Community Outreach Worker, Phoenix Youth and Community Centre

Phoenix Youth Programs; Halifax; On-site; CAD 49,000; Full time

Job summary

An established youth-focused organization in Halifax seeks a Community Outreach Worker to develop programs and engage with youth and families in the community. The role involves fostering relationships, facilitating activities, and navigating resources to support varying community needs. A strong background in youth services and community engagement is required, with a commitment to social justice principles. Comprehensive compensation and benefits package offered.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical insurance

3% employer paid RRSP contribution

Generous vacation policy

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working with youth providing mentorship and advocacy.
• Expertise in developing group and recreation programs for youth and families.
• Strong understanding of social justice principles and trauma-informed practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate programs and services for youth and families.
• Foster positive relationships within the community.
• Manage records and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Youth development and engagement

Community engagement

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Culturally responsive approach

Education

Post-secondary education in social work or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Fullt-time, Permanent

Start Date: September 2025

Since 1987, Phoenix has been dedicated to supporting youth and contributing to a vibrant community. Phoenix’s sixteen locations in Halifax, N.S. provide a continuum of care for youth aged 11-24 and their families. Our team of caring professionals recognizes that each person who comes to us has individual needs as well as strengths. People are the leaders in their own lives; Phoenix is a leader in supporting them.

A staff group that represents the diversity of the people and communities we serve is of the utmost importance. Phoenix is committed to reducing barriers that have traditionally impacted access to employment and career growth. As such, we encourage those interested to self-identify their ethnicity, and or race, gender, sexuality, ability, etc. We also invite you to share your pronouns in your cover letter or resume.

Position Overview: The Phoenix Youth and Community Centre (PYCC) Community Outreach Worker is responsible for developing and facilitating a range of programs, services, supports, and community events to the youth, adults, and families, residing in Mulgrave Park. These programs include but are not limited to recreation, art, team building, communication, life skills development and employment & education support. The Community Outreach Worker plays a pivotal role in ongoing community engagement efforts, fostering and nurturing positive and healthy relationships with community members. In addition to programming, the Community Outreach Worker also supports Mulgrave Park residents with resource navigation, and referrals to community partners/services.

Program Overview: The Phoenix Youth and Community Centre works collaboratively with the community of Mulgrave Park to develop relevant and meaningful programs for youth and residents who face systemic and contextual challenges within Mulgrave Park and the surrounding area. Here, youth can engage in recreation, art, team building, communication, resource navigation, life skills development, and community-based education support. Through programming, youth are encouraged and supported to think big and achieve their goals.

Nestled in the heart of Mulgrave Park in Halifax’s lively North End, Phoenix’s Youth and Community Centre is more than just a space—it’s a hub of connection, creativity, and community spirit. The Community Outreach Worker will find themselves in a cozy, shared office space within two townhouse-style flats seamlessly joined together. PYCC can be accessed via stairs at street level, or by fully accessible ramp.

Step inside PYCC, and you’ll be greeted by an inviting space that radiates inclusivity and warmth. The Centre has two gender-neutral washrooms, two shared kitchen areas perfect for impromptu conversations over coffee and cooking, and multiple common areas open to youth, staff, and community residents alike. Everywhere you look, the walls tell stories—vivid artwork, thoughtful decor, and programming that reflects the rich diversity of the community. It’s a place where everyone feels seen, heard and at home.

Compensation: $48,328 annual salary, comprehensive group medical insurance plan, Employee and Family Assistance Program, 3% employer paid RRSP contribution, three weeks of vacation in the first year and four weeks of vacation in the second year, generous sick leave, a generous paid holiday schedule, in-house trainings, and professional development opportunities.

Hours of Work: 40-hour work weeks, scheduled for 8-hour shifts, Monday–Friday, with flexibility between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., including coverage for evening programs as required (evening programming runs Tuesdays 5-7pm, Wednesdays 6-8pm and Thursdays 5-7pm). Occasional weekend as required.

Address: 123/133 Jarvis Lane, Halifax, NS in the community of Mulgrave Park

Reports to: Manager, Phoenix Youth and Community Centre

Screening Requirements: Due to the sensitive nature of our work with youth, this position is subject to a satisfactory criminal record check including a vulnerable sector search, a child abuse registry check and proof of education.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure the program’s delivery is congruent with Phoenix’s mission, vision, and philosophy.
• Work in accordance with Phoenix’s policies, procedures, and philosophy of practice from a social justice lens.
• Support Phoenix’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through learning opportunities, critical self-reflection, and professional development.
• Ensure PYCC programming meets the needs of the youth, families, and the community we serve.
• Engage in ongoing community engagement efforts fostering and maintaining positive and healthy relationships with community members.
• Create and implement fun and engaging developmentally appropriate programs and activities for youth ages 12-18, specifically in recreation and physical activity.
• Engage with and develop supportive connections with youth in schools and community who need ongoing supportive services.
• Liaise and advocate with schools and community agencies on behalf of youth, families, and community residents.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners integral to the success of the programs and service delivery.
• Complete and maintain records, assessments, daily statistics, and files, and ensure confidentiality is protected.
• Assist with facility maintenance, health and safety needs to ensure a therapeutic milieu.
• Work collaboratively with other Phoenix programs, teams and/or committees.
• Participate in external community-based committees, projects, or activities as required.
• Conduct public education presentations about PYCC programs as required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Requirements:

• Solid knowledge of youth development and engagement as it relates to employment, education, social inclusion, wellbeing, and recreation programming.
• Understanding of and demonstrated skill in individual case management and supportive outreach activities.
• Proven expertise in community engagement, with a strong ability to foster positive and respectful relationships with youth, parents, and community members.
• Ability to create a welcoming and engaging environment that fosters a sense of belonging for youth and families from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to organize and facilitate group and recreation programs for youth and adults.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and internet usage for work-related purposes.
• Strong understanding and ability to apply a social justice lens, utilizing a youth- and family-centered approach and trauma-informed practices.
• Interest and proven ability in applying Afrocentric theory and utilizing a culturally responsive approach.
• Extensive knowledge of Mulgrave Park and North End Halifax community resources and the social service delivery system is an asset.
• Strong programming development and facilitation experience is an asset
• Ability to work collectively as part of a team, and independently.

Education and Experience:

• Post-secondary education, preferably in social work, child and youth studies or related field.
• Registration or Candidacy for Registration, certification, or membership of a related professional body (if applicable).
• At least three years’ experience working with youth, providing mentorship, advocacy, and supporting with referrals and linkages to community partners.
• At least two years’ experience developing, implementing, and facilitating group and recreation programs for youth and larger community groups that include families.
• Experience working with secondary schools, post-secondary educational institutions, and employers to enhance youth program development is a desirable asset.
• Non-violent crisis intervention (CPI), suicide intervention (ASIST), standard first aid or a commitment to secure those requirements within six months of being hired. Please note these trainings are also offered in-house
• Access to a vehicle is an asset.
• Experience working for a non-profit organization is an asset.