SEED's mandate is to empower young Nova Scotians to better understand and make informed decisions that support their professional and personal success. Through strategic partnerships, programming, and community collaborations, SEED works to enhance training opportunities, skills development, and educational access for youth across the province. By fostering meaningful engagement and innovative support systems, SEED aims to create pathways that help youth overcome barriers and thrive in today's workforce and beyond.

This role is part of an exciting program currently being launched at SEED, the EDGE Program (funded by OSD). We're looking for individuals who are comfortable with change, eager to contribute to a new initiative, and ready to help shape its success from the ground up.

The EDGE Program is an early intervention program that provides targeted employment focused programing for youth (ages 18-26), who are connected to Employment Support Income Assistance (ESIA), or at risk of becoming connected.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, the Program Manager is responsible for all aspects of the successful delivery of the EDGE program. The Program Manager will lead the overall development, implementation and evaluation of the program.

SEED's Core Competencies:

Collaboration - working effectively and respectfully with others
Community - delivering high quality client services
Innovation - thinking things through and solving problems
Impact - showing initiative and being action-oriented

Duties:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the EDGE Program
• Hire, train and manage all staff as required
• Plan and manage budgets for the program (in collaboration with Senior Manager)
• Establish administrative procedures to meet objectives of the program guidelines
• Complete program evaluations and analyze data to identify program improvement opportunities
• Monitor and develop internal reporting mechanisms
• Ensure all funding reports are completed and submitted on a timely basis.
• Focus on improving the EDGE Program and help it grow to better support youth
• Provide support to program staff and youth
• Maintain a relationship with our funders at the Department of Opportunities and Social development (OSD)
• Oversee and assist with the development and facilitation of a range of activities and workshops
• Complete all intakes/assessment with program case manager and assess youths' readiness for the program
• Provide case management duties to youth who have interviewed but need further preparation to be ready for the program
• Maintain timely and accurate case management records using the LaMPPS database and internal reporting mechanisms
• Facilitate the weekly case management meeting with all EDGE staff to discuss youth progress and updates
• Attend workshops twice a week to stay connected to the youth and provide support to workshop facilitators
• Recruit referrals and hold information sessions as necessary

Qualifications

Experience & Education

• Post-secondary education in social work, child and youth care, psychology, or other social science or health related discipline.
• Minimum of four (4) years of managerial experience, with a focus on guiding and supporting frontline staff in their work with youth.
• Experience hiring, training, and mentoring staff to ensure they are well-equipped to deliver impactful support to participants, and that the EDGE program operates effectively and with a youth-centered approach.
• Experience in delivering group and individual supports to marginalized and at-risk youth in areas such as employability, career development, life skills, and education/literacy.
• Experience with budget management and creation
• Experience working with clients connected to ESIA, including an understanding of related barriers and government policies
• Experience in well-rounded program development and improvement practices

Client Support & Intervention Skills

• Ability to recognize common barriers to employment faced by OSD clients (i.e. poverty, education, home life, life skills), particularly those linked to ESIA
• Ability to adapt intervention strategies to meet the unique needs of each youth
• Experience and training in conflict resolution and nonviolent intervention strategies
• Demonstrated understanding of learning styles and their impact on youth engagement
• Strong ability to assess work readiness

Professional Skills

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple competing deadlines and tasks
• High level of initiative and ability to work independently while managing unexpected challenges
• Demonstrated discretion and sound judgment when handling confidential information
  

Additional Information:

A typical workday is from Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm; however occasional evenings/weekends/overnights could be necessary. Travel within HRM and across NS could be necessary.

SEED is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our customers and communities in which we live and serve and creating an environment where every employee has the opportunity to reach their potential.

This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week) offering a competitive benefits package and RRSP matching. Clear Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector Check included), and clear Child Abuse Register Check (updated annually). This position is dependent upon program funding availability.