CAREER OPPORTUNITY

KEY WORKER, PHOENIX HOUSE

FULL-TIME, TERM

START DATE: OCTOBER 3, 2023, OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Since 1987, Phoenix has been dedicated to supporting youth and contributing to a vibrant community. Phoenix’s ten 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.

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: Under the supervision of the Manager, the Key Worker is responsible for the on-going case management and support for the youth residing at Phoenix House. This includes providing supportive counselling and crisis support for 10 youth, supporting day-to-day operations of Phoenix House and working with the youth on their case load with the goal of successfully transitioning to independent living.

Program: Phoenix House is a ten-bed long-term residential facility for youth aged 16-24. It offers safe, supportive housing for youth while learning skills for independent living.

Compensation: A base salary of $47,120, comprehensive group medical insurance plan, Employee and Family Assistance Program, RRSP contribution, three weeks of vacation in the first year and four in the second, 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:  Hunter Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Reports to: Manager, Phoenix House.

Start Date: October 3rd, 2023.

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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with youth on caseload to develop short- and long-term goals that support youth’s transition to independent living and create case plans that effectively support youth in progressing towards these goals.
• Engage youth in life skill development and goal planning opportunities that support independent living.
• Supervise and monitor Phoenix House’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.
• Provide therapeutic support and crisis intervention for the youth.
• Engage youth in regular programming to support life skill development and build a sense of community within the program.
• Provide a supportive environment that promotes youth empowerment.
• Contribute to building maintenance to ensure a therapeutic milieu.
• Work with other Phoenix staff and programs to support holistic case plans.
• Complete and maintain logs, files and records as required and ensure confidentiality is protected.
• Support program development, including attendance at weekly team meeting, and ensure that a quality effective and client directed program is delivered.
• Work as part of the Phoenix House team and contribute to a collaborative and cohesive work environment.
• Work with relief staff, including supporting the training and onboarding of new staff and the ongoing support of casual staff as required.
• Support the supervision of student placements and volunteers as required.
• Ensure the program delivery is congruent with Phoenix’s mission, vision, and philosophy.
• Commit to the development of the Association by participating in internal committees, projects, and activities.
• Commit to ongoing professional development and personal reflection towards an anti-oppressive approach to practice.
• Liaise with other agencies on behalf of youth and programs and participate in community committees, projects, or activities as appropriate.
• All positions at Phoenix House include significant cooking and cleaning responsibilities.
• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Social Work; or other relevant undergraduate degrees; or an undergraduate degree and Human Services diploma.
• Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification, or membership of a related professional body (if applicable).
• A minimum of two years’ experience working directly with youth (including some experience in a residential setting).
• Experience in case management.
• Demonstrated high level of understanding of youth development and the challenges of homelessness.
• Demonstrated exceptional level of interpersonal, communication, youth service and organizational skills.
• 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 lead a shift and make appropriate decisions.
• Ability to work collaboratively and foster a strong team environment.
• Physical ability to lift light loads, walk up and down stairs, and maintain an active pace.
• Non-violent crisis intervention (CPI), suicide intervention (ASIST), Naloxone administration, standard first aid or a commitment to secure those requirements within six months of being hired.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook and using the Internet.

TO APPLY:  *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 on Monday, September 25^th, 2023 to with the subject line “Key Worker PH”