Description The Community Outreach Worker is responsible for outreach, intake and screening, case management, service navigation, support, and advocacy for youth (ages 12 to 25) who are experiencing challenges related to mental health and addictions. They employ a relational, empowering, trauma-informed, and equity-focused approach to practice. Working with youth, caregivers, members of the Integrated Youth Services (IYS) team, and others, the COW leads the collaborative development of youth goals and service plans and supports youth to meet their goals. The COW actively collaborates with IYS site colleagues and multi-sector partners to develop an integrated, youth-centred system of care and support
Primary Areas of Responsibility Person Centered Care & Relationship Building Duties and Responsibilities Person Centered Care Embrace a holistic approach to youth well-being, informed by the Pan-Canadian Guiding Principles of IYS, the social determinants of health, and EDIRAA principles
Under the clinical direction of the site MHA Clinician, provide the following services to youth ages 12 to 25 who present at the IYS site for services:
Conduct intake and screening related to mental health, addiction and other issues; form a supportive rapport; collaboratively develop a service plan
Triage youth presenting with mental health and addiction needs and facilitate access to appropriate services, including urgent and emergency care
Provide information on services available within and beyond the site; successfully connect youth and their caregivers with services; monitor and support their progress; advocate for service access as needed
Work with site colleagues, the IYS-NS Provincial Leadership Team, youth, and caregivers to ensure supports and services are provided for youth who are wait-listed for clinical and intensive MHA services
Provide collaborative case management for assigned youth, working closely with IYS site colleagues and others to integrate service delivery and provide youth with seamless care
Facilitate the coordinated transfer and secure attachment of young people to adult services
Support youth to be actively engaged in their care plans and treatment, and where possible, to become their own advocates and case managers
Ensure client documentation in the IYS-NS data platform (identified in the minimum data set) and other record(s) as relevant; where required, assist youth in entering data into the platform
Make use of data to guide care conversations and interventions
Maintain timely and accurate client records to enable team communication and coordinated care




Lead the collaborative development and implementation of a site youth outreach plan to proactively engage youth and young adults who may benefit from services
Work with site staff, coalition member organizations, Youth and Caregiver Advisory Committees, collaborating service providers, and the IYS-NS Provincial Leadership Team to ensure the Pan-Canadian Principles of IYS guide all aspects of site services
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and protocols regarding addiction and mental health care, and youth/young adults more broadly
Relationship Building Assist the site supervisor in informing the broader community about the IYS-NS model of care and services/programs
Create and maintain connections with youth-serving organizations, the municipality, NS Health Authority, and the Department of Community Services
Respond to the needs of others with effective communication, mutual respect, and consistent follow-through to build trust and workplace relationships
Other Duties & Responsibilities Participate in team meetings and organizational activities as required
Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and contribute to the development and implementation of effective solutions
Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and confidentiality in all interactions involving employees, clients, volunteers, and organizational information
Demonstrate professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity in all interactions, representing New Dawn in a manner consistent with its mission, vision, and values
Maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills through ongoing learning, professional development, networking, and participation in relevant professional associations
Foster positive workplace relationships through effective communication, mutual respect, collaboration, and reliable follow-through
Champion and promote Current Dawn’s mission, vision, and values both internally and externally
Perform other related duties as assigned
Core Competencies Servant leadership
Ethics and integrity
Client and community-focused
Initiative and problem solving
Accountability and dependability
Strong oral and written communication




Teamwork and collaboration
Detail orientation
Adaptability
Qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant health or social care discipline (ex. registered nurse, occupational therapist, social work, registered counselling therapist) required
Registered or eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers
Current and up-to-date CPR, First Aid and Naloxone Training
Current and up-to-date Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training
Current and up-to-date Brain Story Certification
Current and up-to-date Mental Health First Aid Training
Valid Nova Scotia Drivers License, access to reliable transportation, and appropriate insurance to transport clients is required
Minimum of two (2) years of social work experience required (3-5 years preferred) in one or more of the following areas: intake and assessment, mental health care, addictions services, youth services
Proficiency with Microsoft Suite of programs and applications
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong therapeutic relationships with youth and caregivers
Demonstrated compassion, empathy, diplomacy, and sound problem-solving skills
Experience working with and advocating for individuals and communities facing vulnerability and systemic barriers
Ability to work independently, collaboratively as part of a team, and under direction when required
Robust attention to detail, with exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Proven ability to build positive relationships and work effectively with others toward shared goals
Highly organized, with the ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, accountability, and commitment to confidentiality
Understanding of and working with diverse communities and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered practice
Alignment with New Dawn’s mission, values, and servant leadership philosophy
Work Conditions Regular interaction with employees, volunteers, management, participants, children, families, and members of the public
Travel between worksites and within the community may be required
Occasional overtime and evening or weekend work may be required to meet operational needs
Work is performed in an office and community setting and may be busy or noisy at times
Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a desktop computer, including the use of standard office equipment and peripherals

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📌 Community Outreach Worker, Anchor Youth Space (Nova Scotia)
🏢 Cape Breton Job Board
📍 Nova Scotia