About Us
The Portal Youth Outreach Association (PYOA) provides advocacy and outreach support to youth at risk throughout Western Nova Scotia. Our vision is a community where all youth have access to safe, supportive, and caring environments.
We work toward this vision by reducing youth homelessness through collaboration with youth-serving organizations and by helping young people access supports and services in ways that are relational, timely, and accessible. Our work is trauma-informed, relationship-based, and community-focused.
About the Role
The Housing Support Worker provides individualized housing-focused case management and support to youth and young adults participating in The Portal's housing programs.
Working throughout the community, this role focuses on helping participants secure and maintain safe, stable housing while developing the skills, confidence, and supports needed for long-term housing success.
Every day looks a little different. One day you might be helping someone search for housing, meeting with a participant in their home, or working alongside a landlord to resolve a concern. The next, you could be supporting someone through a move, connecting them with community resources, or helping them build the skills needed to maintain their tenancy.
This is a relationship-based role that requires flexibility, sound judgment, and a commitment to supporting participants where they're at.
What You’ll Do
Housing Support & Relationship Building
- Build meaningful and consistent relationships with participants through individualized support.
- Maintain regular contact and provide practical support based on participants' goals and needs.
- Encourage independence, confidence, and long-term housing stability.
Case Management & Advocacy
- Support participants in accessing housing, income assistance, healthcare, education, employment, and other community resources.
- Advocate alongside participants as they navigate systems and services.
- Assist with goal planning, referrals, and problem-solving.
Housing Stability & Tenancy Support
- Support participants with housing searches, applications, move-ins, and housing retention.
- Assist participants in developing tenancy skills, budgeting, household management, communication, and conflict resolution.
- Help identify and address barriers that may affect housing stability.
Community Partnerships & Team Collaboration
- Build positive relationships with landlords, housing providers, and community agencies.
- Participate in case conferencing, team meetings, supervision, and professional development.
- Contribute to safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for participants, staff, and community partners.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Post-secondary education in Human Services, Social Work, Community Development, Psychology, Social Services, Child & Youth Care, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience providing case management, housing support, or working with individuals experiencing housing instability or other complex barriers.
- Experience working in community-based or outreach settings is considered an asset.
- Experience supporting individuals through crisis situations, advocacy, or housing stabilization is considered an asset.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based, and participant-centred approaches.
- Knowledge of housing systems, tenant rights, and community resources is considered an asset.
- Ability to build trust while maintaining healthy professional boundaries.
- Strong organizational, documentation, and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
- Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and solution-focused in challenging Housing Support Worker situations.
Personal Qualities
- Compassionate, approachable, and non-judgmental.
- Emotionally mature and self-aware.
- Respectful, dependable, and accountable.
- Comfortable working in dynamic environments where priorities may change throughout the day.
- Committed to continuous learning and professional growth.
Working Conditions
This is a full-time position based on 37.5 hours per week. Work takes place throughout the community, at Portal housing locations, in participants' homes, and in other community-based settings throughout the Annapolis Valley. The role requires flexibility and may include occasional evenings, weekends, outreach activities, home visits, and urgent housing situations as required.
Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a valid Class 5 Driver's License and have reliable access to a vehicle.
- Successfully complete a Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, Child Abuse Registry Check, and reference checks.
- Be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, outreach activities, and urgent housing situations as required.
- Adhere to organizational policies, procedures, confidentiality requirements, and professional standards.
How to Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to:
Troy Coldwell
Manager of Outreach, Housing, and Edge on Employment
[email protected]
Please include "Housing Support Worker" in the subject line of your email.
Applications will be accepted until Friday, August 14 at 4:30 p.m.
We thank all applicants for their interest in The Portal Youth Outreach Association; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: Up to $48,750.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
Work Location: In person
