Counsellor 2(A)-(B) (Nexus - Relief Roster) - Jobs in Kentville, NS

Job Description

Department: Community ServicesLocation: KENTVILLEType of Employment: CasualUnion Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPGClosing Date: 12/31/2021 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)About UsThe Department of Community Services (DCS) is a large and diverse department that provides a broad portfolio of programs and services designed to assist people in Nova Scotia to become independent, self-reliant, and secure. This is achieved through working collaboratively internally across all divisions of DCS and externally, with a significant network of service providers, other departments and levels of government, to achieve the desired and shared outcomes for citizens who may require specific services and supports.The Department is responsible for a broad range of social services including those under Child Youth and Family Support (CYFS), Employment Support (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support Program (DSP).For more information on our department please visit https://novascotia.ca/coms/.About Our OpportunityWe consider this to be the best job in the world, and are seeking compassionate, creative individuals to join our team of counsellors. Child and youth care is an evolving profession, and when you join our team, you will be embarking on a rewarding career. You will have the opportunity to establish positive connections with youth and families, during challenging times in their lives.If you have a passion for people and are looking for your next opportunity to showcase your various active, artistical, creative and musical talents, consider a career as a Counsellor with Nexus.Nexus provides placements for eight children in the care of the Minister. We are a co-ed facility, with youth ranging in ages of 12-18 years. At Nexus, we believe that it is important to encourage youth to experience themselves within their communities, as well as be involved in a variety of activities to learn about themselves. We inspire our staff to use various strategies to encourage participation of our youth and making sometimes otherwise ordinary activities into events and assisting our youth in ‘trying various interests on’ until they find a fit.We are part of a beautiful community, where your education and skills will be leveraged to provide specialized care that will have long lasting results for young people.This posting will establish a Relief Roster for Nexus. This Roster will be used to fill multiple relief opportunities over the next several months. Relief opportunities are perfect if you are seeking flexibility in your work, or if you are furthering your education. Our department offers flexible working options, which can be explored further during your interview.Primary AccountabilitiesAs a Counsellor in our Provincial Child and Youth Caring programs, you will provide care and programming for children and youth in the care of the Minister of Community Services or Mi’kmaw Family & Children’s Services, with moderate to severe emotional and trauma- based responses.You will provide support and engage with children and youth, leading and co-leading pre-approved psycho-educational youth programming (social and emotional learning). A few of your key responsibilities include:

• Appropriate role modeling and advocating on behalf of children, youth and families for any necessary supports and services.
• Creating opportunities for recreational and leisure activities to provide children and youth the opportunity to enhance relationships and make connections in the community.
• Attending and actively participating in community outings, appointments, and meetings.
• Being part of a team that provides a caring and safe environment for children and youth who may require assistance with self regulation, conflict resolution and developing skills needed for healthy relationships.
• Collaborating with external professionals including social workers, health care professionals, policing services, probation, and public schools when necessary.

You are also responsible for accurate reporting, case management notes, file maintenance, and crisis intervention, as well as assisting in developing programs and activities. This is where your creative side will shine through, as you incorporate your personal talents and love for unique social and emotional experiences.Qualifications and ExperienceIdeally, you have completed a Child & Youth Care Worker diploma from a provincially approved post-secondary institution. Notice to Pending Graduates: If you anticipate graduation from your program within the next few months of this posting, you are encouraged to apply.Essential to your success in this role is awareness of a trauma informed approach, knowledge of physical, psychological, and emotional needs of youth in care and the family unit. You also demonstrate knowledge of healthy child development, providing opportunity for youth to expand on life skills through support and guidance.Key qualities of yours include:

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Effective communication skills (oral & written) and the ability to facilitate groups.
• Knowledge of various software packages, such as Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).

Though not necessary, any experience with case management systems would be considered a desirable asset. Previous experience with child welfare, early childhood development, crisis services, shelters, and supporting persons with disabilities and substance dependency are considered assets.We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.EquivalencyThis is an excellent career opportunity for many, and we do consider an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience. Related equivalencies may include, but are not limited to:

• A related bachelor’s in social science (such as Psychology, Sociology, Social Work)

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.BenefitsBased on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.Working ConditionsYour personal resilience and ability to act decisively and with sound judgement in routine matters or crisis situations is critical. Child and youth caring environments differ substantially from traditional office settings, where you will facilitate and maintain an awareness to provide safety and security for youth, visitors, employees, and the public. While we take precautions, children and youth may demonstrate pain-based responses where Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) techniques may be required to ensure a safe environment.The Facility does operate twenty-four (24) hours of the day and seven (7) days a week, with scheduled rotating employee shifts.Additional InformationA valid drivers license and access to a reliable vehicle is required.This posting will establish a Relief Roster for Nexus. This Roster will be used to fill multiple relief opportunities over the next several months.A relief employee is an employee who is not regularly scheduled by the Employer, but who works relief assignments on an as-needed basis as operational requirements demand. As such, a relief employee does not have guaranteed hours of work. Please note when competing for vacancies, a successful Temporary, Term or Permanent Relief Employee who is currently employed with the Province will maintain their bargaining unit status, seniority and benefit level at the new workplace.On October 6, 2021 the Government of Nova Scotia announced full vaccination will be a condition of employment for new staff being hired. View the news release here.What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade: TE 18 - TE 21Salary Range: $23.31 - $30.83 HourlyEmployment Equity Statement:Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.Quick Apply

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