Our Mission
At The Portal Youth Outreach Association, our mission is to support and empower at-risk youth in the Annapolis Valley by providing advocacy and ensuring easy, relational, and timely access to essential services. We envision a community where every young person has a safe, supportive, and loving home.
As a Housing Support Worker – Case Manager, you will work directly with youth in our Supported Housing Programs to help them secure and maintain safe, affordable housing. Through case management and mentorship, you will support youth in building life skills, setting personal goals, and connecting with community resources. You will also play a key role in strengthening and adapting our housing programs to meet changing needs.
Responsibilities
- Case Management and Support: Provide one‑to‑one case management and build trusting relationships with youth. Co‑create and document individualized plans across education, employment, housing stability, relationships, life skills, identity, engagement, and emotional wellness.
- Housing Support and Tenancy Skills: Provide regular check‑ins and set clear expectations for housing stability. Teach tenancy skills (budgeting, cleaning, being a good neighbour, conflict resolution, lease compliance) and assist with subsidies, unit viewings, moving plans, rent, and utilities.
- Community Connections and Referrals: Make timely referrals and warm hand‑offs. Collaborate with landlords, service providers, and community partners to strengthen housing stability and access to resources.
- Emotional and Crisis Support: Respond calmly using a trauma‑informed approach and model emotional regulation. Follow PYOA policies and NCI practices to maintain safety.
- Reporting and Documentation: Maintain accurate case files and statistical records. Complete monthly and annual reports and share observations to inform program quality and development.
- Model Healthy Behaviours: Model healthy lifestyle choices, respectful communication, and clear boundaries to support clients' personal development.
- Team Collaboration and Professional Development: Attend supervision, debriefs, and team meetings. Participate in training and contribute ideas for continuous improvement.
Requirements
- Must have a clear Criminal Records Check and Child Abuse Registry Check.
- Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality in all aspects of work.
- Flexibility and willingness to work occasional evening and weekend hours as required.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle.
Qualifications
- 2‑year diploma in Youth Work, Child and Youth Care, Social Services, Community Development, or equivalent education and experience. A related degree in Social Sciences will be considered with relevant experience supporting youth aged 16–24.
- Knowledge of tenant rights and responsibilities, housing systems, and subsidies in Nova Scotia (e.g., rent supplements, lease compliance, utilities set‑up).
- Certification or willingness to train in ASIST, Trauma-Informed Care, Non-violent Crisis Intervention, and First Aid.
- Knowledge of youth development, social and historical factors, discrimination, trauma, and their impacts.
- Familiarity with community resources, social service agencies, and landlord relations in the Annapolis Valley.
- Working knowledge of documentation standards, case management practices, and data tracking/reporting requirements.
- Proficiency with common software/tools for documentation and communication.
Personal Attributes
- Commitment to teamwork and personal development.
- Strong time management, resilience, accountability, and ethics.
- Able to work independently and manage challenging situations with sound judgment.
- Maintains a calm, positive outlook and composure in routine and crisis scenarios.
- Demonstrated strengths‑based, relationship‑focused practice that builds trust and rapport with youth.
- Clear, respectful communicator; skilled in mediation, negotiation, and facilitation.
- Organized and reliable; plans effectively and meets deadlines.
- Collaborative with diverse teams, partners, and service providers.
- Flexible and adaptive; adjusts approaches based on varying youth needs and changing circumstances.
- Trauma‑informed; recognizes and responds appropriately to the impacts of trauma.
- Genuine care and understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by vulnerable youth.
- Proactive problem‑solver; identifies challenges and implements practical solutions.
- Cultural humility and respect for diverse backgrounds; works inclusively with culturally and socially diverse youth.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
The Portal Youth Outreach Association fosters a workplace environment that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We celebrate all individuals' unique perspectives and contributions, creating a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Our commitment to diversity enriches our organization, fostering innovation, collaboration, and empathy across all facets of our work.
We actively promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our daily practices and initiatives at The Portal Youth Outreach Association. This includes cultivating a workplace culture where every voice is heard, prioritizing professional development opportunities emphasizing diversity training, and engaging in community partnerships promoting equitable access to resources.
Working Conditions
This is a community‑based role with time split between our Kentville office, outreach in the community, and occasional time in supported housing sites. Regular travel across the Annapolis Valley is required for home visits, unit viewings, meetings with landlords, and appointments with service providers or government offices. Transporting clients and arranging pickups may be required at times.The position is full‑time (37.5 hours/week), typically Monday–Friday during daytime hours. Some evenings and occasional weekends are required to accommodate client availability, unit viewings, move‑ins, and urgent situations. Ensuring the safety and security of youth, visitors, employees, and the public is a key aspect of the position. Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) techniques may be necessary to manage challenging situations and maintain a safe environment; training and coaching in these techniques are provided.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Portal Youth Outreach Association is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
Job Bank # 3385096
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $48,750.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
