GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY:
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.
The Program Coordinator – Tamarack House reports to the Director, Housing. This includes coordinating all participant and community programs and services as part of year-round operations. With guidance from and in support of the mission and values of JHSNS, the Program Coordinator directly oversees and delivers a safe, inclusive and thriving learning environment that promotes the well-being and success of all participants and community members.
Tamarack House provides second stage housing options to criminalized and at-risk community members, with a particular focus on male-identifying individuals
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Operations
- Understands and implements JHSNS policies, procedures, operational guidelines and service delivery model.
- Provides direction and leadership in support of JHSNS Mandate and Mission Statement.
- Works toward meeting key performance indicators and tracks outcomes for regular submission to the Director, Housing.
- Promotes participants’ rights and responsibilities through positive conflict resolution and restorative practices.
- Maintains accurate records and reports for internal and external use.
- Manages the schedule to ensure the house is staffed according to our mandate.
- Submits team working hours for payroll to the Director, Housing.
- Ensures the safety and security of all JHS equipment at the house and reports any losses or damages to the Director, Housing.
- Verifies team expense claims and makes them available to the Director, Housing for approval.
- Manages petty cash, ensuring the balance is accurate at all times, and submit reconciliation claims accordingly to the Director, Housing.
- Collaborates with Transition Team Lead in the delivery of community programs and services.
- Takes a trauma informed approach to address problem behaviors in a supportive, measured, and progressive manner, escalating to the Director where appropriate.
- Collaborates with staff and participants to proactively identify and prevent/mitigate potential issues and challenges such as interpersonal conflicts, and more complex behavioral issues.
- Provides guidance, and oversees case management activities to ensure participant risk/needs are being met.
- Oversees the delivery of programs, events and activities in coordination with Transition Team Lead.
- Coordinates travel arrangements for participants to attend scheduled appointments.
- Creates and fosters an atmosphere of encouragement, guidance and coaching to participants to address their identified needs.
- Monitors existing service contracts (i.e. pest control, garbage removal, snow removal, etc.) to ensure service levels are being delivered and follow up as required.
- Provides after-hours/on-call support and emergency response to JHS Housing programs on a rotational basis.
- Actively pursues and fosters community partnerships and leverages local/regional engagement to promote positive community relations and engagement with site activities and supports.
Human Resources Management
- Provides direct Human Resource oversight and performance manages personnel in consultation with the Director. This includes regular and ongoing feedback and assessment and formal annual performance reviews.
- Participates in the interview and selection process for staff, students and volunteers as applicable.
- Provides operational orientation training to new personnel to ensure they have clear direction and timely and specific feedback, and training needs are identified.
- Prepares work schedules for staff to ensure proper coverage including weeknight and weekend coverage.
- Builds a sense of teamwork and cooperation with employees, and schedules and chairs regular team meetings under the direction of Team Leads.
- Provides leadership by coaching for success.
- Responsive for ensuring scheduling and payroll are completed and approves overtime under the direction of the Director.
Financial Management
- Operates within approved budget authority, tracking expenditures, mitigating budget pressures, managing petty cash and monetary resources, and approving staff expense statements.
- Provides input into the annual budget process.
- Maintains materials and supplies inventory onsite, within budgetary parameters.
- Works closely with maintenance staff or private contractors to reduce operational costs and maximize facility capacity and longevity.
- Completes financial billings and submits invoices for payment.
- Completes and submits cheque requisitions for reimbursements and advances.
Hazards and Safety
- Ensures OHS issues, incidents and complaints are reported and are followed up on or resolved on a timely basis.
- Mitigates hazards associated with working with participants, including potential exposure to body fluids, infections and communicable diseases.
- Manages Personal Protective Equipment inventory and issues to staff and clients as required.
- Mitigates risk in relation to unpredictable or volatile behaviors that may result from mental health and addictions issues (diagnosed or undiagnosed); requires an understanding of the behavioral results of trauma.
- Resolves issues, concerns, and conflicts that may arise from time to time between clients.
- Writes, implements, and enforces policies and procedures and safe work practices.
- Utilizes technology to mitigate threats to persons or property.
Communication
- Ensures all staff are updated on issues and events occurring within JHSNS.
- Works closely with Team Leads to coordinate messaging to personnel, clients and community partners.
- Ensures respective Team Leads receive timely updates on all project activities and ensures stakeholders are updated on an ongoing basis.
Education
- A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Social Work, Business Administration, Human Services is an asset
Experience
- 3 years’ experience working in a supervisory role is an asset.
- Experience with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Demonstrated ability to respond to concerns and situations with professionalism, diplomacy and discretion.
- Experience working with criminalized men is an asset.
- “First Voice” experience is considered an asset and recognized as a powerful voice to influence and empower participants to achieve their life goals.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Competency engaging in work through the use of computers, internet, various applications and software.
- Ability to interact and communicate effectively with a wide variety of organizations.
- Ability to operate independently and exercise sound judgment.
- Ability to create an environment that fosters inclusion and a respect for diversity.
- Demonstrated planning and organizing skills to set priorities and goals.
- High degree of cultural competency or cultural sensitivity.
- Ability to facilitate the learning of others through effective coaching, consulting and presentation skills.
- 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.
TRAVEL
- Regular travel within the province, frequent travel locally to facilitate the advancement of our clients support plans, whether medical or legal, as well as attending staff training events, leadership meetings and strategic partner meetings and events.
HOURS OF WORK
- Full time employment, 35-40 hours per week
- Primarily Mondays to Fridays, but may require limited availability in the evening, weekends and holidays
REQUIREMENTS:
- Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Checks
- Drivers Abstract
- $2 Million liability on auto insurance
Applications closing date: June 17, 2026
Pay: From $30.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
