Community Outreach Worker

Job Description

Expected Start Date: August 31, 2026

The Community Outreach Worker is responsible for outreach, intake and screening, case management, service navigation, support, and advocacy for youth (ages 12 to 25) who are experiencing challenges related to mental health and addictions. They employ a relational, empowering, trauma-informed, and equity-focused approach to practice. Working with youth, caregivers, members of the Integrated Youth Services (IYS) team, and others, the COW leads the collaborative development of youth goals and service plans and supports youth to meet their goals. The COW actively collaborates with IYS site colleagues and multi-sector partners to develop an integrated, youth-centred system of care and support

Primary Areas of Responsibility

Person Centered Care & Relationship Building

Duties and Responsibilities

Person Centered Care

• Embrace a holistic approach to youth well-being, informed by the Pan-Canadian Guiding Principles of IYS, the social determinants of health, and EDIRAA principles
• Under the clinical direction of the site MHA Clinician, provide the following services to youth ages 12 to 25 who present at the IYS site for services: 
  • Conduct intake and screening related to mental health, addiction and other issues; form a supportive rapport; collaboratively develop a service plan
  • Triage youth presenting with mental health and addiction needs and facilitate access to appropriate services, including urgent and emergency care
  • Provide information on services available within and beyond the site; successfully connect youth and their caregivers with services; monitor and support their progress; advocate for service access as needed
  • Work with site colleagues, the IYS-NS Provincial Leadership Team, youth, and caregivers to ensure supports and services are provided for youth who are wait-listed for clinical and intensive MHA services 
  • Provide collaborative case management for assigned youth, working closely with IYS site colleagues and others to integrate service delivery and provide youth with seamless care
  • Facilitate the coordinated transfer and secure attachment of young people to adult services
  • Support youth to be actively engaged in their care plans and treatment, and where possible, to become their own advocates and case managers
  • Ensure client documentation in the IYS-NS data platform (identified in the minimum data set) and other record(s) as relevant; where required, assist youth in entering data into the platform 
  • Make use of data to guide care conversations and interventions
  • Maintain timely and accurate client records to enable team communication and coordinated care
• Lead the collaborative development and implementation of a site youth outreach plan to proactively engage youth and young adults who may benefit from services
• Work with site staff, coalition member organizations, Youth and Caregiver Advisory Committees, collaborating service providers, and the IYS-NS Provincial Leadership Team to ensure the Pan-Canadian Principles of IYS guide all aspects of site services
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and protocols regarding addiction and mental health care, and youth/young adults more broadly

Relationship Building

• Assist the site supervisor in informing the broader community about the IYS-NS model of care and services/programs
• Create and maintain connections with youth-serving organizations, the municipality, NS Health Authority, and the Department of Community Services
• Respond to the needs of others with effective communication, mutual respect, and consistent follow-through to build trust and workplace relationships

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Participate in team meetings and organizational activities as required
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and contribute to the development and implementation of effective solutions
• Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and confidentiality in all interactions involving employees, clients, volunteers, and organizational information
• Demonstrate professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity in all interactions, representing New Dawn in a manner consistent with its mission, vision, and values
• Maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills through ongoing learning, professional development, networking, and participation in relevant professional associations
• Foster positive workplace relationships through effective communication, mutual respect, collaboration, and reliable follow-through
• Champion and promote New Dawn’s mission, vision, and values both internally and externally
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Core Competencies

• Servant leadership 
• Ethics and integrity  
• Client and community-focused 
• Initiative and problem solving     
• Accountability and dependability  
• Strong oral and written communication 
• Teamwork and collaboration      
• Detail orientation   
• Adaptability 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant health or social care discipline (ex. registered nurse, occupational therapist, social work, registered counselling therapist) required
• Registered or eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers
• Current and up-to-date CPR, First Aid and Naloxone Training
• Current and up-to-date Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training
• Current and up-to-date Brain Story Certification
• Current and up-to-date Mental Health First Aid Training
• Valid Nova Scotia Drivers License, access to reliable transportation, and appropriate insurance to transport clients is required
• Minimum of two (2) years of social work experience required (3-5 years preferred) in one or more of the following areas: intake and assessment, mental health care, addictions services, youth services 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite of programs and applications
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong therapeutic relationships with youth and caregivers
• Demonstrated compassion, empathy, diplomacy, and sound problem-solving skills
• Experience working with and advocating for individuals and communities facing vulnerability and systemic barriers
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively as part of a team, and under direction when required
• Strong attention to detail, with exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to build positive relationships and work effectively with others toward shared goals
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, accountability, and commitment to confidentiality
• Understanding of and working with diverse communities and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered practice
• Alignment with New Dawn’s mission, values, and servant leadership philosophy

Work Conditions

• Regular interaction with employees, volunteers, management, participants, children, families, and members of the public
• Travel between worksites and within the community may be required
• Occasional overtime and evening or weekend work may be required to meet operational needs
• Work is performed in an office and community setting and may be busy or noisy at times
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a desktop computer, including the use of standard office equipment and peripherals

Compensation Package for Salaried Employees

At New Dawn Enterprises, we recognize that employee well-being is fundamental to individual success, organizational excellence, and thriving communities. In addition to competitive salaries, permanent salaried employees may be eligible for the following benefits and supports. Eligibility for specific benefits may vary based on employment status, position, and length of service.

Group Health Employee Benefits

New Dawn offers eligible employees participation in group benefits which are provided by GroupHEALTH and include coverage for medical, dental, and vision care, as well as insurance coverage including long-term disability, life, and accidental death and dismemberment. New Dawn pays 50% of group benefit premiums. Long-term disability premiums are fully employee-paid, allowing any future disability benefits received to remain non-taxable.

Extended Health & Well-Being  

GroupHEALTH offers integrated wellness services through Sparrow Health, including enhanced mental health support, seamless access to virtual healthcare, and an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Services include critical incident support, 24/7 crisis assistance, substance-use management, and other wellness resources.

Retirement Savings Matching Program

Eligible employees may choose to participate in New Dawn’s Self-Directed Retirement Savings Matching Program by contributing up to 5% of their gross salary toward a registered retirement savings plan, which is deducted from their pay cheque. New Dawn matches employee contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 5% of gross salary. Eligible savings accounts include Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and eligible Community Economic Development Investment Funds (CEDIFs). 

Flexible Work Arrangements

In recognition of the benefits of greater work-life balance and the value of flexibility and autonomy for human well-being, New Dawn makes every effort to offer flexible work schedules. Divisions across New Dawn are structured differently and may offer varying levels of flexibility while continuing to meet operational requirements. Depending on the role, flexible arrangements may include self-scheduling (regular schedule and/or time off coverage), flexible start and end times, remote work, and other accommodations. 

Reduced Hours Work Week

Full-time salaried employees are eligible to participate in a 32-hour reduced-hours work week while maintaining full-time employment status and compensation. These hours can be worked over four 8-hour days, or five 6.5-hour days, with the chosen schedule identified at the beginning of employment and at the start of each year.

Paid Vacation 

Full-time, salaried employees are entitled to 120 hours (equivalent to 15 days) of paid vacation annually. Part-time, salaried employees are entitled to paid annual vacation hours prorated to their FTE status.

Paid Mental & Physical Wellness Days 

Full-time, salaried employees are entitled to 56 hours (7 days) of paid mental and physical wellness leave annually. Part-time, salaried employees are entitled to paid annual leave for mental and physical health prorated to their FTE status. These hours can be used to take time off work for physical and/or mental wellness/illness, and to attend appointments for the employee and/or their dependents. 

Paid Holidays 

New Dawn observes the following thirteen (13) public holidays annually, exceeding current statutory minimums. These include: New Year’s Day, Nova Scotia Heritage Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. 

Subject to operational requirements, New Dawn may provide eligible employees an additional paid office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day annually, allowing employees additional time with family and loved ones without using vacation entitlement. 

Rewards & Recognition 

New Dawn celebrates employee contributions through service awards, milestone recognition, and ongoing appreciation programs that acknowledge achievements and significant personal and professional milestones.

Paid Required Education Renewals

When certifications, training, licenses, or credentials are required for a position, New Dawn covers renewal costs. Support for professional designations and licensing fees may also be provided based on role requirements and divisional budgets.

Professional Development

New Dawn is committed to supporting employees in developing their skills, expanding their knowledge, and pursuing lifelong learning opportunities. Development of new position-relevant skills and perspectives creates a stronger, more informed, and modern organization. Employees are encouraged to explore professional development opportunities in collaboration with their manager.

Café Marie Discount

Employees are entitled to a staff discount at Café Marie, located in the Eltuek Arts Centre.

Corporate YMCA Membership Program

To support employee health and wellness, New Dawn offers a corporate membership in partnership with the Cape Breton YMCA. The corporate membership provides staff with a 12% discount on the cost of individual membership, and New Dawn covers 50% of the discounted individual membership cost.