Child & Adolescent Mental Health Worker jobs

The Opportunity

Two full-time positions available (40 hours/week).

Anchor Youth Space operates under an Integrated Youth Services (IYS) service model that offers low barrier access to community-led services for youth aged 12 to 25 and their caregivers. IYS provides early intervention, prevention, and care regarding mental health and addictions, as well as coordinated access to other services.

Each Anchor Youth Space site provides rapid access to high quality, youth-appropriate, evidence-informed supports and services. Youth can access services in person, by telephone, or through a virtual platform. The overall goal of Integrated Youth Services is to transform how young people access mental health care and services.

The following are important principles that guide the Anchor Youth Space model:

• Youth and caregiver participation in the design, implementation, and evaluation of services.
• The co-location and integration of services, including mental health and addictions care, primary health care, community and peer support, and social services.
• Continuity of services from age 12 to age 25, including supporting youths’ transition to adult services.
• Services that are culturally responsive, accessible, high quality, youth-centred, and evidence-informed.
• Stepped care to ensure the appropriate levels of care, at the right time, by the right provider.
• Ongoing collaboration among all Anchor Youth Space Nova Scotia sites and the Anchor Youth Space Nova Scotia Provincial Leadership Team.
• Ongoing, robust measurement of service impact and continuous quality improvement.

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the Anchor Youth Space site manager.

The clinician does not have direct reports but provides clinical leadership, support and consultation to all members of the Anchor Youth Space core site team.

Position Summary

Reporting to the site manager, the clinician provides assessment, clinical treatment, referrals, and advocacy for youth, ages 12 to 25, who are experiencing challenges related to mental health and substance use. The clinician provides clinical support, consultation, and leadership for the Anchor Youth Space site team members. The clinician demonstrates professionalism, adheres to standards of their professional practice, and champions the principles of Integrated Youth Services.

Specific Accountabilities

1. Carries out assessment, evidence-based treatment, care plan development and implementation, discharge planning, groups, and programming in accordance with Anchor Youth Space Nova Scotia guidelines, in alignment with their regulatory body, professional standards and Code of Ethics.

2. Provide clinical guidance, support, oversight, and leadership for Anchor Youth Space services and team members.

3. Embrace a wholistic approach to youth well-being, informed by the Pan-Canadian Guiding Principles of IYS, social determinants of health, and principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism (EDIRAA).

4. Act professionally and ethically, following all organizational and Anchor Youth Space guidelines, applicable legislation, regulations, and professional standards.

5. Where required, liaise with external treatment providers and provide youth ages 12 to 25 with evidence-informed case management, and coordinated transfer of care to clinical mental health and addiction services.

6. Collaborate with site staff to design, review, and refine group programs to ensure they integrate best practices to support youth wellbeing, resilience, and developmental needs.

7. Ensure documentation and data is entered into the Anchor Youth Space Nova Scotia platform and use the data to guide care and programming; assist youth in entering data as required.

8. On an ongoing basis, work with site staff and management, coalition member organizations, Youth and Caregiver Advisory Committees, Collaborating Service Providers, to ensure that services align with the Pan- Canadian Guiding Principles of IYS.

9. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and protocols, and best practices relevant to integrated youth services.

10. Take part in Anchor Youth Space planning, development, team building, and performance reviews.

11. Take part in Anchor Youth Space Nova Scotia training, professional development, research, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives.

12. Assist with the reception, welcome, and drop-in functions of the Anchor Youth Space site as needed.

13. Other duties as required.

Knowledge and Experience

1. Masters in Social Work, Masters in Psychology (Registered, Masters), Masters in Counseling, Masters in Nursing, Masters in Occupational Therapy.

2. Registered and in good standing, or eligible for registration, with relevant professional body required.

3. Minimum two (2) years of clinical experience providing assessment, therapy, and treatment in youth mental health and addictions services required; three (3) to five (5) years preferred.

4. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, First Aid and CPR certification, and Naloxone Training within the last 12 months or willingness to obtain within 3 months of employment.

5. Valid Nova Scotia driver’s license, regular access to a reliable vehicle and appropriate insurance to transport clients may be required.

Competencies

• A high degree of proficiency in mental health and addictions screening and assessment, including suicide risk assessment, required.
• Demonstrated experience and competency providing clinical therapy using evidence-based assessment and treatment methods, including solution-focused approaches, motivational interviewing, and client engagement strategies required.
• Well-developed knowledge and skills in the areas of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism (EDIRAA).
• Demonstrated skill in clinical decision-making and collaborative leadership required; previous experience providing clinical support, consultation, and leadership preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills to serve youth and families from diverse cultural backgrounds, including African Nova Scotian, Newcomer, and Indigenous populations required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and commitment to, trauma-informed and person-centred care required.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team required; previous training and experience working in an integrated service delivery model strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Demonstrated good judgment and high levels of interpersonal sensitivity and diplomacy required.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, and to work both independently and collaboratively, required.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, be flexible in response to changing demands, and ensure effective organization and time management required.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain timely and accurate electronic client records required.
• Proficient in MS Office computer applications and file management, and email programs.
• Ability to provide services in person, by telephone, and virtually required.
• Competencies in other languages are an asset.

Why Join Anchor?

• Be part of the founding team for an innovative youth hub.
• Work in a collaborative interdisciplinary environment.
• Access professional development and ongoing learning.
• Help improve outcomes for youth and families in Pictou County.

Position Details

Location: Pictou County, Nova Scotia
Hours: As outlined in the position description
Start Date: Anticipated Fall 2026

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Participation in the group insurance plan after three months, with premiums shared equally between the employer and employee.
• Eligibility after one year for employer RRSP matching contributions of up to 5% of salary.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on youth well-being in the community.
• Personal growth and skill enhancement opportunities.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter to anchor.info@bigbrothersbigsisters.com. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Positions will remain open until filled.

Anchor Youth Space is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and reconciliation. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Pay: $45.67-$57.86 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Work Location: In person