Settlement Navigation Staff

Title: Settlement Navigation Staff

Location: Immigrant Services, Halifax, NS 

Program: Settlement Navigation  

Position Status: Full-time, Term (November 17, 2025 to October 30, 2026)

Compensation: $39,000 per year

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: 

• Complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
• Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
• Three (3) weeks’ vacation entitlement and paid wellness days 
• Comprehensive benefits package and pension 
• Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

About the role:

We are seeking a Settlement Navigation Staff member to join the team on a temporary basis to cover a maternity leave from November 17th 2025 to October 30th 2026. The Settlement Navigation Staff plays a vital role in supporting and empowering newcomers as they settle into their new community. Under the supervision of the Program Coordinator, this position is responsible for planning, implementing, and delivering inclusive and accessible programs that foster belonging and community integration. The role provides real-time support, intervention, and referrals to newcomers as they navigate settlement and integration processes, working collaboratively with community partners to ensure a coordinated and culturally sensitive response. Guided by a Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) lens and a strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and child safeguarding, the Settlement Navigation Staff ensures that all services are client-centered, responsive, and promote successful settlement outcomes.

In this role, you will:

• Provide one-on-one settlement navigation support, including 
• Offer short-term settlement counseling, referrals, advocacy, and practical assistance to help clients access community resources and essential services.
• Conduct outreach and follow-up with clients to monitor progress and support the achievement of settlement goals.
• Facilitate culturally sensitive, nonjudgmental problem-solving and informed decision-making.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and delivering community outreach initiatives, workshops, and information sessions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, service providers, and other stakeholders to enhance referral networks.
• Promote programs and services through outreach events and community engagement opportunities.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of programming based on client and community needs, using a GBA+ framework.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records in compliance with organizational and privacy standards.
• Track client progress and support program evaluation through data collection and reporting.
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and partners to ensure coordinated and effective service delivery.

Education and skills qualifications: 

• Post-secondary education in Human Services, Community Development, or related field (or equivalent experience) 
• Minimum 1–3 years of experience supporting newcomers, refugees, or vulnerable populations in a community-based setting.
• Experience working with immigrants, refugees, and diverse communities 
• Commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and child safeguarding.
• Strong knowledge of settlement and integration processes and local community resources 
• Experience working with diverse communities and an understanding of barriers faced by newcomers (e.g., language, employment, housing, and access to services).
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed, strengths-based, and anti-oppressive practices
• Proven ability to provide advocacy, navigation, and referral support to clients in complex situations.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities using a culturally sensitive and nonjudgmental approach
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, documentation, and data collection.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and experience with client data management systems (e.g., OCMS, Salesforce, or similar).
• Flexibility and adaptability to respond to emerging client needs and organizational priorities.
• Ability to create a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for clients and community members.
• Fluency in a second language (e.g., Arabic, Somali etc.) considered a strong asset.

To apply:

Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ by November 5, 2025.

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:

• A 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 Training

Please note that 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 organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. 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.