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. We seek capable, dedicated people to join our team and engage in this exciting and rewarding work.
We encourage applications from community members of diverse backgrounds, including individuals of the BIPOC Community (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour), newcomers and the LGBTQ2S+ Community. We encourage applicants to self-identify.
The Support Worker (SW) reports to the Housing Team Lead or in their absence, the Halifax Regional Director. The SW works closely with the Housing Caseworker to deliver a wide array of support and services to people identifying as male, who are experiencing shelter insecurities, into the Berma’s Place program, supportive/ transitional housing program. The SW follows the lead provided by Housing Caseworker to best support each participant’s success with stabilizing in community and working towards becoming housing ready, then moving into independent housing. The SW also engages in onsite duties and responsibilities for maintaining the property (house and yard), which typically includes facilitating client participation in these activities. Our primary goal is to promote and support success with (re)integrating to the community, while meeting criminogenic needs as determined by risk/needs assessment. This will be performed through intensive supportive case management and on site housing support, including support planning and advancement, daily contact with participants, and collaboration with community partners. The John Howard Society uses an anti-oppressive framework to support the identification, prioritization, and planning of appropriate case management for criminalized, male-identifying individuals.
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 Northeast Region.
- Work in close coordination and collaboration with provincial Dept. of Justice, 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 moderate amounts of walking, climbing stairs, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, and both scheduled and unscheduled interactions with clients and service providers.
- The position requires planning, patience, assertiveness, flexibility and strong time-management skills.
- Occasional travel within or beyond Pictou County may be required.
- Training may require attendance on days you are not usually scheduled to work (i.e. out of your regular shift rotation).
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 Housing Caseworker (HC) and Housing Team Lead 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.
- Work collaboratively and diligently with other team members, including participation and facilitation of in-house programs. Oversee and support house chore schedules, activities and programs (ex: dishes, cleaning common areas, yard maintenance, teaching clients to cook, etc.).
- 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 JHSNS teams to connect clients to other supports available through JHSNS.
- If/as needed, support paralleled programs/services within the John Howard Society.
- 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, including visitors.
- Engage in and facilitate client and team accountability systems, including contributing to shared in-house rules, chores, protocols, etc.
- Follow policy and procedures to ensure safety and security at all times.
Experience & Qualifications:
Required:
- Driver License and access to a vehicle is required.
- 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. We require these background checks as part of site clearance required for entry into Provincial correctional facilities.
- Portray a positive and professional image when representing JHSNS
- Vaccinated for Covid-19 (double dose) or proof of exemption.
Assets:
- If you have access to a personal vehicle that you could use for work purposes, provide your valid driver license, and be able to obtain liability insurance ($2 million).
- 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 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.
- Demonstrated 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.
- Demonstrated 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.
Hours of Work:
8 hour shifts, over nights.
Target Start Date: ASAP
Note that we may begin interviews and hiring prior to the competition closing date. We would like to thank all applicants. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Posting Closes: August 7, 2026
Pay: $26.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
