FULL-TIME, TERM TO JANUARY 31, 2028
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 Key Worker provides on-going guidance and support to help residents meet their identified goals in the Phoenix Youth Shelter program. The Key Worker also supports with daily programming which all residents at the Shelter have access to.
Program Overview: Phoenix Youth Shelter is a 20-bed emergency shelter that provides free, safe, emergency accommodations to youth ages 16-24. The Shelter supplies daily essentials (food, clothing, shelter, etc.) around the clock to youth who seek support.
The Key Worker will work in a shared office space in a four-storey residential building in the South End of Halifax. Access to the building is by stairs or r& access to the upper floors of the building is by stairs only. The facility features gender-neutral washrooms, a shared kitchen, private and shared offices, common areas for youth, private bedrooms for youth, hygiene supplies, and a donation room. Staff are provided with meals and snacks on shift.
Reports to: Manager, Phoenix Youth Shelter.
Location: Phoenix Youth Shelter, Halifax, NS.
Compensation: $49,779 annual salary, comprehensive group medical insurance plan, Employee and Family Assistance Program, 3% Employer paid RRSP contribution, 3 weeks of vacation in the first year and 4 weeks of vacation in the second year, generous sick leave, a generous paid holiday schedule, in-house trainings, and professional development opportunities.
Hours of Work: Shifts (usually 8 or 12 hours) fall during days, evenings, weekdays, and weekends.
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.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervise and monitor the Shelter’s day-to-day activities and ensure that policies, security and safety are maintained.
Assess and address the immediate and basic needs of the program’s youth.
Work with youth and other Phoenix programs to create effective support plans.
Provide support, crisis intervention and programming for youth.
Dispense medication to youth following medication dispensing protocols.
Provide a supportive environment that promotes youth empowerment.
Fulfill significant cooking and cleaning responsibilities.
Contribute to building maintenance to ensure a therapeutic milieu.
Assist in training new staff, students and volunteers as required.
Supervise field placement students and support the supervision of volunteers.
Complete and maintain logs, files and records and ensure confidentiality is protected.
Advocate with community agencies on behalf of the program and its youth.
Commit to the development of the agency and participate in internal committees, projects and activities
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Social Work, or an undergraduate degree and Human Services diploma, or another relevant undergraduate degree.
Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification, or membership of a related professional body (if applicable).
A minimum of two years’ experience working in a youth residential setting.
Demonstrated high level of understanding of youth development and the issues of homelessness.
Demonstrated skill using anti-oppressive practice (harm reduction, narrative practice, a client-directed approach, and a social justice perspective).
Knowledge of mental health issues, substance abuse and crisis intervention.
Physical ability to lift light loads, walk up and down stairs and maintain a fairly active pace.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Non-violent crisis intervention (CPI), suicide intervention (ASIST), standard first aid or a commitment to secure these certifications within six months of being hired.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and using the Internet.
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
[email protected], with the subject line “Key Worker - PYS”. 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 17th, 2026, at 11.59pm (ADT).
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.
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Phoenix Youth Programs
