Summer Program Support Worker

Job Title: Summer Program Support Worker
Reports To: Program Manager
Key Collaborators: Programing Team
Location: Halifax, NS
Employment Type: Seasonal, non-unionized position

Term: 12 weeks, 37.5 hrs/week, evening and weekend work required

About Laing House

Laing House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people aged 16-29 with lived mental health experience. Our philosophy, "Come as You Are”, drives our mission to create an inclusive social network where members can access the resources they need for their mental health recovery while benefiting from a strong peer support community. We offer drop-in hours along with scheduled programs.

Position Overview

Reporting to our Program Managers, the Summer Program Support Worker (SPSW) will work alongside our community support workers to support scheduled Laing House programming and activities and create a warm, supportive and safe environment where members feel welcomed and encouraged to participate.

Key Responsibilities

Programming

• Work with the program team to plan, promote, and facilitate programs in areas such as Healthy Living, Creative Arts, Employment & Education, and Community Navigation.
• Support program logistics which can include anything from setting up spaces and organizing materials to managing supplies and assisting facilitators.
• Support external program facilitators with set up and programming as required.
• Cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships with members by providing ongoing encouragement and participation support.

General House Duties

• Help maintain a welcoming, clean, and safe environment throughout all drop-in hours.
• Be present and be an active support to members during drop-in times.
• Asist in the opening and closing of the house, following all operational procedures to ensure the space is secure and ready for use.
• Perform day-to-day house operations, including general cleaning, food preparation, and assisting with programming as needed.

Scope of Practice

This is a non-clinical role. The Summer Program Support Worker provide social and program support only. If a member requires clinical or emergency assistance, staff will connect them with the appropriate professional or service. One-to-one member support is not part of this role.

Education & Experience

• Experience or studies in Recreation Therapy, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, or a related field is an asset.
• Experience supporting or working alongside youth with lived mental health experience is a strong asset.
• Experience facilitating or assisting with programs or activities.

Skills & Attributes

• Friendly, collaborative, and adaptable team player.
• Comfortable maintaining professional boundaries and practicing self-care.
• Committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space that aligns with Laing House’s mission and values.

Other Requirements

• Satisfactory criminal record check, including vulnerable sector and child abuse registry checks
• Returning to post-secondary education in the fall (if approved through SKILLS)

How to apply

• To apply, please send one document that includes both your cover letter and resume to jobs@lainghouse.org. We’d love to hear your story—tell us how your experiences, strengths, and values align with our mission in a thoughtful, personalized cover letter.
• Laing House is committed to building an equitable and diverse team that reflects the communities we serve and embodies our “Come as You Are” philosophy. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges. We also welcome and encourage candidates from equity-deserving groups to self-identify in their applications—including Mi’kmaq, African Nova Scotian, Black, Indigenous/First Nations, racialized, newcomer, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and people with disabilities—who share our values and commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering space.

Pay: From $20.45 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Discounted or free food

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Language:

• English (required)

Work Location: In person