Disability Support Worker jobs in Nova Scotia

The Opportunity

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 and works under the clinical support and leadership of the site clinician.

Position Summary

Reporting to the site manager and working under the leadership of the clinician, the community outreach worker provides outreach, intake and screening, case management, service navigation, support, and advocacy for youth, ages 12 to 25, who are experiencing challenges related to mental health and substance use. The community outreach worker employs a relational, trauma-informed, and equity-focused approach to practice. Working with youth, caregivers, members of the Anchor Youth Space team, and others, the community outreach worker leads the collaborative development of youth goals and care plans supporting youth to meet their individualized goals. The community outreach worker actively collaborates with Anchor Youth Space site team members and multi-sector partners to develop an integrated, youth-centered system of care and supports. The community outreach worker demonstrates professionalism, adheres to standards of their professional practice, and champions the principles of Integrated Youth Services.

Specific Accountabilities

1. 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).

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

3. Under the clinical leadership of the site clinician, the community outreach worker provides the following services to youth ages 12 to 25 who present at the Anchor Youth Space site for services:

• Conduct intake and screening related to mental health; substance use and other challenges; form a supportive rapport; collaboratively develop a care plan.
• Triage youth presenting with mental health and addiction needs and facilitate access to appropriate services, including urgent and emergency care.
• Provide information on services available within and beyond the Anchor Youth Space site; successfully connect youth and their caregivers with services; monitor and support their progress; advocate for service access as needed.
• Provide collaborative case management for assigned youth, working closely with site team members and others to integrate service delivery and provide youth with seamless care.
• Facilitate the coordinated transfer of young people to adult services.
• Support youth to be actively engaged in their care plans and treatment.
• Maintain timely and accurate client records to enable team communication and coordinated care.

4. Lead the collaborative development and implementation of a site youth outreach plan, to proactively engage with youth who may benefit from Anchor Youth Space site services but aren’t accessing mental health or substance use supports. Use innovative and creative ways to develop a rapport and introduce young people to supports and services provided at Anchor Youth Space.

5. In collaboration with the site manager, promote Anchor Youth Space and Integrated Youth Services in the catchment area.

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

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

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

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

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

11. Other duties as required.

Knowledge and Experience

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant health or social care discipline (ex. registered nurse, occupational therapist, social work, registered counselling therapist) required.

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

3. Minimum of two (2) years of experience required. Three (3) to five (5) years preferred, in one or more of the following areas: intake and assessment, mental health care, addictions services, youth services.

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

• Well-developed knowledge and skills in the areas of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism (EDIRAA).
• 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-centered care required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong therapeutic relationships with youth and caregivers.
• A high degree of proficiency in screening and intake assessment, including suicide risk assessment, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team required; previous experience working in an integrated service delivery model, 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.ca. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The competition may remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

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

Pay: $33.17-$41.88 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

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

Work Location: In person