School Settlement Program Staff

YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

YMCA membership

Y at Home access

Childcare and camp discounts

3 weeks vacation + wellness days

Benefits package & pension

Wellbeing and counselling services

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth is seeking a School Settlement staff member for maternity leave coverage in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The role focuses on planning, implementing, and delivering settlement activities to support newcomers in navigating the school system and community resources.

You will collaborate with educators and community organizations to ensure inclusive services, help families adapt to the education system, and promote positive belonging and academic success.

Qualifications

• English proficiency is required; French or other languages are assets.
• Experience in community settings and working with diverse populations is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Experience with data management and reporting using Microsoft 365.
• Ability to travel within HRM as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group settlement support in schools.
• Build effective relationships with school and community networks.
• Engage schools through awareness activities and meetings.
• Facilitate problem solving using solution-focused approaches.
• Support clients to access supports within the school system.
• Identify opportunities for newcomer engagement and contribution.
• Provide referrals to community resources.
• Report qualitative and quantitative information on work activities.

Skills

English proficiency

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Data management

Presentations

Travel within HRM

Community experience

Education

Community work experience

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

School Settlement

Maternity Leave Coverage (August 27 - December 31 2026)

$33,725.28 over 10 months

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.

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Program: School Settlement

Position Status: Full Time, Term Contract Maternity Leave Coverage (August 27 - December 31 2026)

Compensation: $33,725.28 over 10 months

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

• 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
• Three (3) weeks’ vacation entitlement and paid wellness days
• Comprehensive benefits package and pension
• Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

About The Role

The School Settlement Program Staff plays an essential role in the planning, implementation, and delivery of activities and services designed to support and empower newcomers as they settle in their new community. This position, under the supervision of the Coordinator, works to ensure that programs and services are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the diverse needs of newcomers, fostering a sense of belonging. This role involves providing assistance to students and families in adapting to their new educational environment, navigating the school system, and accessing community resources. This role will collaborate with educators, school administrators, and community organizations to ensure that newcomer families receive the necessary support for academic success and social integration. By fostering positive relationships between students, schools, and the wider community, this role helps newcomers feel welcome, supported, and empowered in their educational and settlement journey.

In This Role, You Will

• Provide individual and group settlement support in schools
• Build effective professional relationships with school and community networks
• Engage schools through awareness raising, meetings and building connections
• Facilitate problem solving using solution focused approaches
• Support clients to access supports and opportunities within the school system
• Identify and support opportunities to engage newcomer contributions
• Provide referrals to community resources
• Report qualitative and quantitative information on work activities

Education And Skills Qualifications

• Language proficiency in English and additional languages are an asset
• Combination of education and experience working in community setting
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks, meeting deadlines
• Understanding of, and experience with, the Nova Scotia school system – policies, procedures, expectations etc.
• Demonstrated discretion and sound judgement in the handling of confidential information
• Excellent data management skills and Microsoft 365 Skills
• Experience working with and providing service to diverse populations
• High level of initiative is needed to work independently and respond to unanticipated situations
• Experience delivering presentations and workshops
• Experience working with children providing creative group activities
• Ability to travel within HRM

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:

• A Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older

Please note that 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.

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.