KEY WORKER, PHOENIX YOUTH SHELTER: 1 FULL-TIME, TERM TO JANUARY 31, 2028
KEY WORKER, PHOENIX HOUSE: 1 FULL-TIME, PERMANENT
START DATE: AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Since 1987, Phoenix has been dedicated to supporting youth and contributing to a vibrant community. Phoenix’s over fourteen locations in Halifax, N.S. provide a continuum of care for youth aged 11-24 and their families. Our team of caring professionals recognizes that each person who comes to us has individual needs as well as strengths. People are the leaders in their own lives; Phoenix is a leader in supporting them.
A staff group that represents the diversity of the people and communities we serve is of the utmost importance. Phoenix is committed to reducing barriers that have traditionally impacted access to employment and career growth. As such, we encourage those interested to self-identify their ethnicity, and or race, gender, sexuality, ability, etc. We also invite you to share your pronouns in your cover letter or resume.
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Position Overview: The Key Worker provides on-going guidance and support to help residents meet their identified goals in the Phoenix Youth Shelter program. The Key Worker also supports with daily programming which all residents at the Shelter have access to.
Shelter Program Overview: Phoenix Youth Shelter is a 20-bed emergency shelter that provides free, safe, emergency accommodations to youth ages 16-24. The Shelter supplies daily essentials (food, clothing, shelter, etc.) around the clock to youth who seek support.
The Key Worker will work in a shared office space in a four-storey residential building in the South End of Halifax. Access to the building is by stairs or ramp; access to the upper floors of the building is by stairs only. The facility features gender-neutral washrooms, a shared kitchen, private and shared offices, common areas for youth, private bedrooms for youth, hygiene supplies, and a donation room. Staff are provided with meals and snacks on shift.
House Program Overview: Phoenix House is a ten-bed long-term residential facility for youth aged 16-24. It offers safe, supportive housing for youth while learning skills for independent living. Youth participate in programming such as education, employment, or volunteer work, while preparing to transition to their next housing goal.
The Key Worker will work in a shared office space located in a three-storey residential House in downtown Halifax. Access to the House and its interior is via stairs at street level. The facility features gender-neutral washrooms and a shared kitchen area. There are multiple common areas that can be accessed by both youth and staff. There is also access to an outdoor space at the back of the house that can be used outdoor activities. There is also a staff fridge at this location as well that is accessible by all agency staff.
Compensation: $49,779 annual salary, comprehensive group medical insurance plan, Employee and Family Assistance Program, 3% Employer paid RRSP contribution, 3 weeks of vacation in the first year and 4 weeks of vacation in the second year, generous sick leave, a generous paid holiday schedule, in-house trainings, and professional development opportunities.
Reports to: Manager, Phoenix Youth Shelter
Hours of Work: Shifts (usually 8 or 12 hours) fall during days, evenings, weekdays, and weekends.
Location: Halifax, NS.
Screening Requirements: This position is subject to a satisfactory criminal record check including a vulnerable sector search, child abuse register check and proof of education.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervise and monitor day-to-day activities and ensure that policies, security and safety are maintained.
- Assess and address the immediate and basic needs of the program’s youth.
- Work with youth on caseload to develop short- and long-term goals that support youth’s transition to independent living and create case plans that effectively support youth in progressing towards these goals.
- Engage youth in life skill development and goal planning opportunities that support independent living.
- Provide therapeutic support, crisis intervention and programming for youth.
- Dispense medication to youth following medication dispensing protocols.
- Provide a supportive environment that promotes youth empowerment.
- Ensure the program delivery is congruent with Phoenix’s mission, vision, and philosophy.
- Work with other Phoenix staff and programs to support holistic case plans.
- Support program development, including attendance at weekly team meeting, and ensure that a quality effective and client directed program is delivered.
- Fulfill significant cooking and cleaning responsibilities.
- Contribute to building maintenance to ensure a therapeutic milieu.
- Assist in training new staff, students and volunteers as required.
- Supervise field placement students and support the supervision of volunteers.
- Complete and maintain logs, files and records and ensure confidentiality is protected.
- Advocate with community agencies on behalf of the program and its youth.
- Commit to the development of the Association and participate in internal committees, projects and activities.
- Commit to ongoing professional development and personal reflection towards an anti-oppressive approach to practice.
- Other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Social Work, or an undergraduate degree and Human Services diploma, or another relevant undergraduate degree.
- Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification, or membership of a related professional body (if applicable).
- Two years’ experience working directly with youth (including some experience in a residential setting).
- Demonstrated high level of understanding of youth development and the issues of homelessness.
- Experience in case management.
- Demonstrated skill using anti-oppressive practice (harm reduction, narrative practice, a client-directed approach, and a social justice perspective).
- Knowledge of mental health issues, substance abuse and crisis intervention.
- Physical ability to lift light loads, walk up and down stairs and maintain a fairly active pace.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Ability to lead a shift and make appropriate decisions.
- Proven ability to foster positive connections with youth and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Non-violent crisis intervention (CPI), suicide intervention (ASIST), standard first aid or a commitment to secure these certifications within six months of being hired.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and using the Internet.
TO APPLY: * Please note that interviews may take place during the posting period.
Interested applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter (in Word or as a PDF document) to [email protected], with the subject line “Key Worker”. Your resume should contain pertinent information about your qualifications and experiences, and your cover letter should let us know why this is the job for you. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as received until June 10th, 2026, at 11.59pm (ADT).
Accommodation: Phoenix is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every candidate feels respected and supported. We embrace equal opportunity in our recruitment and selection process and strive to meet the unique needs of all applicants. Phoenix will gladly provide accommodation to the best of our ability to ensure equitable access throughout the hiring process. If you require any accommodation during any stage of recruitment, please feel free to indicate this in your application.
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $49,779.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
