Counsellor B; Child and Youth Care Practitioner; Relief Roster

Position: Counsellor 2(A)-(B) (Child and Youth Care Practitioner) (Relief Roster)

Counsellor 2(A)-(B) (Child and Youth Care Practitioner) (Relief Roster)

Competition #: 47633

Department: Opportunities and Social Development

Location: SYDNEY

Type of Employment: Relief

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 04-Jan-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support Program (DSP). Through our services, we advocate and help vulnerable Nova Scotians to be independent, self‑reliant, and secure.

About

This Opportunity

We are seeking compassionate, creative individuals to join our team as Child & Youth Care Practitioners. You will establish positive connections with youth and families during challenging times in their lives and build a rewarding career.

Primary Accountabilities

• Provide care and programming for children and youth in the care of the Minister or Mi’kmaw Family & Children’s Services, with moderate to severe emotional and trauma‑based responses.
• Deliver pre‑approved psycho‑educational youth programming (social and emotional learning).
• Support children and youth with self‑regulation, conflict resolution, and healthy relationship skills.
• Collaborate with external professionals such as social workers, health care professionals, policing services, probation, and public schools.
• Accurately maintain case management notes and files, and provide crisis intervention when needed.

Qualifications and Experience

Ideally, you have completed a Child & Youth Care Worker diploma from a provincially approved post‑secondary institution; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Notice to pending graduates:
If you anticipate graduation from your program within the next few months, you are encouraged to apply.

Essential qualifications include:

• Understanding of trauma‑informed approach and knowledge of physical, psychological, and emotional needs of youth in care.
• Knowledge of healthy child development.
• Ability to facilitate groups and communicate effectively (oral & written).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with case management systems (desirable).

Desirable experience:

• Child welfare, early childhood development, crisis services, shelters, or supporting persons with disabilities and substance dependency.

Key Qualities

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Effective communication skills.
• Knowledge of various software packages.

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience. Eligible equivalencies include:

• Related bachelor’s degree in social science (e.g., Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Community Studies).
• Related diplomas in Social Services, Disability Support, and Human Services.
• Education and experience with Early Childhood Education (ECE).
• Two (2) years related experience supporting children and youth.

Benefits

Based on employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General Illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation, and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.

Working Conditions

Work is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with rotating shifts. You will facilitate and maintain safety for youth, visitors, employees, and the public. Crises may require Nonviolent Crisis Intervention techniques.

Additional Information

A valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle is required.

Relief employees work on an as‑needed basis; the role does not guarantee hours. Current Province employees applying will maintain bargaining unit status, seniority, and benefit level.

Pay Grade and Salary

Pay Grade: TE 18 – TE 21 Hourly

Salary Range: $24.86 – $32.88 Hourly

Employment Equity Statement

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia welcomes applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Women in under‑represented occupations.

Accommodation Statement

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require accommodation, please contact us at

Application Information

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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