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APPLY by July 25, 2025 CLOSED

Community Outreach Worker

Division: Anchor Youth Space Deadline to apply: July 25, 2025, 4:00 pm Email resume to: Human Resources <hr@newdawn.ca> Schedule: Permanent, Full-Time Salary/Wage: $70,000-$80,000 annually Openings: 1

Job Description

Position Description

Reporting to the Site Supervisor, and working under the clinician direction of the IYS-NS site Mental Health & Addictions (MHA) Clinician, the Community Outreach Worker provides 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. The Community Outreach Worker (COW) employs a relational, empowering, trauma-informed, and equity-focused approach to practice.

Working with youth, caregivers, members of the Integrated Youth Services 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 supports.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Embrace a wholistic approach to youth well-being, informed by the Pan-Canadian Guiding Principles of IYS, the social determinants of health, and the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism (EDIRAA)
  • 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 IYS-NS 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 with youth and young adults who may benefit from IYS but aren’t accessing mental health or substance use supports. Use innovative and creative ways to develop a rapport and introduce these young people to IYS
  • Assist the site supervisor in informing the broader community about the IYS-NS model of care and site services/programs. Create and maintain connections with other youth serving organizations, the municipality and large systems such as NS Health Authority and Department of Community Services
  • On an ongoing basis, work with site staff and management IYS coalition member organizations, Youth and Caregiver Advisory Committees, Collaborating Service Providers, ad the IYS-NS Provincial Leadership Team, to ensure that 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
  • Participate in internal team meetings as required
  • Look for potential improvements and help implement solutions
  • Maintain quality, safety and the confidentiality of employees, clients, and volunteers
  • Maintain professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity so as to portray New Dawn in a positive manner, consistent with its values and vision
  • Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, engaging in professional networks, and participating in professional organizations
  • Respond to the needs of others with effective communication, mutual respect, and consistent follow through to build trust and workplace relationships
  • Promote the mission and values of New Dawn both internally and externally
  • Other duties as assigned by the Director, Properties and Development

Qualifications

  • Bachelors Degree in Social Work required
  • Registered or eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers
  • 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, addictions services, youth services
  • Current and up-to-date CPR and First Aid 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
  • Compassion and empathy
  • Experience working with and advocating for vulnerable populations
  • Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and with guidance from others
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively with others; to work together towards a shared goal
  • Highly organized and ability to work well under pressure
  • Proficiency with Microsoft suite of programs and applications
  • High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability
  • Understands servant leadership and community-focus as central to the work

Work Conditions

  • Travel may be required
  • Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals
  • Overtime may be required; working evenings/weekends as needed
  • Interacts with employees, management, and the public at large
  • Environment can be busy and/or noisy at times

AIP Employer

New Dawn is proud to be a designated Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) employer. Eligible employees may be able to receive employer support for permanent residency applications through the program. Employees are responsible for confirming their eligibility under the AIP or any other immigration stream before seeking employer endorsement. 

Compensation Package

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.

New Dawn

New Dawn is Canada’s oldest Community Development Corporation. Since 1976, we’ve been working to create a more just, healthy, and self-determined community by responding to local needs and driving long-term, systems-level change. Today, New Dawn continues to focus on self-reliance, resilience, and community-led transformation. Every day, we engage thousands of community members and employ over 150 Cape Bretoners through programs and services that are practical, creative, and grounded in care. Our work spans health and social care, housing, the arts, youth, immigration, and community development. Some of these services generate revenue, which we reinvest into our organization — fueling sustainability and deepening community impact.

Anchor Youth Space

Anchor Youth Space Sydney is part of a provincial Integrated Youth Services (IYS) initiative designed to provide community-based programming, resources, and services to support youth aged 12 to 25. The IYS model offers a “one-stop shop” where youth and their caregivers can access a range of services without the need for appointments or fees.

Posted July 14, 2025 by New Dawn
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Get in touch

New Dawn Enterprises
37 Nepean St, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 6A7
newdawn@newdawn.ca
902-539-9560

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Eymu’ti’k Unama’ki

Eymu’ti’k Unama’ki, newte’jk l’uiknek te’sikl Mi’kmawe’l maqamikall mna’q iknmuetumittl. Ula maqamikew wiaqi-wikasik Wantaqo’tie’l aqq I’lamatultimkewe’l Ankukamkewe’l Mi’kmaq aqq Eleke’wuti kisa’matultisnik 1726ek.

We are in Unama’ki, one of the seven traditional and unceded ancestral territories of the people of Mi’kma’ki. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship which the Mi’kmaq first signed with the British Crown in 1726.

Ketu’-keknuite’tmek aqq kepmite’tmek ula tela’matultimkip wjit maqamikew ta’n etekl mtmo’taqne’l. Ula tett, ula maqamikek, etl-lukutiek l’tunen aqq apoqntmnen apoqnmasimk aqq weliknamk Unama’ki.

We wish to recognize and honour this understanding of the lands on which we reside. It is from here, on these lands, that we work to create and support a culture of self-reliance and vibrancy.