Community Relations Officer - CB 25035

Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency; Sydney; On-site; CAD 85,360,000 - 104,645,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Pension

Paid vacation and holidays

Professional development

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Job summary

The Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency invites applications for a Community Relations Officer in Cape Breton District, based in Sydney, Nova Scotia. You will assist Property Hub Managers by visiting tenants, discussing housing options, arranging moves and guiding referrals to community organizations.

You will provide social work services, collaborate with residents and partners to identify needs, promote health and safety, and help maintain quality of life for residents of public housing.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Human Services, Social Services, Social Work or Gerontology plus five years' experience or equivalent experience and training.
• Excellent knowledge of social work theory/principles/ethics.
• Extensive knowledge of health and social service systems, including long-term care, classification levels and procedures for placement in residential care, case management principles, risk assessment, community development approaches, special needs populations, developmental process of aging and family dynamics.
• Good knowledge of relevant legislation, including Adult Protection Act, Family and Children Services Act, Young Offenders Act, Criminal Code, Residential Tenancies Act, etc.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and make recommendations to seniors and families to ensure their safety and ability to function independently and to remain in their homes for as long as possible.
• Work in collaboration with the Property Hub Managers and other NSPHA staff to assist families, seniors and adults by responding to referrals involving complex issues that are health-related (physical and mental health); home support issues; parenting and/or family issues; addictions (drug/alcohol/gambling); tenant disputes; abuse/neglect (physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, financial) in family and child situations as well as senior and disabled adults in need of protection; and financial/employment issues/arrears.
• Conduct assessments through home visits, establishing rapport with tenants and their support network to determine the level of risk and need for services and successful integration into the community for new tenants.
• Partner and collaborate with community agencies and government programs such as Home Care Nova Scotia, Adult Protection, Child Protection, and Income Assistance, medical personnel such as doctors, geriatric and mental health specialists, hospital workers, etc., as well as family members and other advocates and volunteer groups.

Skills

Social work knowledge

Health and social service systems

Legislation knowledge

First Aid

WHMIS

Education

Degree or diploma in Human Services or Social Work or Gerontology

Tools

Yardi

Job description

Community Relations Officer

Cape Breton District

Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia
Type of Employment: Full Time, Permanent
Union Status: CUPE Local 4840
Competition # CB 25035
Closing Date: September 15, 2026

The Opportunity

The Community Relations Officer assists the Property Hub Managers with visiting tenants and discussing housing options, making moving arrangements, and helping tenants with referrals to community-based organizations. In addition, the Community Relations Officer is responsible for providing social work services that involve a variety of complex social issues and personal situations. The incumbent works in collaboration with residents to identify their needs, attain services, and to promote health and safety; to maintain the highest possible quality of life for all residents living in public housing.

Qualifications

Must Have

• Degree or diploma in Human Services, Social Services, Social Work or Gerontology plus five years' experience or equivalent experience and training.
• Excellent knowledge of social work theory/principles/ethics.
• Extensive knowledge of health and social service systems, including long-term care, classification levels and procedures for placement in residential care, case management principles, risk assessment, community development approaches, special needs populations, developmental process of aging and family dynamics.
• Good knowledge of relevant legislation, including Adult Protection Act, Family and Children Services Act, Young Offenders Act, Criminal Code, Residential Tenancies Act, etc.

Nice to Have

• You have knowledge of Yardi Property Management software.
• Possess current Emergency First Aid and WHMIS certifications.

The Fine Print

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience may be considered.

This position requires a valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle. Travel within the Cape Breton District is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and make recommendations to seniors and families to ensure their safety and ability to function independently and to remain in their homes for as long as possible.
• Work in collaboration with the Property Hub Managers and other NSPHA staff to assist families, seniors and adults by responding to referrals involving complex issues that are health-related (physical and mental health); home support issues; parenting and/or family issues; addictions (drug/alcohol/gambling); tenant disputes; abuse/neglect (physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, financial) in family and child situations as well as senior and disabled adults in need of protection; and financial/employment issues/arrears.
• Conduct assessments through home visits, establishing rapport with tenants and their support network to determine the level of risk and need for services and successful integration into the community for new tenants.
• Partner and collaborate with community agencies and government programs such as Home Care Nova Scotia, Adult Protection, Child Protection, and Income Assistance, medical personnel such as doctors, geriatric and mental health specialists, hospital workers, etc., as well as family members and other advocates and volunteer groups.
• Maintain client records through file recording and ongoing communication with NSPHA staff to ensure a unified and beneficial approach to service in accordance with Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers guidelines.
• Participate in program and policy development, in addition to team meetings, staff training and development seminars
• Prepare monthly statistical reports (descriptive statistics).

What We Offer

• Salary: $29.79 - $36.52 Hourly (PR 08)
• Schedule: 35-hour work week

Full-time permanent employees also receive:

• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, life insurance, and pension
• Paid vacation, holidays, sick time and additional leaves
• Work-life balance supports such as modified work weeks
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you require accommodation at any stage of the process, please let us know. If you're part of an equity group, we encourage you to self-identify when applying.