Key Worker - Phoenix House
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 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: 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 Overview: 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. Youth participate in programming such as education, employment, or volunteer work, while preparing to transition to their next housing goal.
The Key Worker will work in a shared office space located in a three-storey residential House in downtown Halifax. Access to the House and its interior is via stairs at street level. The facility features gender-neutral washrooms and a shared kitchen area. There are multiple common areas that can be accessed by both youth and staff. There is also access to an outdoor space at the back of the house that can be used outdoor activities. There is also a staff fridge at this location as well that is accessible by all agency staff.
Reports to: Manager, Phoenix House
Location: Hunter St., Halifax.
Compensation: $49,779 annual salary, comprehensive cost-split group medical insurance plan, Employer paid 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.
Hours of Work: Shifts (usually 8 or 12 hours) fall during days, evenings and awake-overnights, weekdays, and weekends.
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 Agency 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 degree; or an undergraduate degree and Human Services diploma.
Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification, or membership of a related professional body (if applicable).
Two years’ experience working directly with youth (including some experience in a residential setting).
Experience in case management.
Understanding of youth development and the challenges of housing insecurities.
Proven ability to foster positive connections with youth and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to communicate effectively in individual and group settings.
Ability to manage workload efficiently with minimal supervision.
Ability to apply anti-oppressive practices, including harm reduction, narrative approaches, client-centered methods, 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. These trainings are also offered in-house for free.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook and using the Internet.
TO APPLY:
*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 “Key Worker - PH”. 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 until September 12th, 2025, at 11.59am (AST)
ACCOMODATION: 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