Location: Bridgewater and Surrounding Area
Program: YREACH Settlement
Position Status: Full Time, Salaried
Compensation: $42,642 – $43,494 annually
There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.
Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.
We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.
With us at their side, they can Shine On.
As part of your total compensation:
- Complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
- Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
- Discounts on YMCA childcare and camp programs
- Three (3) weeks’ vacation entitlement and paid wellness days
- Comprehensive benefits package and pension
- Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services
About the role:
YREACH Settlement Staff provide direct, local, and in-person settlement and integration support to newcomers in communities outside of HRM. Working collaboratively with community partners, the role focuses on helping newcomers successfully settle and integrate by providing individualized support, information and orientation, referrals, and pre-employment programming that connects clients with the resources and services they need to thrive in their new communities.
In this role, you will:
- Provide community based, in-person, settlement and integration one-one-one services and ongoing support for clients.
- Provide comprehensive settlement needs assessment along with development of settlement plan for clients based on identified needs and barriers.
- Provide support in navigating and mapping the resources available in the community.
- Provide referral to internal and external services as needed to ensure successful settlement.
- Deliver one-on-one and group information and orientation sessions that support newcomers in accessing community resources, public services, employment supports, and social connections.
- Deliver one-on-one and group pre-employment sessions that prepare newcomers for the Canadian labour market through employment readiness support, workplace orientation, and referrals to employment services.
- Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment for all individual newcomers and families.
- Work as part of a holistic team with other members of YMCA Settlement Team in the provision of services for newcomer families.
- Provide outreach settlement response to needs in less populated areas in these regions.
- Maintain accurate and timely client and statistical records.
- Complete administrative tasks, including monthly expense claims, data entry and report writing.
Education and skills qualifications:
- Education and/or experience in settlement, social services, community outreach, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of both.
- Strong interpersonal skills and robust understanding of refugee and immigrant experiences, trauma-informed care principles, and settlement services.
- Proven ability to build networks, rapport, and partnerships.
- Problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and sound judgment in responding to evolving circumstances.
- Robust understanding and connection to a variety of community services and resources.
- Strong time management and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint applications, Teams, and Zoom and the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies required for excellent service delivery.
- Experience developing and delivering presentations and information sessions.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple, competing deadlines and tasks.
- Demonstrated discretion and sound judgement in the handling of confidential information.
- High level of initiative is needed to work independently and respond to unanticipated items.
- Ability to work effectively and collegially as part of a team.
- Flexible schedule to accommodate occasional work outside regular business hours.
- Valid NS Driver's License and reliable vehicle essential.
To apply:
Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ by August 12, 2026.
Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:
- Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older and CPR and First Aid.
- Attend Child Safeguarding Training upon hire.
Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission.
As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.
