Youth Outreach Worker - Phoenix Youth Outreach Program
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: The Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) will provide outreach-based services and case management support to youth within communities throughout HRM. By engaging with youth to develop meaningful and trusting relationships, the YOW will support youth led goal-driven, tailored plans to meet each youth’s unique needs and strengths. This process is supported through screening, assessment, referrals to appropriate resources, network building and program delivery. The Youth Outreach Worker will be responsible for working collaboratively to plan, organize and facilitate group programming reflective of the interests and learning styles of participants. This position requires significant travel throughout the HRM to support youth on site in community. The Youth Outreach Worker will be required to attend and participate in regular diversity, equity, and inclusion of professional development opportunities with the team.
Program Overview: The Youth Outreach Program (YOP) is a community-based program designed to improve the immediate and long-term social, vocational/educational, economic, and health outcomes for youth in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). YOP addresses the essential needs of youth, builds capacity, and supports youth in their transition to adulthood. The Youth Outreach Program aims to build collaborative relationships with youth, families, community leaders, and organizations to facilitate the provision of counselling, individual support, service referral, and programming for youth directly in their communities.
The Youth Outreach Program office is located in the historical and vibrant North End of Halifax. The Youth Outreach Worker will work in a welcoming shared office space on the second floor of a three-storey office building. Access into the building is by stairs or ramp; however, access to the second-floor office space is by stairs only. There are no elevators in the building. The office space features two gender neutral washrooms, a shared kitchen, and a boardroom ideal for hosting meetings. Staff parking is limited, street parking is available around the building.
Reports to: Manager, Phoenix Youth Outreach Program
Location: 2830 Agricola St., Halifax NS, Suite 301.
Compensation: $48,328 annual salary, comprehensive group medical insurance plan, Employee and Family Assistance Program, 3% employer paid RRSP contribution, three weeks of vacation in the first year and four weeks of vacation in the second year, generous sick leave, a generous paid holiday schedule, in-house training, and professional development opportunities.
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., with some flexibility and occasional 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
Ensure the program is congruent with Phoenix’s mission, vision, and values.
Work in accordance with Phoenix’s policies, procedures, and philosophy of practice from a social justice lens.
Support Phoenix’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through learning opportunities, critical self-reflection, and professional development.
Manage a caseload of clients, using a youth centered/led approach designed to identify short- and long-term goals.
Plan and implement developmentally and appropriate group programs reflective of youth interest.
Assess intakes and make referrals to appropriate/relevant community resources.
Ensure program effectively meets the changing needs of youth, through strategic planning, and evaluation.
Collaborate with community agencies to ensure that the collective/individual needs, barriers and strengths of youth and their families are addressed.
Foster positive relationships within communities to secure involvement and investment in building bridges between priority youth and supportive services.
Prepare documentation, case notes/records, collect qualitative and quantitative information for reporting purposes while ensuring confidentiality is protected.
Conduct public education presentations about Phoenix services and the issues impacting vulnerable and priority youth.
Commit to the development of Phoenix and participate in internal committees, projects, and activities to support the mission, goals, and values of the organization.
Assist with facility maintenance, health, and safety needs to ensure a therapeutic milieu.
Work collaboratively with other Phoenix programs, teams, and/or committees
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Demonstrate a high level of understanding of child and youth development and types of barriers faced by youth.
Solid understanding of, or previous experience living or working in marginalized and/or diverse communities.
Demonstrated high level of understanding of the complexities of trauma, mental health, substance abuse, and family relationships.
Demonstrate skill and willingness to further advance a client-centered, anti-oppressive, decolonizing, and trauma-informed approach emphasizing a harm reduction practice.
Demonstrated exceptional level of youth service delivery and ability to build effective, healthy relationships with youth through a strength- based perspective.
Demonstrated high level of organizational skills; gathering and preparation of information for reporting purposes; interpersonal; conflict resolution; and communication skills.
Demonstrated success building relationships in communities and in a role as an advocate.
Proficient time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks under pressure.
Extensive knowledge of community resources and the social service delivery system.
Ability to work in a team environment and independently in the field.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and using the Internet.
Ownership of a working vehicle, must be willing to transport youth and obtain appropriate insurance coverage ($2 million liability coverage)
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor of Social Work preferred, or equivalent academic achievement, and experience in youth counselling and/or youth development.
At least three years’ experience counselling and/or working with youth in a supportive role.
Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification, or membership of a related professional body (if applicable).
Non-violent crisis intervention (CPI), suicide intervention (ASIST), standard first aid or a commitment to secure these certifications within six months of being hired. .
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 “Youth Outreach 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 Friday, May 9, 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