EMPLOYMENT PRACTITIONER, PHOENIX LEARNING AND EMPLOYMENT CENTRE

FULL-TIME, TERM

TERM DATES: JUNE 1^ST, 2022 – JUNE 30^TH, 2023

Since 1987, Phoenix has been dedicated to supporting youth and contributing to a vibrant community. Phoenix’s eleven locations in Halifax, N.S. provide a continuum of care for youth aged 11-24 and their families. Our team of caring professionals recognizes that each person who comes to us has individual needs as well as strengths. People are the leaders in their own lives; Phoenix is a leader in supporting them. To learn more about Phoenix, visit our website: www.phoenixyouth.ca

A staff group that represents the diversity of the people and communities we serve is of the utmost importance. Phoenix is committed to reducing barriers to employment and career growth that have traditionally impacted members from the following groups, African Nova Scotians, Indigenous People, and Other Racially Visible Persons, Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community, and Persons with Disabilities. If you are a member of one of these equity-seeking groups, you are encouraged to self-identify in your cover letter or your resume. We would also appreciate if you would share your pronouns in your cover letter or your resume.

Job Summary: As a member of the Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre (PLEC) team, the Employment Practitioner will deliver employment services and case management support to a caseload of underemployed and/or unemployed youth facing barriers to employment opportunities and attachment to the labour market. Helping youth to secure employment is the major component of this position by assisting youth to understand the labour market and job search processes, prepare applications and develop interview skills, and access other educational and community resources as required. The Employment Practitioner will also help facilitate job readiness and career preparation workshops and work with youth on their educational goals.

Compensation: $48,000 - $49,500 annual salary, comprehensive group medical insurance plan, Employee and Family Assistance Program, RRSP contribution, three weeks annually of vacation (pro-rated for the term), generous sick leave, a generous paid holiday schedule, in-house trainings, and professional development opportunities.

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8:30a.m. – 4:30p.m., with some flexibility for evening work.

Location: 6169 Quinpool Rd., Suite 220, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Reports to: Manager, Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre

Screening Requirements: Due to the sensitive nature of our work with youth, this position is subject to a satisfactory criminal record check including a vulnerable sector search, a child abuse register check and proof of education.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure PLEC programming is congruent with Phoenix’s vision and values.
• Work in accordance with Phoenix’s policies, procedures, and framework of practice.
• Deliver employment case management services to youth:
  • Assess youth employability readiness and employment needs.
  • Create individualized and concrete action plans to meet career goals.
  • Provide case management support to a caseload of youth as they work towards their employment and educational goals.
  • Provide referral services to address the youth’s academic, employment training, skills development and/or job search needs.
  • Work in conjunction with the Employer Engagement Specialist to facilitate matching youth with potential employers.
  • Record all pertinent information in LaMPSS case management database.
• Support the design and facilitation of life skills, job readiness and career preparation workshops for youth with an employment focus.
• Complete and maintain records, assessments, daily statistics, and files using LaMPSS and Phoenix database, ensuring youth confidentiality is protected.
• Liaise, advocate, and work collaboratively with other employment programs & Nova Scotia Work Centres in support of youth through continued networking and referrals.
• Participate in community employment focused committees, projects, and activities.
• Collaborate with other Phoenix programs to ensure youth’s needs are met.
• Participate in internal Phoenix committees, projects, and activities as required.
• Ensure that the Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre is well integrated with other Phoenix programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and maintain positive working relationships that empower youth.
• High level of understanding of youth development issues, particularly housing and mental health, as they relate to labour market engagement.
• Demonstrated understanding and skill applying a social justice lens, using a youth centered approach and trauma-informed practice.
• Knowledge of career development case management practices and how they apply to working with youth.
• Demonstrated ability to guide youth through a process of career exploration and employment/education goal setting.
• Working knowledge of employment and educational community resources, and the social service delivery system and post-secondary systems is required.
• Experience supporting young people to make positive career decisions and to transition into the workforce/labour market.
• Possess a thorough knowledge of labour market trends in Halifax Regional Municipality and an ability to foster positive relationships with community partners.
• Must be able to work effectively in a team, support team members roles to ensure services align with program objectives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, using the Internet and social media applications to connect with youth
• Experience with the provincial LaMPSS database is an asset.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field such as Career Development/Employment Services, Social Work or Education, with a minimum of three (3) years direct experience working with youth.
• Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification, or membership with a related professional body (if applicable).
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience working in case management/job coaching/career development roles, preferably with youth.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience developing/facilitating employment readiness and life skills workshops.
  • Standard First Aid, non-violent crisis intervention (NVCI) and suicide intervention (ASIST) is preferable to have, or a commitment to secure these certifications within six months of hire.
  • Access to a vehicle is preferred to conduct occasional outreach support.
  • Experience working for a non-profit organization is an asset

As Phoenix continues to provide in-person programs and services during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have an obligation to maintain a safe environment for our staff, volunteers, student placements, and the youth, families, and community members we work with. Phoenix firmly believes a vaccinated population is a vital part of keeping us, our youth, families, and communities protected from COVID-19 and the developing, fast-moving variants. Please be aware that Phoenix Youth Programs requires all employees, volunteers and student placements working at any of our Phoenix locations to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, (subject to specific exemptions regarding health or human rights issues).

TO APPLY:  * Please note that interviews may take place during the posting period.

Please forward a resume and a cover letter (in Word or as a PDF document) with pertinent information about your qualifications by 11:59pm (ADT) on Monday, May 16^th, 2022, to:

with the subject line “Employment Practitioner”.