Housing Support Worker - Phoenix Centre for Youth
FULL-TIME, TERM
TERM PERIOD: AS SOON AS POSSIBLE - AUGUST 13, 2027
Since 1987, Phoenix has been dedicated to supporting youth and contributing to a vibrant community. Phoenix’s over fourteen 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 that have traditionally impacted access to employment and career growth. As such, we encourage those interested to self-identify their ethnicity, and or race, gender, sexuality, ability, etc. We also invite you to share your pronouns in your cover letter or resume.
Position Overview: The Housing Support Worker works with youth, staff of Phoenix Centre for Youth (PCFY) and Phoenix Youth Shelter (PYS), as well as landlords, mental health, addictions, and any other supports and services that will support youth to access and maintain their housing. The initial focus of this position will be to facilitate shared accommodations for youth that maximizes opportunities for youth housing considering income parameters from various sources, including ESIA benefits.
Program Overview (PCFY): Phoenix Centre for Youth is a street-front, walk-in service offering counselling, referral to community resources, advocacy, health services, parenting support, food, showers, and laundry facilities for youth aged 16-24 who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused.
The Housing Support Worker will work in a shared office space located in a three-storey building in downtown Halifax. Access to the building and its interior is via stairs. The facility features gender-neutral washrooms, staff and youth kitchens, private offices, a common room for youth visiting the Centre, computer access for youth, parenting supplies, and a donation room.
Program Overview (PYS): Phoenix Youth Shelter is a 20-bed emergency shelter for youth. Services offered include support, crisis intervention, the provision of basic needs, referrals, on-site health care, and support to develop independent living skills. In addition, staff support and provide guidance for securing housing, education, parenting support, exploring career options, and accessing income assistance and recreational opportunities.
Staff at the Shelter work in a shared office space in a four-storey residential building in the South End of Halifax. Access to the building is by stairs or ramp; access to the upper floors of the building is by stairs only. The facility features gender-neutral washrooms, a shared kitchen, private and shared offices, common areas for youth, private bedrooms for youth, hygiene supplies, and a donation room. Staff are provided with meals and snacks on shift
Compensation: $49,779 base annual salary (prorated for the duration of the term), comprehensive group medical insurance plan, Employee and Family Assistance Program, 3% employer paid RRSP contribution, 3 weeks of vacation in the first year and 4 weeks of vacation in the second year, generous sick leave, a generous paid holiday schedule, in-house trainings, and professional development opportunities.
Reports to: Manager, Phoenix Centre for Youth
Location: Phoenix Centre for Youth, Coburg Rd.
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., with some flexibility for evening work.
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
Work in accordance with Phoenix’s policies, procedures, and framework of practice.
Work with youth and other Phoenix programs to create effective housing plans that address the issues of those who experience housing insecurity.
Work in collaboration with staff of Phoenix Centre for Youth, especially the other Housing Support Worker and the Trusteeship Worker, and Phoenix Youth Shelter to assist youth in the creation of housing/goal planning.
Provide support for a caseload of approximately 20-25 youth within the housing program.
Liaise and develop relationships with landlords and property managers within HRM.
Develop a list of viable housing stock and options for youth transitioning to independence within this housing program.
Help youth move into or out of their apartments. This involves moving their belongings including furniture and often necessitates a full cleaning of the apartment.
Provide for youth: intake, assessment and referral services, assistance in accessing resources, crisis intervention and eviction prevention services, outreach, mediation for youth and their families in relation to the Housing Support program.
Liaise with other agencies on behalf of youth and programs and participate in community committees, projects, or activities as appropriate.
Work in collaboration with other Housing Support Workers within HRM.
Advocate with community agencies to ensure that the needs, barriers, and strengths of youth who are at-risk and unhoused are addressed.
Conduct public education presentations about the Agency and the issues of unhoused youth.
Complete and maintain records and assessments, ensuring that confidentiality is upheld.
Compile statistics and data for youth accessing housing supports that will assist with the outcomes and evaluation of this housing initiative.
Commit to the development of the Agency and participate in internal committees, projects, and activities.
Assist in program and service development to ensure that quality, effective and youth-centered programs, and services are delivered.
Provide a supportive environment and foster a therapeutic milieu that promotes youth empowerment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Demonstrated high level of understanding of youth development and the issues of housing insecurity.
Demonstrated high level of understanding in a housing first model and approach.
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.
Demonstrate knowledge of trusteeship programs and effective money management.
Demonstrated exceptional level of interpersonal, communication, youth service and organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to build appropriate and healthy rapport with at-risk and unhoused youth.
Extensive knowledge of community resources and the social service delivery system.
Must have valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and using the Internet.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor of Social Work, or an undergraduate degree and Human Services diploma or other relevant undergraduate degree.
Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification, or membership of a related professional body (if applicable).
At least five years of experience working with at-risk and unhoused youth providing case management and advocacy.
Non-violent crisis intervention (CPI), suicide intervention (ASIST), standard first aid or a commitment to secure those requirements within six months of being hired. These trainings are also offered in-house for free.
Experience in program development.
Experience working for a walk-in centre, or a non-profit organization is an asset.
TO APPLY:
*Please note that interviews may take place during the posting period.
Interested applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter (in Word or as a PDF document) to careers@phoenixyouth.ca, with the subject line “Housing Support Worker”. Your resume should contain pertinent information about your qualifications and experiences, and your cover letter should let us know why this is the job for you. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as received till Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11.59am (AST).
Accommodation: Phoenix is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every candidate feels respected and supported. We embrace equal opportunity in our recruitment and selection process and strive to meet the unique needs of all applicants. Phoenix will gladly provide accommodation to the best of our ability to ensure equitable access throughout the hiring process. If you require any accommodation during any stage of recruitment, please feel free to indicate this in your application.
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
