POSITION TITLE: Transition Support Worker (DESIGNATED)
LOCATION: Halifax Regional Office, 541 Sackville Drive, Lr. Sackville, NS
DESIGNATION
- This position is designated for individuals who identify as African Nova Scotian
- As part of our commitment to employment equity, diversity, inclusion, and representation, we recognize the importance of building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds who can contribute to culturally responsive and inclusive service delivery.
Please note: Applicants who wish to be considered under this designated opportunity must self-identify as part of their application. Self-identification information will be kept confidential and used solely for the purposes of recruitment and selection.
General Accountability:
The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia (JHSNS) is seeking a compassionate, organized, and community-minded Transition Support Worker to provide systems navigation and integration support to criminalized men exiting incarceration in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The Transition Support Worker will employ a lens that is trauma informed and culturally sensitive to help men navigate systems barriers and support connection with appropriate community resources and support networks.
● The Transition Support Worker will provide community leadership with cultural humility/competency for working with participants. The incumbent must possess a firm understanding of provincial/federal corrections, the criminal justice system and support services and resources available in HRM.
● The Transition Support Worker will work in close coordination and collaboration with other Transition Team members and will engage in intensive, supportive case management processes.
● Reporting structure: immediate supervisor for daily tasks and responsibilities is Transition Team Lead, general accountability to Director of Community Programs.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
This list is not intended to be an all‐inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position, rather it provides a general overview.
● Working closely within and across Halifax Regional Office teams and a variety of government and community partners, the TSW connects with soon to be released and/or newly released participants to ascertain their individual needs, interests and goals to appropriately assist them with successful community (re)integration. The TSW will work with participants to develop individual support plans that explore and engage available resources across the social determinants of health, including financial supports, shelter/housing, basic needs (food, personal care items), wellness, community support, cultural support, employment options, among others.
● The TSW will take a person‐centred approach to their work, which includes using culturally appropriate/sensitive approaches for service delivery. The TSW will work within the scope of support available through JHSNS and will engage the expertise of other community and government resources as needed, as appropriate.
● The TSW will maintain regular connections to a variety of communities within Nova Scotia, including the African Nova Scotian Community, BIPOC Community, LGBTQ2s+ community. The TSW will bring back updated information and learnings about available resources, programs and services to their JHSNS team; this helps to ensure that participants are receiving the best level of support possible through JHSNS.
● The TSW will act as a liaison and advocate for their participants with government and community agencies to ensure connections are made and supports are accessible; accompaniment support will be provided to participants as needed/appropriate.
● The TSW will also liaise with the Halifax Regional Office’s Programs Team to connect participants to other supports available through JHSNS.
● The TSW will ensure that clear and accurate support plans, case notes and participant files are recorded and/or kept up to date; this is essential. The incumbent will develop written support plans for participants and will be required to produce written reports summarizing the ongoing cases as required.
● The TSW will act as an ambassador to JHSNS as they carry out their work throughout the community. The TSW must ensure their conduct is professional, collaborative and represents JHSNS in a positive image. The TSW must work within the scope of their role, of JHSNS and follow safety and security protocols and procedures.
● Completes Community Assessment interviews with collateral contacts and writes reports for submission to Correctional Service Canada.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- This role supports individuals experiencing complex mental health, addictions, trauma, and housing challenges in fast-paced community settings. The role requires an understanding of the behavioral results of trauma.
- Working with participants may result in situations leading to increased stress.
- Challenging, fast pace and constantly changing environment, with multiple interruptions and competing demands.
- Office setting & community work environment. May require long periods of sitting, lifting heavy items, walking within the community, etc.
EDUCATION
- A bachelor degree in Criminology, Social Sciences, Social Work, or Human Services would be an asset.
- Equivalent combinations of education, lived experience, and frontline community work experience will be considered.
REQUIRED EXPEREINCE
- Required: Must provide a satisfactory Driver's Abstract and a valid driver’s license. The incumbent must have a reliable personal motor vehicle and be able to obtain liability insurance (minimum $2 Million) coverage.
- Required: Must complete a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check. (Required as part of site clearance required for Halifax Regional Office and clearance for entry into provincial correctional facilities.)
- Required: Demonstrated experience in front-line service delivery using strength-based, action-oriented approaches for systems navigation across the Social Determinants of Health.
- Required: Previous experience in conducting in-depth intake assessments/motivational interviewing, case management processes (including record keeping), developing support plans and report writing.
- Required: Demonstrated ability to respond to concerns and situations with professionalism, diplomacy and discretion.
- Asset: 3 years experience working in an intensive case management or support role.
- Asset: Experience with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc).
- Asset: First Aid and CPR certificate, Naloxone Training, NVCI Training.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Ability to operate independently and exercise sound judgement.
- Ability to create an environment that fosters inclusion and a respect for diversity.
- High level of empathy and compassion.
- Working knowledge of mental health, addictions, homelessness, and harm reduction approaches.
- Ability to facilitate the learning of others through effective coaching, consulting and presentation skills.
- Work efficiently as a team member and independently. Ability to be flexible, work positively and collaboratively as a team member.
TRAVEL:
- Frequent travel within the Halifax Regional Municipality area is required and occasional travel elsewhere in the province.
- Must be willing to provide accompaniment and transportation support to clients, including transporting clients in personal vehicle.
HOURS OF WORK:
- 35 hours per week.
- Regular work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. However, due to the nature of the work you may be required to work outside of those scheduled hours (evenings, weekends and/or holidays).
POSITION TYPE & BENEFITS
COMPENSATION
CLOSING DATE
July 16th, 2026, at 4:30pm ADT. We would like to thank all applicants. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
