Youth Worker ; Casual Relief

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 23-Nov-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

The Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice contributes to the maintenance of a just, peaceful and safe society by administering and operating community and custody-based programs and services for adult and young persons in custody.

Nova Scotia Correctional Services offers:

• Professional, well-trained and motivated staff
• Integrated, focused and equitable program and service delivery
• Responsive programs and services for persons in custody and the public

We are leaders in delivering a high standard of services to achieve positive change. We develop partnerships and use integrated information and communication systems to provide a safe, secure, healthy and supportive environment for offenders and staff. Our Division takes pride in using creativity, innovation and integrity in decision making and the achievement of our goals and objectives.

As a Youth Worker, you are responsible for assisting with the reintegration, safe secure care, and control of young persons in a secure facility for youth. This work occurs on a shift basis.

Youth workers plan, organize and implement a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of young persons in custody. This includes a restorative approach to activities, facilitating individual and group programs such as Options to Anger, Voices & Substance Abuse Education, and coordinating orientation for new youth in custody.

You will develop and implement effective individualized case plans for assigned young persons, and prepare administrative reports related to young persons in custody, such as custodial progress reports for review of dispositions of the youth court.

You are responsible for the administrative functions related to the case management database (JEIN) and documenting daily activities. Youth Workers work with diverse youth in custody population and are accountable for promoting and adhering to policy and procedures, standard operating procedures, post orders and directives.

As a Youth Worker, you are accountable for maintaining institutional security requirements and ensuring youth comply with rules and regulations and holding youth accountable for breaches in behaviour. You will serve as a role model for young persons encouraging pro-social behaviour and must demonstrate an approach toward the young person which is compatible with the institution's goals as well as an understanding of the issues and challenges facing youths.

As part of this role, you will be involved with conducting persons in custody counts, searches, writing reports, and safe escort movements throughout the facility.

You possess a Bachelor’s Degree in a social science (Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, Education or Recreation); or a related Community College Certificate/Diploma in combination with directly related experience. Experience in a correctional setting would be an asset. An acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Report writing, counseling and building and maintaining a rapport with youth and co-workers are critical components of the job. As such, our successful candidate(s) will demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail. You must display strong leadership and problem‑solving skills, be able to make good decisions and respond appropriately to crisis situations.

Other competencies that must be displayed are the ability to work well with minimal supervision and an understanding of the importance of exercising discretion with confidential matters.

If selected for the position, you must provide a current copy of Emergency First Aid Certificate and Vulnerable Sector Check with Criminal Record Check and a Child Abuse Registry Check.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Applicants relying on…