Clinician- Master’s Level

About Us The African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI) works to address systemic racism in the justice system and to support fair, equitable, and culturally responsive outcomes for African Nova Scotians and Black people of African descent.

ANSJI recognizes African Nova Scotians as a distinct people with a unique history and lived experience, particularly in relation to the justice system. Our work is grounded in community, collaboration, and practical approaches that respond to the needs of individuals and families.

Position Summary

ANSJI is seeking a master’s-level Clinician who is interested in developing their skills in culturally responsive assessment, counselling, and justice-related practice. Recent graduates and early-career clinicians are encouraged to apply.

Reporting to the Director of the Forensic Assessment and Treatment Unit or designate, the Clinician will provide individual counselling, facilitate psychoeducational groups, support connections to mental health services, and develop the skills needed to complete Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs).

This is an opportunity to build clinical experience while supporting African Nova Scotians and people of African descent navigate the justice system. IRCA training, mentorship, clinical consultation, and report review will be provided. Responsibilities will progress according to the successful candidate’s training, demonstrated competence, professional registration, and supervision requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Counselling and Client Support

- Provide individual counselling and supportive interventions within professional scope, training, and competence.
- Work with clients to identify strengths, concerns, goals, and support needs.
- Develop and review treatment plans with appropriate consultation.
- Assist with planning and facilitating psychoeducational and therapeutic groups.
- Support clients in accessing services identified through Justice Navigator recommendations, IRCA or treatment plans, and ANSJI programs and services.
- Recognize safety concerns, follow established response procedures, and seek timely clinical guidance.
- Connect clients with appropriate mental health, addiction, social, and community resources.

Cultural Assessment and Report Writing

- Participate in training and mentorship to develop the knowledge and skills required to complete IRCAs.
- Conduct interviews and gather relevant personal, family, cultural, community, and social information.
- Review supporting documents and consult with relevant contacts, with appropriate consent.
- Explore how anti-Black racism, systemic barriers, and historical and intergenerational experiences have affected clients’ lives.
- Prepare assessment reports and recommendations with guidance and review from experienced assessors and the Director.
- Participate in report review, incorporate feedback, and maintain accurate assessment records.
- Prepare for and participate in court-related activities when required,



with appropriate guidance and within professional competence.

Qualifications

- Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, Counselling Psychology, Counselling, Psychology, or a related clinical mental health discipline that provides appropriate preparation for the delivery of individual and group counselling.
- The successful candidate must be registered, or eligible for registration, with the appropriate skilled regulatory body in Nova Scotia and possess demonstrated clinical competence in providing trauma-informed individual and group counselling to individuals experiencing complex mental health, social, and justice-related needs.
- Applicants from other regulated health professions, including Occupational Therapy, may be considered where they possess advanced education, training, and demonstrated clinical experience in counselling and/or psychotherapy appropriate to the scope of the position.
- Understanding of African Nova Scotian communities and the impacts of anti-Black racism, discrimination, and systemic barriers.
- Foundational knowledge of clinical interviewing, psychosocial assessment, counselling, and treatment planning.
- Understanding of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, client-centred approaches.
- Awareness of mental health and substance use concerns, harm reduction, and the importance of appropriate referrals.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and an interest in developing comprehensive report-writing skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, organize work, and collaborate respectfully with clients and colleagues.
- Comfort using Microsoft Office, electronic records, and virtual meeting platforms.

Previous IRCA experience, court experience, and post-registration clinical employment are not required.

Conditions of Employment

- Maintain appropriate professional registration and meet applicable professional liability coverage requirements.
- Provide a Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Search, before starting employment. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant; findings will be considered individually in relation to the position.
- Participate in required training, consultation, and quality assurance activities.
- Occasional travel within Nova Scotia may be required.

Working Conditions

- Regular work is during ANSJI office hours, with some flexibility required for court, client, partner, community, evening, or weekend commitments.
- Work may take place onsite, remotely, in court settings, in community settings, and with partner organizations.
- Travel within Halifax Regional Municipality and across Nova Scotia may be required.
- The work may involve high-stress situations,



crisis response, and sensitive client information.

Compensation & Terms of Employment This is a full-time position with a starting salary of $78,000 per year, plus benefits.

This position is designated for a person of African descent.

The African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI) adopts the following definition from the African Nova Scotian Strategy:

“African Nova Scotians as a distinct people who descend from free and enslaved Black Planters, Black Loyalists, Black Refugees, Maroons, and other Black people who inhabited the original 52 land-based Black communities in that part of Mi'kma'ki known as Nova Scotia.”

ANSJI recognizes the unique histories, contributions, resilience, and lived experiences of African Nova Scotian communities, as well as the ongoing impacts of systemic and institutional anti-Black racism that continue to affect many individuals, families, and communities today. As an organization established to advance justice, equity, and community well-being for African Nova Scotian communities, ANSJI recognizes the importance of representation, lived experience, cultural knowledge, and community connection in the delivery of its programs and services.

Applicants will be asked to voluntarily self-identify as a person of African descent as part of the recruitment process. ANSJI particularly encourages applications from African Nova Scotians, recognizing the unique historical and contemporary experiences of African Nova Scotian communities and the organization's mandate to serve and support those communities.

ANSJI is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive workplace where all employees are supported to contribute fully and authentically. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment, selection, and employment processes upon request.

How to Apply

Please submit your expression of interest to:

Sarah Upshaw, Director of Operations [email protected]

Subject line: Clinician

This job closes on November 1st at 11:59pm.

Final Note

- We recognize that candidates may bring different combinations of experience and qualifications. If you believe you have the skills and perspective to succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Pay: From $78,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Dental care
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Application question(s): *

The African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI) adopts the following definition from the African Nova Scotian Strategy:

“African Nova Scotians as a distinct people who descend from free and enslaved Black Planters, Black Loyalists, Black Refugees, Maroons, and other Black people who inhabited the original 52 land-based Black communities in that part of Mi'kma'ki known as Nova Scotia.”

Do you identify as African Nova Scotian?

- This position is designated for a person of African descent.

Do you identify as a person of African Descent?

Education

- Master's Degree (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Clinician (Halifax Regional Municipality)
🏢 African Nova Scotian Justice Institute
📍 Halifax Regional Municipality