Location: Community YMCA – 2269 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS
Program: Anchor Youth Space, North End Halifax
Position Status: Full-time Permanent
Compensation: $85,000–$95,000
There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.
Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.
We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone is in their corner with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities. With us at their side, they can Shine On.
Total Compensation Includes
- Complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
- Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
- Three (3) weeks’ vacation entitlement and paid wellness days
- Comprehensive benefits package and pension
- Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services
About the Role
Integrated Youth Services (IYS) is a 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 IYS 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.
Anchor Youth Space Principles
- 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
In This Role, You Will
Reporting to the Site Manager, the clinician provides assessment, clinical treatment, referrals, and advocacy for youth aged 12 to 25 who are experiencing challenges related to mental health and substance use. The clinician provides clinical support, consultation, and clinical leadership for the Anchor Youth Space site team members. The clinician demonstrates professionalism, adheres to standards of professional practice, and champions the principles of Integrated Youth Services.
- 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, regulatory body standards, and Code of Ethics.
- Provides guidance, support, oversight, and leadership for Anchor Youth Space services and team members.
- Embraces a holistic approach to youth wellbeing, 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).
- Acts professionally and ethically, following all organizational guidelines, applicable legislation, regulations, and professional standards.
- Where required, liaises with external treatment providers and supports coordinated transfer of care to clinical mental health and addiction services for youth aged 12 to 25.
- Collaborates with site staff to design, review, and refine group programs aligned with best practices in youth wellbeing, resilience, and development.
- Ensures documentation and data entry into the Anchor Youth Space Nova platform and uses data to guide care and programming; supports youth with data entry as required.
- Collaborates with staff, management, coalition organizations, Youth and Caregiver Advisory Committees, and service providers to ensure alignment with IYS principles.
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, protocols, and best practices in integrated youth services.
- Participates in planning, development, and team building activities.
- Participates in training, professional development, research, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Assists with reception, welcome, and drop-in functions of the site as needed.
- Performs other duties as required.
Education and Skills Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology (registered), Counseling, Nursing, or Occupational Therapy.
- Registered and in good standing, or eligible for registration, with the relevant professional regulatory body.
- Minimum 2 years of clinical experience in youth mental health and addictions; 3–5 years preferred.
- 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.
- Strong proficiency in mental health and addictions screening and assessment, including suicide risk assessment.
- Experience using evidence-based approaches such as solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and engagement strategies.
- Strong knowledge of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism (EDIRAA).
- Clinical decision-making and collaborative leadership skills; experience providing clinical consultation preferred.
- Experience working with diverse populations, including African Nova Scotian, Newcomer, and Indigenous communities.
- Commitment to trauma-informed and person-centred care.
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team; experience in integrated service models preferred.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong judgment, interpersonal sensitivity, and diplomacy.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to adapt to changing demands.
- Ability to maintain accurate electronic client records.
- Proficiency in MS Office and electronic systems.
- Ability to provide services in person, by phone, and virtually.
- Additional languages are considered an asset.
How to Apply
Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ by June 12, 2026.
Successful candidates will be required to provide:
- A Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old, if 18+)
- Valid First Aid and CPR certification
Background checks are reviewed individually and do not automatically disqualify candidates depending on role requirements and safeguarding standards.
The YMCA is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all team members feel valued, respected, and empowered. We welcome applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour; racially diverse individuals; 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals; gender-diverse people; persons with disabilities; ethnic and faith communities; newcomers; and veterans.
If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made.
