Employment Practitioner - Education Engagement - Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre
FULL-TIME, PERMANENT
START DATE: MARCH 1, 2026
Phoenix Youth Programs is a non-profit, community-based organization located in K’jipuktuk/Halifax, Nova Scotia. Since 1987, Phoenix has been dedicated to supporting youth between the ages of 11 and 24, their families, and communities across multiple locations in Halifax. 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.
Our approach is informed by the voices of the youth and families/caregivers we serve, important social justice considerations, best practice research, and the wisdom we have gathered from working closely with our local communities, as well as provincial and national partners. Phoenix is known locally, regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation. Most importantly, Phoenix has supported thousands of young people, their families and their communities.
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 and we encourage those interested to self-identify their ethnicity and/or race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, etc. We also invite you to share your pronouns in your cover letter or resume.
Position Overview: The Employment Practitioner – Education Engagement will be responsible for providing case management to youth who are engaged in education and/or employment goals. Case management support will include increasing youths’ awareness and knowledge of the labour market and job search processes, preparing applications and developing interview skills. The work will include actively working to increase youth awareness and knowledge of education and requirements, funding opportunities, and engaging in both internal and external committees/networks. They will foster relationships with education-based organizations to support PLEC’s overall programs and resource delivery to youth.
Program Overview: The Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre (PLEC) offers education and employment support for youth aged 16-24. PLEC provides the opportunity to engage in the exploration of education and career development through individualized support, readiness programs, supporting the ability to access education funding, work placements, and wage subsidies.
The Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre is located on the second floor of the Quinpool Centre. It is accessible by elevator and stairs. Once inside the space, there are two gender neutral washrooms, a shared kitchen space, and two common areas that are available to youth and staff. We aim to have resources – be it posters, books, or desktop computers – throughout for all to explore and utilize.
Compensation: $52,328 annual salary, comprehensive cost-shared group medical insurance plan, Employee and Family Assistance Program, 3% Employer paid RRSP contribution, three weeks annually of vacation to start and four weeks after one year, generous sick leave, a generous paid holiday schedule, in-house trainings, and professional development opportunities.
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8:30a.m. – 4:30p.m., with some flexibility for occasional evening work.
Location: 6169 Quinpool Rd., Suite 220, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Reports to: Manager, Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre (PLEC)
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 program delivery is congruent with Phoenix’s vision and values.
Work in accordance with Phoenix’s policies, procedures, and framework of practice.
Support the agency’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through learning opportunities, critical self-reflection, and professional development.
Support the day-to-day operations of PLEC, including contributing to a positive and collaborative work environment with staff, student placements and volunteers. Regularly engaging in providing updates and information focused on employer engagement with other PLEC team members.
Provide individualized case management support to a caseload of youth as they work towards their education and employment goals.
o Assess youth readiness and needs for positive engagement with their education and employment goals.
o Create individualized support plans with youth that work towards identified goals in a collaborative manner.
o Support youth residing in the Phoenix Scattered Site Housing Program who are focused on their education and employment goals.
o Engage with ongoing funding opportunities and applications for youth exploring different education streams, including chairing an internal Education Support and Advancement Committee.
o Provide referral services to address the youth’s education needs.
o Work in conjunction with the other Phoenix team members to provide wrap-around supports for youth.
Develop and facilitate workshops for youth focused on education readiness and exploration.
Actively engage and participate in community education focused committees, projects, and activities.
Actively engage and participate in internal Phoenix committees, projects, and activities as required.
Support the onboarding and training of new staff and volunteers.
Complete and maintain records, assessments, daily statistics, and files using LaMPSS and Phoenix database, ensuring youth confidentiality is protected.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and maintain positive working relationships with youth.
High level of understanding of youth development issues, particularly housing and mental health, as they relate to education engagement.
Demonstrated understanding and skill applying a social justice lens, using a youth centered approach and trauma-informed practice.
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and personal reflection towards an anti-oppressive approach to practice.
Demonstrated ability to guide youth through a process of career exploration and education/employment goal setting.
Working knowledge of educational community resources, the social service delivery system and post-secondary systems is required.
Experience supporting young people to make positive education decisions (scholarships, bursaries, student loans, career exploration, etc.).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, using the Internet and social media applications to connect with youth.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Social Work, Education, or Career Development, with 2-3 years of direct experience working with youth.
Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification, or membership with a related professional body.
A minimum of 2 years’ experience working with and providing case management support, preferably with youth.
A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in developing/facilitating groups and workshops, preferably with youth and with a focus on education/employment.
Experience with the provincial LaMPSS database is an asset.
Standard First Aid, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), suicide intervention (ASIST) and naloxone administration or a commitment to secure these certifications within six months of hire. These trainings are also offered in-house for free
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 “Employment Practitioner – Education Engagement ” 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 February 25, 2026.
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.