Family Support Worker (Counsellor 2AB) - Jobs in Kentville, NS

Job Description

Department: Community ServicesLocation: KENTVILLEType of Employment: TermUnion Status: NSGEU - NSPGClosing Date: 9/8/2022 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)About UsAt the Department of Community Services (DCS), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child Youth and Family Support (CYFS), Employment Support (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support (DSP).Through our services, we advocate and help vulnerable Nova Scotians be independent, self-reliant, and secure. We work collaboratively across the province with a strong dedicated network of supports and staff, to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.About Our OpportunityWorking within the Children and Family Services Act and under the direct supervision of the Supervisor or designate, the Family Support Worker has frequent and in-depth involvement with families and youth within the child welfare system.Primary AccountabilitiesAs the Family Support Worker (Child Welfare) you will provide families and children in care with the knowledge, tools, guidance, and resources that are essential to home management, child rearing, health maintenance, independent family functioning, and individual independence.You play an enabling and supportive role with the families and children in care, assisting with the assessment of client’s needs, counselling, and education to promote enhanced child/youth management and access to health and education services. You also assist with income and social supports, affordable housing, and life skills such as self-esteem, positive parenting, child development, communication, anger management, problem solving, household management, safety, and nutrition.Qualifications and ExperienceYou will have an approved child & youth care worker diploma from a provincially approved post-secondary institution. An undergraduate degree in Social Sciences is considered an asset.You have a sound knowledge of the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of children and youth in a family setting as well as in care. You have an ability to work independently or in a team, working towards the objectives of the established case plan. Knowledge of normal and abnormal child development and financial management is also required.You have effective communication skills (oral & written) and the ability to facilitate groups. Knowledge of various software packages, including Microsoft Suite. ICM (Integrated Case Management) would be considered an asset. Previous Child Welfare experience is also an asset.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.EquivalencyAn equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Related equivalencies may include, but are not limited to:

• A related bachelors in Social Science

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 offering and eligibility criteria.Working ConditionsIt must be recognized that the nature of this position, with its mandated, often court-ordered services, can result in unavoidable hazards, such as: exposure to various living conditions, aggressive behaviour, involuntary clients, and unpredictable travel conditions.Family Support Workers conduct their sessions predominately in isolation from other staff in various locations (i.e. offices, homes, community agencies/organizations) in both rural and urban settings; this can be outside regular working hours. Within homes, some of the hazards may include animals, unknown persons in the home, weapons, pests, unsafe structures, and air pollutants/odors.Additional InformationYou must have a valid driver’s license and have the ability to travel when responding to various work site locations.This is a Term opportunity with an anticipated end date of September 8, 2023. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.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: $1,800.97 - $2,382.51 Bi-WeeklyEmployment 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.This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link: Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. 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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