Inclusion Support Worker (Joseph Howe Elementary School)

Title: Inclusion Support Worker

Location: Joseph Howe Elementary School

Position Status: Part-Time, Contract; Monday to Friday 2:00pm to 5:30pm (from January 5, 2026 to June 30 2026)

Compensation: $19.00 per hour

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

About the role:

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Inclusion Support Staff is accountable for creating a inclusion and safe environment for those who may be in need of extra support. The Inclusion Support Staff is responsible for ensuring program participants feel supported through challenging moments.

In this role, you will:

• Build a rapport with the program participants through active engagement.
• Plan, implement, and engage with participants who may need extra support.
• Complete administration duties as required; including correspondence with families of participants, documentation of challenges and supports being provided, and maintain records of correspondence with families.
• Work independently and as a team in decision making, conflict resolution and delivery of quality programming while maintaining strong relationships with the children, families and community.
• Create a positive and safe environment to work through challenges, with the idea of returning to the group being the end goal.
• Consistently represent YMCA’s values and mission; comply with all YMCA Policies, Procedures & Best Practices, Child Protection, Provincial Licensing and Health & Safety regulations
• Consistently exhibit and model the following competencies: leadership, communication, planning/organizing, problem solving, initiative/enthusiasm and community awareness/understanding.
• Ensure high service standards and satisfaction ratings throughout all programs and achieves quality targets established through association goals and national standards.
• Use a variety of teaching techniques that include, but are not limited to, modelling, observing, questioning, demonstrating, and reinforcing.
• Develop relationships with external partners to enhance care for children and families
• Respond to parent and staff concerns
• Be available for mandatory team meetings and any trainings organized by the Program Manager.
• Show flexibility when needing to work within ratio and in extreme staff shortage, be present at another YPHD site.
• Ability to identify the needs and wants of participants as a priority and respond in an effective and timely manner to enhance every person’s YMCA experience.
• Other duties as assigned by Program Manager.

Key knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Detail-oriented, self-starter and organized
• Excellent time management and teamwork abilities
• High quality relationship building skills
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to problem solve and remain calm in an emergency

Education and skills qualifications:

• Must have own car or reliable access to a means of transportation.
• High School diploma, or equivalent combination of education and experience, with a strong reference.
• 0-2 years of childcare experience with demonstrable evidence of experience linked to the role’s responsibilities
• Experience working with children
• Experience and training working with neurodivergent populations is an asset.
• Demonstrated success in plan/organize games, sports, arts, crafts, cultural activities, lead field trips, etc.
• Post-secondary education in Early Childhood Education or related field considered an asset
• Working knowledge of school system and community resources an asset
• Demonstrated cross-cultural communication skills to work with youth, parents, and staff
• Demonstrated ability to meet multiple, competing deadlines and priorities
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation/workshop facilitation skills
• Strong interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy, and ability to establish rapport with clients
• Flexibility to work outside of regular work hours on an as-needed basis

To apply:

Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ by December 17, 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.