Family Support Worker (Counsellor 2AB)

The Government of Nova Scotia•Bridgewater, NS

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Family Support Worker, you will provide support to the children, youth and families connected to the Child and Family Wellbeing program. You will have an in-depth involvement and will play an active role in working with children, youth and families to build resilience and inspire change. While working collaboratively with the social worker, you will develop and deliver a plan to provide service, education, support and advocacy to the families, children & youth in care. If you are looking for an opportunity to make positive impacts on the lives of children and families, establish positive connections and build everlasting relationships within your community, we welcome you to apply!

Requirements

An approved Child & Youth Care Worker diploma from a provincially approved post-secondary institution.
Knowledge of child development, family dynamics and community resources along with an understanding of physical, psychological, and emotional needs of children and youth in a family setting as well as in care.
Knowledge of financial management and healthy child development & life skills
Understanding and experience with working towards the objectives of the established case plans.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment, to strengthen and improve the support provided to children and families.
Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships & networks with diverse individuals, groups and communities.
Effective interactive communication skills (written and verbal) to engage collaborations and navigate diverse client environments with tact and empathy.
Ability to adapt to the changing/unpredictable client circumstances, exercise timely judgement and make decisions to provide a culturally responsive service to clients.
Knowledge of various software packages, such as Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams).

Nice To Haves

An undergraduate degree in Social Sciences is considered an asset.
Previous experience in child welfare or other social services.
Experience with the department case management systems (ICM/CCM).

Responsibilities

Developing strategies and providing knowledge, tools and guidance to families and youth to support independent living and meeting their physical/emotional, social and learning needs.
Building positive relationships with diverse clients (families, children & youth), ensuring respect, empathy and an understanding of the impact of their trauma.
Advocating for clients and helping them connect to community supports and resources.
Assisting with income and social supports, affordable housing and life skills.
Making independent visits to clients in their homes/communities and attending court sessions.
Comprehensive and timely evaluation of ongoing services to clients with an intent to find solutions and improve services.