainment and future success. 

Program delivery includes, but is not limited to, the development of youth-centered plans, facilitation of workshops, supportive counseling and the coordination of peer mentorship. 

The YSW uses an outreach model to meet youth within the community, at schools, local YMCA facilities or another appropriate site.  The YSW is responsible for the effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of program services.  The YSW carries out their duties in a professional manner and in accordance with all YMCA policies and procedures, standards of practice, health and safety standards and child safeguarding standards.

In this role you will:

• Ensure a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for participants.
• Collects information to confirm eligibility and completes participant intake and/or assessment to inform ongoing participant supports to reach participant and funder outcomes. 
• Designs, implements, and evaluates youth-centred individual action plans, in-person/virtual services and workshops as per guidelines and funder mandates.
• Performs case management as per guidelines and funder mandates. 
• Consults with social workers, school administration, other professionals and family/natural supports when appropriate.
• Coordinates mentorship opportunities and relationships.
• Maintains knowledge of relevant services and community resources.
• Engages with schools, community agencies, and other organizations to maximize services and resources to participants.
• Adheres to all Risk Management and Occupational Health and Safety requirements including the YMCA Child and Youth Safeguarding Policies and Procedures.
• Inputs data accurately and timely into program designated database systems. 
• Work within defined program budgets.
• Maintain accurate participant files in accordance with funder and YMCA guidelines.
• Collect demographic, output and outcome data for evaluation purposes and to inform and contribute to the development of funder and YMCA reports. 
• Other duties as required.

Education and Skills Qualifications: 

• Post secondary degree/diploma in Child and Youth Care Counselling, Education, Social Work, Recreation Management, or related field required
• 2 years of experience working directly with youth
• 2 years of experience in client intake and assessment, case management and workshop facilitation
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Experience within a team environment and working remotely
• Standard First Aid & CPR-C and able to obtain a Police Information Check and Vulnerable sector
• Valid driver’s license or reliable means of transportation
• Working knowledge of issues/practices related to the social determents of health, youth development, individual assessment, case management, group work, group facilitation, program planning and outcome evaluation
• Working knowledge in culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practice, and strength-based approach
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team skills
• Working knowledge computer skills (Windows, Microsoft Teams, Office and Outlook)
• Competencies in other language(s) an asset.

To Apply:

Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ 

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:

• Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older
• Valid First Aid and CPR Certificate (or willingness to obtain within 3 months of employment)

Please note, Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our YMCA, enabling us to better serve our communities and fulfil our YMCA Purpose. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.