Youth Worker 1-4

Press Tab to Move to Skip to Content Link

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Closing Date: 05-May-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice contributes to the maintenance of a just, peaceful and safe society by administering and operating community and custody-based programs and services for adult and young persons in custody.

Nova Scotia Correctional Services offers:

• Professional, well-trained and motivated staff
• Integrated, focused and equitable program and service delivery
• Responsive programs and services for persons in custody and the public

We are leaders in delivering a high standard of services to achieve positive change. We develop partnerships and use integrated information and communication systems to provide a safe, secure, healthy and supportive environment for offenders and staff. Our Division takes pride in using creativity, innovation and integrity in decision making and the achievement of our goals and objectives.

About Our Opportunity

As a Youth Worker, you are responsible for assisting with the reintegration, safe secure care, and control of young persons in a secure facility for youth. This work occurs on a shift basis.

Youth workers plan, organize and implement a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of young persons in custody. This includes a restorative approach to activities, facilitating individual and group programs such as Options to Anger, Voices & Substance Abuse Education, and coordinating orientation for new youth in custody. You will develop and implement effective individualized case plans for assigned young persons, and prepare administrative reports related to young persons in custody, such as custodial progress reports for review of dispositions of the youth court. You are responsible for the administrative functions related to the case management database (JEIN) and documenting daily activities. Youth Workers work with diverse youth in custody population and are accountable for promoting and adhering to policy and procedures, standard operating procedures, post orders and directives.

As a Youth Worker, you are accountable for maintaining institutional security requirements and ensuring youth comply with rules and regulations and holding youth accountable for breaches in behaviour. You will serve as a role model for young persons encouraging pro-social behaviour and must demonstrate an approach toward the young person which is compatible with the institution's goals as well as an understanding of the issues and challenges facing youths. As part of this role, you will be involved with conducting persons in custody counts, searches, writing reports, and safe escort movements throughout the facility.

Qualifications and Experience

You possess a Bachelor’s Degree in a social science (Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, Education or Recreation), and direct experience in youth orientated program delivery, preferably in a correctional setting. An acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

Report writing, counseling and building and maintaining a rapport with youth and co-workers are critical components of the job. As such, our successful candidate(s) will demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail. You must display strong leadership and problem-solving skills, be able to make good decisions and respond appropriately to crisis situations. Other competencies that must be displayed are the ability to work well with minimal supervision and an understanding of the importance of exercising discretion with confidential matters.

If selected for the position, you must provide a current copy of Emergency First Aid Certificate and Vulnerable Sector Check with Criminal Record Check and a Child Abuse Registry Check.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Additional Information

This competition is being used to fill three (3) Permanent employment opportunities, located in Waterville, NS.

If you are selected for an interview and pass this phase of the recruitment process, you will be asked to submit a completed Pre-Employment Questionnaire Form (PEQ), prior to an appointment with staff to discuss your PEQ Form. The questionnaire focuses on honesty and integrity and candidates must answer all questions accurately and truthfully. Dishonesty or non-discloser will result in elimination of the candidate’s application.

This position requires a valid Drivers License, a Drivers Abstract, Standard First Aid/CPR Certificate, and proof of all stated education and training, which shall be provided at time of interview.

The successful candidate(s) may be required to complete a mandatory 6-8 weeks training session, if not already successfully completed.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths

Pay Grade: PR 04- PR 11

Salary Range: $1,773.75- $2,867.11 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.