General Accountability:
The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia (JHSNS) has been actively serving our communities since 1950. Our mission is effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime. We work collaboratively with clients, government and community agencies to support individuals and families who have come into conflict with the law or who are at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Our core activities include direct service provision, community education, research and resource development and advocacy. We seek capable, dedicated people to join our team and engage in this exciting and rewarding work.
The Community Programs Facilitator (CPF) reports to the Programs Team Lead. The CPF delivers a wide array of programs and services to criminalized men. The primary role of the CPF is to promote, coordinate and deliver programming for JHSNS. Programming includes JHSNS’s life skills programs and the Integrated Correctional Program Model (ICPM) – Multi-Target, Community Maintenance Program on behalf of Correctional Services of Canada. The CPF is also responsible for conducting Community Assessment reports.
We encourage applications from community members of diverse backgrounds, including individuals of the BIPOC Community (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) and the LGBTQ2S+ Community. We encourage applicants to self-identify.
Specific Accountabilities:
This list is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position; rather it provides a general overview:
● Support skills programming according to our curriculum, protocols and procedures, including the JHSNS Service Delivery Model.
● Delivers programming within the correctional facilities, as directed.
● Conducts Community Assessments on behalf of Correctional Services of Canada, which includes information gathering and report writing.
● Engages in the administrative activities and shares responsibilities required of JHSNS staff.
o Liaises with referral sources and relevant community and government partners.
o Conducts client intake, screening and/or assessment processes.
o Engage in case management and regular record-keeping/reporting for client files.
o Upholds client and staff confidentiality.
o Creates and maintains an environment that is safe, respectful, inclusive for a diverse clientele who have and are experiencing multiple barriers.
o Adapts style to various community and institutional settings.
o Engage in internal and external reporting activities, as directed.
o Supports fund-seeking initiatives.
● Engages, oversees and supports student placements or volunteers assigned to the Programs Team or Halifax Regional Office more generally.
● Employs a client-centred approach to work;
o Maintains open communication within group or one-on-one settings;
o Liaise with other JHSNS programs/services and/or community partners to connect clients with supports appropriate to their needs, interests and goals.
o Deliver client support through a lens that is trauma informed and culturally sensitive.
● Contributes to community education initiatives (ex: representing JHSNS at events held by community partners, speaking engagements).
● Works in close coordination and collaboration with government and community partners, in the best interests of our clients and communities.
Required Experience, Competencies & Credentials
● Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Criminology or Education from a recognized educational institution or Secondary school diploma with a similar focus to the above mentioned, with experience in understanding/assessing human behaviour.
● Must provide a satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check and undergo background checks and applications required for security screening.
o We require these background checks as part of site clearance required for JHSNS’s Halifax Regional Office (reliability status) and clearance for entry into Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility.
● Must provide a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract. Have a reliable personal vehicle, a valid driver license, and a willingness to travel daily throughout HRM
● Must provide proof of liability insurance ($2 million) or be willing to obtain.
● Should have at least one year’s experience assessing human behaviour, delivering group programming, providing support to people who would be considered vulnerable or marginalized community members, particularly criminalized populations.
● Must have a high degree of cultural competency or cultural sensitivity/understanding of intersectionality and societal barriers.
● Should have at least one year’s experience providing client-driven supports that promote capacity building, independence, informed choice and social inclusion.
● Demonstrated ability to facilitate the learning of others through effective coaching, consulting and presentation skills.
● Demonstrated experience in writing formal documents and/or assessments required.
● Strong communication skills (oral and written) are required. Communicates effectively with individuals who experience mental health difficulties; communicates effectively with other JHSNS personnel and community/government partners.
● Should demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to make recommendations and provide guidance in ambiguous circumstances.
● Must have strong organizational and time management skills. Able to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to change efficiently and effectively.
● Must work efficiently independently and demonstrate the ability to be flexible, work positively and collaboratively as a team member. Can maintain quality standards and achieve task completion with minimal direction and supervision once expectations are outlined.
● Must be proficient with technology (typing, electronic data entry and record keeping, creating documents and files, email correspondence, virtual meetings, etc.). Familiarity with Microsoft Office and G Suite applications is an asset.
● Familiarity with the Offender Management System (OMS) is considered an asset.
Travel:
The position requires daily travel throughout HRM and periodic travel beyond HRM. Approved travel for work purposes is compensated at standard JHSNS rates.
Working Conditions and Hours of Work:
● Hours of work are generally Monday to Friday, in a combination of daytime and evening, to accommodate program delivery. Occasional availability to work weekends and holidays may be necessary.
● The position requires moderate amounts of walking, climbing stairs, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, and both scheduled and unscheduled interactions with others.
● The position is fast-paced, demanding, and at times stressful, requiring significant mental effort to analyze information, problem solve and support people.
● The position is based out of The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia’s Halifax Regional Office (HRO) at Suite 1, 541 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville NS. Please note stairs must be used to access the work site. Program delivery typically happens in various community spaces throughout HRM.
Compensation
- $26/h - 35 hours a week
Pay: $26.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
