Job Posting Date: June 1, 2012 reopened June 19, 2012
Internal/External
Competition #12-085N
** Please note: Applicants who previously applied, need not reapply as their submission is being considered .
YOUTH ADVOCATE WORKER (Temporary Position - to March 31, 2013)
Community and Recreation Services - Youth Advocate Program
Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the temporary position of Youth Advocate Worker with Community and Recreation Services. The primary goal of the Youth Advocate Program is to prevent youth from engaging in gang related activities, anti-social and criminal behaviours while enhancing public safety. The Youth Advocate Program targets youth between the ages of 9 to 14 years. As a key member of the Youth Advocate Program, the Youth Advocate Worker is responsible for providing front line support for at least five (5) youth and their families who have been referred to the program. The Youth Advocate Worker will be instrumental in linking the youth into a network of support services within their neighbourhood.
Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Youth Advocate Worker is a member of the multi-disciplinary Youth Advocate Program intervention team and is responsible for program delivery, guiding participants, coaching, team building, mentoring, and day to day operations. The position is responsible for delivering a core component of the overall program and responds to issues and requests as required. The position will work closely with the Program Manager in documenting, monitoring and evaluating the key indicators of success for program participants.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides advice and assistance throughout the Intake and Orientation processes.
Initiates and takes a lead role in the development of a comprehensive, collaborative, and effective action planning process with multiple stakeholders.
Champions and implements intervention and prevention planning approaches that develop individual and collective performance objectives for youth.
Monitors and documents daily performance of youth.
Provides mentoring and coaching to youth and parent/guardian.
Demonstrates modelling behaviour and participatory leadership.
Coordinates youth involvement in community programs and provides liaison with public/private agencies in the community.
Participates in setting and recommending benchmarks and performance measures.
Maintains an emotionally, mentally and physically safe environment for the youth and family.
Participates in and contributes to the development, implementation and revision of internal policy and procedures. QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Completion of a college or university program in social work, child and youth care, counselling or other social science or health-related discipline.
One year work or volunteer experience in a social service environment working with at risk youth and their families in a culturally diverse, low income community.
Three (3) year’s experience volunteering or working in an urban inner city environment with at risk youth and their families in culturally, racially diverse communities and low income communities, may replace formal education.
Class 5 driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required. Technical/Job Specific Knowledge:
Good knowledge of working in a community setting with families living in unsafe, high risk situations.
A broad knowledge of the youth criminal justice and child welfare systems.
Working knowledge of the principles of Wrap Around.
Understanding of restorative practices.
Ability to lead a group, build cooperation, work toward a common objective, achieve consensus, solution oriented problem solving techniques, decision making techniques.
Ability to seek and garner support to achieve a goal, facilitate strategic linkages; coordinate activities; develop and share capacity and resources; channel information and resources; promote dialogue towards unified approaches.
Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to prepare written reports, correspondence; keep accurate and updated case files notes.
Case management, group facilitation, relationship building/ networking, monitoring and documenting progress, ability to adapt, problem solving, coordinate and monitor group work, provision of leadership support to families and professional colleagues in case management and advocacy.
Ability to lobby, navigate through systems, develop strategic relationships, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, research and disseminate information.
Proficiency in computer software including, Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet, email, record keeping.
Must have ability to pass a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check and a Child Abuse Registry Check. ***Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job knowledge.
HOURS OF WORK : 35 hours per week - flexible schedule, evenings and weekends
SALARY: The salary for this position will commensurate with experience ($38,000 - $48,000 per annum)
CLOSING DATE: applications will be received up to midnight June 30, 2012
As an Employment Equity employer, the Halifax Regional Municipality is seeking to increase the representation of qualified racially visible persons, women in non-traditional positions, persons with disabilities and Aboriginal persons in the workplace. HRM encourages applicants to self-identify.
Qualified HRM retirees may also be considered for competitions if other qualified candidates are not available, and the retiree possesses specialized knowledge and/or a unique skill set not otherwise available. In these circumstances, a form of employment may be offered, including term and/or contract employment.
Please Note: Once you have submitted your resume, an on-line questionnaire(s) will appear on screen and must be completed in order to be considered for this position.
