KEY WORKER, PHOENIX YOUTH SHELTER

FULL-TIME, PERMANENT

START DATE: AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

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.

Program: Phoenix Youth Shelter provides free, safe, emergency accommodations to youth ages 16-24. The Shelter supplies daily essentials (food, clothing, shelter, etc.) around the clock to youth who seek support. All residents have access to daily programming and are connected with a Key Worker who provides on-going guidance and support to help residents meet their identified goals.

Compensation: $46,000 annual base salary, comprehensive group medical insurance plan, Employee and Family Assistance Program, RRSP contribution, generous vacation, generous sick leave, a generous paid holiday schedule, in-house trainings, and professional development opportunities.

Hours of Work: Shifts (usually 8 or 12 hours) fall during days, evenings and awake-overnights, weekdays, and weekends.

Location: Phoenix Youth Shelter, 1094 Tower Rd., Halifax, NS.

Reports to: Manager, Phoenix Youth Shelter

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:

• Supervise and monitor the Shelter’s day-to-day activities and ensure that policies, security, and safety are maintained.
• Assess and address the immediate and basic needs of the program’s youth.
• Work with youth and other Phoenix programs to create effective support plans.
• Provide support, crisis intervention and programming for youth.
• Dispense medication to youth following medication dispensing protocols.
• Provide a supportive environment that promotes youth empowerment.
• Contribute to building maintenance to ensure a therapeutic milieu.
• Supervise field placement students and support the supervision of volunteers.
• Complete and maintain logs, files and records and ensure confidentiality is protected.
• Advocate with community agencies on behalf of the program and its youth.
• Commit to the development of the Association and participate in internal committees, projects, and activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Social Work, or an undergraduate degree and Human Services diploma, or another relevant undergraduate degree.
• Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification, or membership of a related professional body (if applicable).
• A minimum of two years’ experience working in a youth residential setting.
• Demonstrated high level of understanding of youth development and the issues of homelessness.
• Demonstrated skill using anti-oppressive practice (harm reduction, narrative practice, a client-directed approach, and a social justice perspective).
• Knowledge of mental health issues, substance abuse and crisis intervention.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Non-violent crisis intervention (CPI), suicide intervention (ASIST), standard first aid or a commitment to secure these certifications within six months of being hired.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and using the Internet.

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), Sunday, May 22nd, 2022, to:

with the subject line “Key Worker, PYS”.