Child and Youth Practitioner (Relief Roster) in Cowfold

At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support Program (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.

We are seeking compassionate, creative individuals to join our team. 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. This roster will be used to fill multiple relief opportunities over the next several months.

As a Child & Youth Care Practitioner in our Provincial Child and Youth Caring programs, you will provide care and programming for children and youth in the care of the Minister or Mi’kmaw Family & Children’s Services, with moderate to severe emotional and trauma‑based responses. You will support and engage with children and youth, leading and co‑leading pre‑approved psycho‑educational youth programming (social and emotional learning). Key responsibilities include:

• Appropriate role modelling and advocating on behalf of children, youth and families for any necessary supports and services.
• Creating opportunities for recreational and leisure activities 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.

Ideally, you have completed a Child & Youth Care Worker diploma from a provincially approved post‑secondary institution, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. 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, and knowledge of healthy child development, providing opportunities for youth to expand on life skills through support and guidance. Key qualities 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).
• 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.

Your personal resilience and ability to act decisively and with sound judgment 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. The facility operates twenty‑four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, with scheduled rotating employee shifts.

A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is required. Note: 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. An employee in this role does not have guaranteed hours of work.

What We Offer:

• Career development with access to guidance, resources, and ongoing training.
• Engaging workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and connected.
• Countless career paths.

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, 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.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact.