School Liaison Career Practitioner (Designated Position)

YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

YMCA membership

Access to Y at Home

Discounts on childcare & camp programs

3 weeks vacation + wellness days

Comprehensive benefits package and/p):

Job summary

YMCA Nova Scotia Works Employment Program seeks a School Liaison Career Practitioner to guide students in Grades 7–12 at Cole Harbour District High, Auburn Drive, Woodlawn, and feeder schools. You will coordinate career guidance, workshops, and one-on-one supports to connect students with opportunities in a supportive environment.

Role focuses on African Nova Scotian students, building relationships with schools and partners, and delivering accessible career resources while monitoring metrics

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of career development services
• Demonstrated connection with African Nova Scotian communities
• Degree or post-secondary education in a human services field or related discipline, or a combination of education, work, and volunteer experience
• Experience using Microsoft Word, email, internet applications, and database programs
• Access to reliable transportation
• Knowledge of community organizations, service providers, and referral agencies
• Ability to access and effectively use information and communication technology
• Commitment to inclusive practices, ethical decision making, and respect for diversity
• Demonstrated research, networking, rapport-building, and communication skills
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Holds case management specialization or willing to obtain within the first three months of employment
• Career Development Practitioner Certification is an asset

Responsibilities

• Engage students in career development with a focus on African Nova Scotian students
• Facilitate workshops for students and their parents/guardians
• Help Grade 12 students connect with a Nova Scotia Works Case Manager if they do not plan to pursue post-secondary education after graduation
• Provide resources to help address barriers to employment
• Manage statistics within the designated database
• Monitor, evaluate, and adjust services to align with student needs
• Submit monthly statistical and activity reports
• Be flexible and accessible to students at all school locations including Woodlawn, Cole Harbour, Auburn Drive, and feeder schools
• Work closely with school administration to provide onsite programming and one-on-one appointments
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners and stakeholders

Skills

Career development

Community engagement

Organization & time management

Communication skills

Education

Human services degree or related

Case management specialization (or willingness)

Career Development Certification (asset)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Database software

Email / Internet apps

Job description

This position is designated for applications who self-identify as African Nova Scotian or a person of African descent

Location: Dartmouth / Cole Harbour

Program: YMCA Nova Scotia Works Employment Program

Position Status: Full-Time

Compensation: $45,000 - $48,000 per year

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.

With us at their side, they can Shine On.

As part of your total compensation:

• Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
• Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
• Discounts on YMCA childcare and camp programs
• 3 weeks’ Vacation entitlement and paid wellness days
• Comprehensive benefits package and pension
• Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

About the Role:

The YMCA Nova Scotia Works Employment Program delivers a comprehensive service for work seekers and employers throughout HRM and surrounding communities. Reporting to the Manager, YMCA Nova Scotia Works, the School Liaison Career Practitioner will be responsible for providing career guidance and career development services to students in Grades 7–12 attending Cole Harbour District High School, Auburn Drive High School, Woodlawn High School, and feeder schools.

In this role, you will:

• Engage students in career development with a focus on African Nova Scotian students
• Facilitate workshops for students and their parents/guardians
• Help Grade 12 students connect with a Nova Scotia Works Case Manager if they do not plan to pursue post‑secondary education after graduation
• Provide resources to help address barriers to employment
• Manage statistics within the designated database
• Monitor, evaluate, and adjust services to align with student needs
• Submit monthly statistical and activity reports
• Be flexible and accessible to students at all school locations including Woodlawn, Cole Harbour, Auburn Drive, and feeder schools
• Work closely with school administration to provide onsite programming and one‑on‑one appointments
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners and stakeholders

Education and Skills Qualifications:

• Strong working knowledge of career development services
• Demonstrated connection with African Nova Scotian communities
• Degree or post‑secondary education in a human services field or related discipline, or a combination of education, work, and volunteer experience
• Experience using Microsoft Word, email, internet applications, and database programs
• Access to reliable transportation
• Knowledge of community organizations, service providers, and referral agencies
• Ability to access and effectively use information and communication technology
• Commitment to inclusive practices, ethical decision making, and respect for diversity
• Demonstrated research, networking, rapport‑building, and communication skills
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills
• Holds case management specialization or willing to obtain within the first three months of employment
• Career Development Practitioner Certification is an asset

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:

• Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older
• Attend Child Safeguarding Training upon hire
• Valid First Aid and CPR Training

Please note, Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.

This position is designated for applicants who self-identify as African Nova Scotian or a person of African descent. At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender‑diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign‑born residents, and veterans to apply.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.