In the mid-1980s, a small group of concerned citizens saw a lack of support for homeless youth in the community and were determined to address the issue. Over 20 years later, Phoenix, a non-profit organization, is recognized across the country for its innovative continuum of ten programs and services supporting at-risk and homeless youth aged 12-24.

Phoenix serves hundreds of youth who collectively offer great diversity to the organization. To better serve the youth we aim to reflect their diversity in our staff contingent.

For more information about Phoenix please visit our website: www.phoenixyouth.ca

Position: Relief Worker

Job Summary: Relief workers are employees who are called on a casual basis to work shifts at Phoenix Youth Shelter (emergency shelter), Phoenix House (long-term residence) and possibly at Phoenix Centre for Youth (walk-in, street-front centre).  Although we cannot guarantee hours, we are usually able to provide Primary Relief Workers with 30-40 hours of work per week. Relief Workers should be prepared to work in the three programs listed above and to work anytime of day including awake overnights.

Application Deadline: Recruitment for Relief Workers is on-going and therefore there is no deadline for application submissions.

Screening Requirements: This position is subject to a criminal record check.

Hours of Work: Various shift lengths usually ranging from three hours to 12 hours, days, evenings and awake overnights.

Training: Non-violent Crisis Intervention, Suicide Intervention and Standard First Aid certification are requirements of the position to be obtained within six months of being hired if not already achieved. Phoenix provides training for these courses with internal instructors and subsidizes the cost of the courses.

Responsibilities

• Provide support, crisis intervention and programming for all youth.
• Assess and address the needs of the programs’ youth.
• Complete and maintain all logs, files and records as required and ensure confidentiality is protected.
• Supervise and monitor the program’s activities and ensure that policies, security and safety are maintained.
• Provide a supportive environment that promotes youth empowerment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Social Work or, or equivalent such as an undergraduate degree with Youth Care Certification.
• Proven track record in establishing good working relationships with youth
• Demonstrated skills in the development of rapport and trust with youth; the creation of a safe and secure setting for all clients; and ensuring that client services are offered in a therapeutic and non-judgmental manner.
• Ability to work from a client-centred approach.
• Demonstrated exceptional level of interpersonal, communication, youth service and organizational skills.
• This position is subject to a criminal record check.
• Non-violent crisis intervention, suicide intervention and standard first aid training are assets.

Please forward your cover letter and resume to:

Karen Damtoft
Human Resources Manager
Phoenix Youth Programs
2385 Hunter St.
Halifax, NS B3K 4V7

or

kdamtoft@phoenixyouth.ca with the subject line: “Relief Worker-CB”. Please send your documents in Word 2003.

Thank you for your interest, however only the applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Please, no phone inquiries.