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 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’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.

Total Compensation & Benefits

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

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.

Guiding Principles of the Anchor Youth Space Model

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 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 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Holistic Youth Well-Being
• Embrace a wholistic approach to youth well-being, 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).
• Professional Practice
• Act professionally and ethically, following all organizational and Anchor Youth Space policies, guidelines, applicable legislation, regulations, and professional standards.
• Direct Youth Support Services

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 successful transition to adult services.
• Assist team members with development of care plans, case management, and crisis navigation.
• Peer Support Initiatives
• Support the development and implementation of caregiver and youth peer support initiatives for the Anchor Youth Space site.
• Group Programming
• Plan and facilitate group programs for youth that build social connections and a sense of belonging and strengthen participants' knowledge and skills related to mental health and substance use, cultural identity, life skills, and overall well-being.
• Youth Advisory Committee
• In collaboration with the Provincial Youth and Caregiver Engagement Coordinator, organize and support the Anchor Youth Space Site Youth Advisory Committee.
• Community Outreach
• In accordance with an established site outreach plan, proactively engage with youth in the community who may benefit from Anchor Youth Space services, to develop a rapport and introduce them to Anchor Youth Space.
• Professional Knowledge
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and protocols, and best practices relevant to integrated youth services.
• Documentation
• Ensure documentation and data is entered into the Anchor Youth Space Nova platform and use the data to guide care; assist youth in entering data as required.
• Team Participation
• Take part in Anchor Youth Space planning, development, team building, and performance reviews.
• Training & Quality Improvement
• Take part in Anchor Youth Space Nova Scotia training, professional development, research, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Reception Support
• Assist with the reception, welcome, and drop-in functions of the Anchor Youth Space site as needed.
• Other Duties
• Other duties as required.

Education & Skills Qualifications

• Secondary education in social services is required. Two (2) years of relevant experience required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 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.
• Well-developed knowledge and skills in the areas of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism (EDIRAA).
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills to serve youth and families from diverse cultural backgrounds, including African Nova Scotian, Newcomer, and Indigenous populations required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and commitment to, trauma-informed and person-centred care required.
• Demonstrated skills in communication, relationship-building, de-escalation, and conflict resolution with youth, caregivers, and families.
• Demonstrated skill and knowledge in group facilitation, and program development required.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team required; previous training and experience working in an integrated service delivery model preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of attachment, adolescent development, and family dynamics and functioning strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated skills in role modelling and mentoring preferred.
• Willingness to lead group programs required; prior group facilitation experience preferred.
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Demonstrated good judgment and high levels of interpersonal sensitivity and diplomacy required.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, and to work both independently and collaboratively, required.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, be flexible in response to changing demands, and ensure effective organization and time management required.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain timely and accurate electronic client records required.
• Proficient in MS Office computer applications and file management, and email programs.
• Ability to provide services in person, by telephone, and virtually required.
• Competencies in other languages are an asset.

How To Apply

Please apply online by September 18, 2026.

Successful Candidates Are Required To Provide

• Criminal Record Check
• Vulnerable Sector Check
• Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older
• Valid First Aid and CPR Training

Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis. Offenses, if any, are assessed based on the role and Child Safeguarding requirements and may not eliminate candidates from employment at the YMCA.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.