About us:
The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia (JHSNS) has been actively serving our communities since 1950.
Our mission is effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime. We work collaboratively with clients, government and community agencies to support individuals and families who have come into conflict with the law or who are at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Our core activities include direct service provision, community education, research and resource development and advocacy.
JHSNS recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in creating a strong and capable workforce.
JHSNS works towards improving representation of designated groups at all levels. This approach reflects our values of respect, integrity, fairness, diversity, and accountability. We believe such values must be demonstrated in our relationships with participants, students, volunteers and community partners.
General Accountability:
● Responsible for utilizing the Social Determinants of Health to provide systems navigation and integration support to criminalized men, including men exiting incarceration.
● Help clients navigate systems barriers and support connection with appropriate community resources and support networks while employing a lens that is trauma informed and culturally sensitive.
● Provide community leadership with cultural humility/competency for working with clients. The incumbent must possess a firm understanding of corrections, the criminal justice system and support services and resources available in the Bridgewater Region.
● Work in close coordination and collaboration with provincial Dept of Community Services, Mental Health & Addictions, relevant culturally-specific agencies, and other agencies to engage in intensive, supportive case management processes.
Working Conditions:
The position requires:
- The position requires moderate amounts of walking, climbing stairs, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, and both scheduled and unscheduled interactions with others;
- Daily travel within Bridgewater and occasional travel to other regions in the province;
- A reasonable amount of mental effort to analyze information, problem solve and support people; and,
- A combination of independent work and working in close coordination and collaboration with others.
- Equipment and resources necessary for carrying out assigned work will be supplied (ex: computer, telephone, stationery supplies, etc.), according to regular standards of work within JHSNS.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position, rather it provides a general overview.
- Work under guidance of the Community Navigator and Program Coordinator to advance client support plans.
- Work closely with a variety of government and community partners. You may also work with newly released clients to facilitate admissions, intake and assessment processes to ascertain their individual needs, interests and goals.
- Support reporting duties specific to the Housing Team, including use of HIFIS and JHS reporting documentation. Maintain thorough and current records.
- Tracking/Maintaining house inventory and restocking necessary supplies for caseload (i.e. food, personal hygiene items, clothing, harm reduction supplies).
- Facilitate life skill development for clients to assist in building sustainable skills to maintain long-term, independent housing. Some areas may include but are not limited to budgeting, healthy living, cleaning/maintaining space, and landlord/roommate relations.
- Seek out and engage in opportunities for donations which will benefit the caseload and staff team.
- Apply a person-centered approach, which includes using culturally appropriate/sensitive approaches for service delivery. Work within the scope of support available through JHSNS, and engage expertise of other community and government resources as needed and appropriate.
- Maintain regular connections to a variety of communities within Nova Scotia, including the African Nova Scotian Community, BIPOC Communities, LGBTQ2s+ community, Diverse Abilities Community. Share current information and learnings about available resources, programs and services with JHSNS team to ensure clients are receiving the best level of support possible through JHSNS.
- Act in a supporting role when liaising and advocating for clients with government and community agencies, ensure connections are made and supports are accessible; accompaniment support to appointments/meetings will be provided to clients as needed/appropriate.
- Liaise with other Regional teams to connect clients to other supports available through JHSNS.
- If/as needed, support paralleled programs/services within JHSNS.
- Serve as ambassador to JHSNS while carrying out work throughout the community.
- Ensure conduct is professional and collaborative, and represents JHSNS in a positive image.
- Monitor/Supervise people and activities onsite.
- Follow policy and procedures to ensure safety and security at all times.
Travel: Occasional travel may be required but is not within the daily scope of this role.
Experience & Qualifications:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong computer skills required (typing, data entry and record keeping, creating documents and files, email correspondence, virtual meetings, etc.). It is an asset to be familiar with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications.
- Must be able to work as part of a team.
- Demonstrated experience in front-line service delivery using strength-based, action-oriented, solution-focussed approaches for systems navigation across the Social Determinants of Health.
- Previous experience in conducting in-depth needs assessments, case management processes (including paper and electronic record keeping), developing support plans and report writing.
- Must complete a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check
- Note that positive results will not necessarily preclude employment.
- Portray a positive and professional image when representing JHSNS
Assets:
- Experience working with diverse populations in a support role.
- Experience providing client-driven supports that promote capacity building, independence, informed choice and social inclusion.
- Familiarity with a harm reduction philosophy
- Certified in First Aid, CPR & AED and WHMIS 2015 or a willingness to be certified
- Trained to administer Naloxone, or a willingness to receive training
- Certified in Mental health First Aid, ASIST and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
- College Diploma or University Degree in a relevant discipline (i.e. Social Sciences, Human Services, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, etc.) or a demonstrated acceptable equivalent.
Competencies & Skills:
- Subject matter expertise in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Experience working with marginalized adults and/or communities, particularly criminalized populations.
- Awareness of human rights legislation, tenancy rights and related law.
- Demonstrate track record of working effectively within and across equity-seeking communities including consultation and consensus-building.
- Strong communication skills in both oral and written. Communicates effectively with individuals who experience mental health difficulties; communicates effectively with other organization personnel and community/government partners.
- High degree of cultural competency or cultural sensitivity/understanding of intersectionality and societal barriers.
- Ability to facilitate the learning of others through effective coaching, mentoring, consulting and presentation skills.
- Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to make recommendations and decisions in ambiguous circumstances.
- Strong organizational and time management skills required. Able to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to change efficiently and effectively.
- Work efficiently as a team member and independently. Ability to be flexible, work positively and collaboratively as a team member.
- Proficiency with technology (ex: computers, internet, alarm system, mobile phone, phone system, etc.).
- Experience utilizing a trauma-informed approach.
Closing Date: September 4, 2026
Pay: $26.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
