The Opportunity

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 important 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 clinician, the family support worker employs a relational, trauma-informed, and equity-focused approach to support families and caregivers as they navigate their youth’s wellbeing journey. The family support worker works collaboratively with caregivers, youth, members of the Integrated Youth Services team, and others, to support caregivers and families in meeting their goals.

Specific Accountabilities

1. Embrace a wholistic approach to youth well-being, informed by the Pan-Canadian Guiding Principles of IYS, social determinants of health, and principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism (EDIRAA).
2. Act professionally and ethically, following all organizational and Anchor Youth Space guidelines, applicable legislation, regulations, and professional standards.
3. Under the clinical leadership of the site clinician, the family support worker provides the following services to caregivers and families who present at the Anchor Youth Space site for services:

- Meet with caregivers to assess their needs and options, and to provide information, education, and ongoing support.
- Facilitate referrals to services both internal and external to Anchor Youth Space.



Support caregivers and youth to create and maintain connections to relevant services and care providers.

- Monitor and support caregiver’s progress towards identified goals.
- Assist caregivers to support young people on their well-being journey and in the successful transition to adult services.
- Assist team members with development of care plans, case management, and crisis navigation.

1. Lead the development and implementation of caregiver and youth peer support initiatives for the Anchor Youth Space Site.
2. Plan and facilitate group programming and workshops for families and caregivers, including peer support, skill building, and other relevant programs.
3. In collaboration with the Provincial Youth and Caregiver Engagement Coordinator, organize and support the Anchor Youth Space Site Caregiver Advisory Committee.
4. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and protocols, and best practices relevant to integrated youth services.
5. Ensure documentation and data is entered into the Anchor Youth Space Nova platform and use the data to guide care and programming; assist youth in entering data as required.
6. Take part in Anchor Youth Space planning, development, team building, and performance reviews.
7. Take part in Anchor Youth Space Nova Scotia training, professional development, research, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives.
8. Assist with the reception, welcome, and drop-in functions of the Anchor Youth Space site as needed.
9. Other duties as required.

Knowledge and Experience

1. Successful completion of an undergraduate degree in health or social sciences; Family Studies or similar discipline preferred.

Education in mental health and addictions is preferred.

2. Two (2) years of relevant experience required; three (3) to five (5) years preferred.

Experience working with families and caregivers, and experience working with youth, required.

3. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must clearly demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
4. 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.
5. Valid Nova Scotia driver’s license, regular access to a reliable vehicle and appropriate insurance to transport clients may be required.

Competencies

- Well-developed knowledge and skills in the areas of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism (EDIRAA).
- Demonstrated knowledge and skills to serve youth and families from diverse cultural backgrounds,



including African Nova Scotian, Newcomer, and Indigenous populations required.
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and commitment to, trauma-informed and person-centred care required.
- Demonstrated skills in communication, relationship-building, and conflict resolution with youth, caregivers, and families.
- Demonstrated skill and knowledge in group facilitation, adult education, and program development required.
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team required; previous experience working in an integrated service delivery model, preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of attachment, adolescent development, and family dynamics and functioning strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated skills in role modelling and mentoring, preferred.
- Demonstrated robust verbal and written communication skills required.
- Demonstrated good judgment and high levels of interpersonal sensitivity and diplomacy required.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, and to work both independently and collaboratively, required.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, be flexible in response to changing demands, and ensure effective organization and time management required.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain timely and accurate electronic client records required.
- Proficient in MS Office computer applications and file management, and email programs.
- Ability to provide services in person, by telephone, and virtually required.
- 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: $27.88-$35.20 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

📌 Family Support Worker - Anchor Youth Space Pictou County (New Glasgow)
🏢 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County
📍 New Glasgow