The Opportunity

One position available: We are seeking either a qualified Occupational Therapist or Recreation Therapist for this role. Only one full-time (40hrs/week) position will be filled.

Anchor Youth Space operates under an Integrated Youth Services (IYS) service model that offers low barrier access to community-led services for youth aged 12 to 25 and their caregivers. IYS provides early intervention, prevention, and care regarding mental health and addictions, as well as coordinated access to other services.

Each Anchor Youth Space site provides rapid access to high quality, youth-appropriate, evidence-informed supports and services. Youth can access services in person, by telephone, or through a virtual platform. The overall goal of Integrated Youth Services is to transform how young people access mental health care and services.

The following are key principles that guide the Anchor Youth Space model:

· Youth and caregiver participation in the design, implementation, and evaluation of services.

· The co-location and integration of services, including mental health and addictions care, primary health care, community and peer support, and social services.

· Continuity of services from age 12 to age 25, including supporting youths’ transition to adult services.

· Services that are culturally responsive, accessible, high quality, youth-centred, and evidence-informed.

· Stepped care to ensure the appropriate levels of care, at the right time, by the right provider.

· Ongoing collaboration among all Anchor Youth Space Nova Scotia sites and the Anchor Youth Space Nova Scotia Provincial Leadership Team.

· Ongoing, robust measurement of service impact and continuous quality improvement.

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the Anchor Youth Space site manager and works under the clinical support and leadership of the clinician.

Position Summary

Reporting to the site manager and working under the leadership of the mental health clinician, the occupational therapist employs a relational, trauma- informed, and equity-focused approach to practice with youth ages 12 to 25. As a member of the Anchor Youth Space team, the occupational therapist provides individual, family, and group services to support youth and their caregivers with identified goals to facilitate, restore, and maintain the youth’s occupations and activities of daily living.

Specific Accountabilities

1. Embrace a wholistic approach to youth well-being, informed by the Pan-Canadian Guiding Principles of IYS, the social determinants of health, and the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism (EDIRAA).
2. Under the clinical supervision of the site MHA clinician, provide direct service to youth, ages 12 to 25, including:

- Collaborating with colleagues, youth, and caregivers to identify appropriate youth to work with the OT, develop treatment goals, develop and implement treatment plans, integrate with other services,



and continually monitor youths’ progress to ensure the appropriate type and intensity of services.
- Conducting, interpreting and utilizing standardized assessments of functioning and life skills.
- Collaborating with care providers to integrate service delivery at all levels, successfully connect youth/caregivers to services, and facilitate the coordinated transfer and secure attachment of young people to adult services.
- Where required, assisting youth in entering data (identified in the minimum data set) into the IYS-NS data platform.

- Making use of data to guide care conversations and interventions.

1. In accordance with an established site outreach plan, proactively engage with youth and young adults in the community who may benefit from Anchor services, in order to develop a rapport and introduce them to IYS.
2. Maintain timely and accurate electronic case documentation.
3. On an ongoing basis, work with site staff and management, IYS coalition member organizations, Youth and Caregiver Advisory Committees, Collaborating Service Providers, and the IYS-NS Provincial Leadership Team, to ensure that the Pan-Canadian Principles of IYS guide all aspects of site services.
4. Take part in relevant committees, working groups, and IYS-NS Communities of Practice.
5. Take part in IYS planning, development, team building, research, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives (locally, provincially and occasionally nationally).
6. Take part in regular performance appraisals and employer/IYS-NS training and professional development.
7. Act professionally and ethically, following all organizational and IYS-NS policies procedures, applicable legislation and regulations, and professional standards and code(s) of ethics.
8. Assist with the reception, welcome, and drop-in functions of the IYS-NS site.
9. Other duties as required.

Knowledge and Experience

1. Education preparation accepted by the Nova Scotia Occupational Therapy Regulator (NSOTR) for registration with the NSOTR .
2. Registered and in good standing with Nova Scotia Occupational Therapy Regulator.
3. Registered, or eligible for membership, in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT).
4. One (1) year of relevant experience required; two (2) years preferred.

Experience working in mental health and substance use with youth, preferred.

5. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, First Aid and CPR certification, and Naloxone Training within the last 12 months or willingness to obtain within 3 months of employment.
6. Valid Nova Scotia driver’s license, regular access to a reliable vehicle and appropriate insurance to transport clients may be required.

Competencies

1. Well-developed knowledge and skills in the areas of equity, diversity, inclusion,



reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism (EDIRAA).
2. Demonstrated knowledge and skills to serve youth and families from diverse cultural backgrounds, including African Nova Scotian, Newcomer, and Indigenous populations required.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of, and commitment to, trauma-informed and person-centred care required.
4. Demonstrated skills in communication, relationship-building, de-escalation, and conflict resolution with youth, caregivers, and families.
5. Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team required; previous training and experience working in an integrated service delivery model, preferred.
6. Willingness to lead group programs required; prior group facilitation experience, preferred.
7. Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills required.
8. Demonstrated good judgment and high levels of interpersonal sensitivity and diplomacy required.
9. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, and to work both independently and collaboratively, required.
10. Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, be flexible in response to changing demands, and ensure effective organization and time management required.
11. Demonstrated ability to maintain timely and accurate electronic client records required.
12. Proficient in MS Office computer applications and file management, and email programs.
13. Ability to provide services in person, by telephone, and virtually required.
14. Competencies in other languages are an asset.

Why Join Anchor?

- Be part of the founding team for an innovative youth hub.
- Work in a collaborative interdisciplinary environment.
- Access professional development and ongoing learning.
- Help improve outcomes for youth and families in Pictou County.

Position Details Location: Pictou County, Nova Scotia

Hours: As outlined in the position description

Start Date: Anticipated Fall 2026

Benefits

- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Participation in the group insurance plan after three months, with premiums shared equally between the employer and employee.
- Eligibility after one year for employer RRSP matching contributions of up to 5% of salary.
- Opportunity to make a significant impact on youth well-being in the community.
- Personal growth and skill enhancement opportunities.

How to Apply Please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The competition may remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Anchor Youth Space is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and reconciliation. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Pay: $37.02-$46.89 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Occupational Therapist - Anchor Youth Space Pictou County (New Glasgow)
🏢 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County
📍 New Glasgow