About Us
The Portal Youth Outreach Association works alongside youth aged 16–24 throughout Western Nova Scotia. Through outreach, housing support, employment programming, life skills development, and community-based services, The Portal helps youth access the resources, opportunities, and connections they need to make progress toward their goals.
We are committed to meeting youth where they are and providing supportive, relationship-based services that strengthen wellbeing, increase stability, build confidence, and promote community connection.
About the Role
The Youth Outreach Worker provides outreach and individualized support to youth aged 16–24 who may be experiencing housing instability or other barriers.
Working throughout the community, this role focuses on building meaningful relationships, helping youth navigate services, advocating alongside them, and connecting them with the supports and opportunities that matter most to them.
Every day looks a little different. One day you might be meeting with a young person over coffee. The next you could be helping someone apply for housing, facilitating a life skills activity, connecting them with community resources, or responding to an immediate need.
This is a relationship-based role that requires flexibility, sound judgment, and a commitment to supporting youth where they're at.
What You’ll Do
Outreach & Relationship Building
- Build meaningful and consistent relationships with youth through community outreach and ongoing engagement.
- Meet youth where they are and provide individualized support based on their goals and needs.
- Maintain regular contact and provide encouragement, guidance, and practical support.
Case Management & Advocacy
- Support youth in identifying goals and accessing housing, education, employment, healthcare, income supports, mental health services, and other community resources.
- Advocate alongside youth as they navigate systems and services.
- Assist with service planning, referrals, and problem-solving.
Program Support & Community Engagement
- Assist with planning and facilitating youth-focused programs, workshops, activities, and community events.
- Support programming within the Rec Space and other Portal locations.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with community partners, schools, healthcare providers, and other service agencies.
Documentation & Team Collaboration
- Maintain accurate case notes, documentation, and reporting requirements.
- Participate in case conferencing, team meetings, supervision, and professional development.
- Contribute to safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for youth, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Post-secondary education in Human Services, Social Work, Community Development, Psychology, Social Services, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience working directly with youth who may be experiencing multiple and complex barriers.
- Experience in outreach, case management, crisis support, or community based services is considered an asset.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based, and youth-centred approaches.
- Ability to build trust while maintaining healthy professional boundaries.
- Strong organizational, documentation, and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
- Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and solution-focused in challenging situations.
Personal Qualities
- Compassionate, approachable, and non-judgmental.
- Emotionally mature and self-aware.
- Respectful, dependable, and accountable.
- Comfortable working in fast-paced environments where priorities can change throughout the day.
- Committed to continuous learning and professional growth.
Working Conditions
This is a full-time position based on 37.5 hours per week. Work takes place throughout the community, at Portal locations including the Rec Space, and within other youth-serving environments across Western Nova Scotia.
The role requires flexibility and may include occasional evenings, weekends, outreach activities, community events, and crisis response as required.
Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a valid Class 5 Driver's License and have reliable access to a vehicle.
- Successfully complete a Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, Child Abuse Registry Check, and reference checks.
- Be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, outreach activities, and crisis response as required.
- Adhere to organizational policies, procedures, confidentiality requirements, and professional standards.
How to Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to:
Troy Coldwell
Manager of Outreach, Housing and Edge on Employment
[email protected]
Please include "Youth Outreach Worker" in the subject line of your email. Applications will be accepted until Monday, July 27th at 4:30pm.
We thank all applicants for their interest in The Portal Youth Outreach Association; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $48,750.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
