Clinical Therapist - Phoenix Youth and Family Therapy
FULL-TIME, TERM
TERM DATE: AS SOON AS POSSIBLE - MARCH 31, 2028
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 Clinical Therapist will join the Phoenix Youth and Family Therapy team (PYFT) with a primary focus on supporting the needs of the Mulgrave Park community’s youth and families through the Phoenix Youth and Community Centre (PYCC) located there.
The Clinical Therapist will offer individual and family therapy to youth between the ages of 11 and 24, and their families/caregivers. Some group facilitation and other complementary programming is also possible. You will work with youth and families facing a range of challenges, including difficult family relationships, grief and loss, peer conflict and bullying, challenges at school, coping with emotions, low self-worth, histories of abuse and trauma, systems navigation, and discrimination.
You will work closely with other Phoenix programs and community partners, including HRM schools. Most importantly, you will work closely and collaboratively with the staff team at PYCC and the community of Mulgrave Park to understand the community’s history and perspectives to help inform and shape and shape the therapy role and orientation to practice.
As the ideal candidate, you can demonstrate that your work is guided by critical reflection through a social justice, trauma-informed lens. You have sound knowledge of the protective factors that contribute to adolescent mental wellness and familiarity with community resources and our social service delivery system. You are compassionate and curious and are committed to the ongoing learning required to be an effective and culturally responsive therapist. You have the skills and personality to form meaningful therapeutic, collegial and community partner relationships. You possess the confidence required to advocate with and for youth and families when they are up against social inequities within challenging systems.
Programs Overview:
Phoenix Youth and Family Therapy (PYFT): PYFT provides free, early intervention, individual and family therapy. Its services address a range of concerns, including mental health challenges, family and peer relationships, learning and other school-related challenges, grief and loss, abuse and trauma, discrimination and poverty. Advocacy and attention to building protective factors are key components of the therapy provided.
You will have a private office at PYFT, a warm and inviting space located in the Hydrostone Market area in Halifax’s lively North End. PYFT is accessed via a set of stairs and features a comfortable waiting area with a kitchen, gender neutral washrooms, and private offices.
Phoenix Youth and Community Centre (PYCC): You will also have access to an office at The Phoenix Youth and Community Centre in the North End, nestled in the heart of the community of Mulgrave Park. PYCC is more than just a space – it’s a hub of connection, creativity, and community spirit. PYCC offers a wide range of relevant and meaningful programs for youth and residents, many of whom face historical and ongoing systemic and contextual challenges within the vibrant Mulgrave Park community and surrounding area. At PYCC, youth can engage in recreation, art, team and community building, leadership, resource navigation, and employment and education support.
Step inside PYCC, and you’ll be greeted by an inviting space that radiates inclusivity and warmth. The centre has a fully accessible ramp and two gender neutral washrooms. It has two shared kitchen areas and multiple common areas available to youth, staff, and community residents alike. Everywhere you look the walls tell stories – vivid artwork, thoughtful décor, and programming that reflects the rich diversity of the community. It’s a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and at home.
Compensation: Base salary starting at $80,000 per annum (prorated for the term), professional fees covered up to $500/year, 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, three weeks of paid sick/wellness leave, a generous paid holiday schedule, in-house trainings, and professional development opportunities.
Reports to: Director of Mental Health & Wellbeing and Director of Community Programs & Partnerships.
Term Date: As soon as possible - March 31, 2028.
Hours of Work: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., 40 hours per week.
Location: 5547 Young Street, Halifax (PYFT) and 123/133 Jarvis Lane, Halifax (PYCC).
Screening Requirements: This position is subject to a satisfactory criminal record check, a vulnerable sector search, a child abuse register check, and proof of education and professional registration.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Ensure service delivery is congruent with Phoenix’s mission, vision, and guiding principles.
Work in accordance with Phoenix’s policies, procedures, and orientation to practice.
Support Phoenix’s commitment to equity, diversity, decolonization, inclusion, and access through ongoing learning opportunities, critical self-reflection, and professional development.
Provide clinical therapy for youth and their families.
Community engagement - fostering and maintaining positive and healthy relationships with community members.
Assess community needs and perspectives – develop relevant programming based on identified needs (e.g. bringing in external speakers, doing thematic presentations for parents/community).
Provide consultation to parents/caregivers, PYCC and other Phoenix staff, and community partners.
Advocate with, and on behalf of, youth and families.
Ongoing relationship-building, consultation, and engagement with the community of Mulgrave Park.
Participate in Phoenix activities, committees, and projects.
Develop and maintain relationships with key community partners.
Utilize Phoenix database for client records management, program development, and evaluation purposes.
Assist with facility maintenance and health and safety needs to ensure a therapeutic milieu.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Social Work or Master of Education in Counseling degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Current Registered Social Worker or candidacy status or current registration with the appropriate professional governing body.
A minimum of three (3) years of experience as a clinical therapist.
Experience providing individual and family therapy.
Experience organizing and facilitating groups is an asset.
Interest and skills using a culturally responsive approach.
Wide-ranging knowledge of Mulgrave Park and North end Halifax community resources and the social service delivery system is an asset.
Demonstrated commitment to using an anti-oppressive/social justice approach to practice.
Demonstrated critical reflection skills in relation to clinical approach, and social and political issues that impact youth and their families.
Familiarity with using various therapy models, such as Narrative Practice, EFT, ACT, DBT, CBT, and Trauma-informed/trauma-specific practices.
A high level of understanding of adolescent development and adolescent mental health, as well as relevant social determinants of mental health.
Standard First Aid or a commitment to secure this certification within six months of being hired. Please note that this training is offered within Phoenix.
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 “Clinical Therapist”. 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 July 25th, 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.
