Youth Support Worker

Location: Community YMCA – 2269 Gottingen Street,Halifax, NS
Program: Anchor Youth Space North End Halifax
Position Status: Full-time Permanent
Compensation: $50,000–$60,000

As part of our YMCA's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, this position is designated for a member of the African Nova Scotian community, or members of equity-deserving communities.

There is potential inside all of us – we all have itin 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 safespace to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s 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.

As part of your total compensation:

• 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

Integrated Youth Services (IYS) is a service modelthat offers low barrier access to community-led services for youth aged 12 to25 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.

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 righttime, 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 to the site manager and working under the leadership of the clinician, the Youth Support Worker provides support, mentoring, and advocacy for youth, ages 12 to 25.

The Youth Support Worker employs a relational,trauma-informed, and equity-focused approach to practice. The Youth Support Worker works collaboratively with youth, their caregivers, members of the Anchor Youth Space team, and others, helping youth meet their individualized goals.

• Embrace a wholistic approach to youth well-being, informed by thePan-Canadian Guiding Principles of IYS, social determinants of health, and principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility,and anti-racism (EDIRAA).

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

Under the clinical leadership of the site clinician:

• Support youth to understand, improve, and maintain their mental and physical well-being.
• Facilitate referrals to services both internal and external to Anchor Youth Space. Support youth to create and maintain connections to relevant services and care providers.
• Collaborate with youth and Anchor Youth Space team members to establish, implement, and revise care plans to support youth in working towards their goals.
• Assist young people on their wellness journey and in the successfultransition to adult services.
• Assist team members with development of care plans, case management, and crisis navigation.

• Support the development and…