About Us The Portal Youth Outreach Association (PYOA) provides advocacy, housing, and wraparound supports for youth at risk across the Annapolis Valley. Our vision is that every young person has a safe, supportive, and loving home.

The Supportive Living Program (SLP) offers relationship-focused housing environments where youth can build life skills, experience stability, and move toward long-term independence through consistency, care, and connection.

Life Skills Coordinators play a critical frontline role in delivering daily support, modeling healthy adult relationships, and supporting youth to develop practical skills, confidence, and independence within a protected and predictable home environment.

Job Purpose The Life Skills Coordinator is a frontline support role responsible for delivering structured life skills programming, relational support, and daily living assistance to youth within the Supportive Living Program.

This role focuses on direct youth engagement, skill-building, and program delivery, while supporting consistency in routines, documentation, and trauma-informed practice. Life Skills Coordinators work collaboratively with Supportive Living staff, under the operational oversight of the SLP Team Lead and the programmatic coordination of the Client Services Lead.

The Life Skills Coordinator does not hold supervisory or management authority but is expected to model strong practice, professionalism, and accountability in all aspects of their work.

Primary Duties

1. Youth Support & Relationship-Based Practice

- Build trusting, respectful, and supportive relationships with youth through consistent presence and engagement.
- Provide emotional support, guidance, and encouragement aligned with each youth’s care plan and goals.
- Model healthy communication, boundaries, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
- Support youth through challenges, conflict, and transitions using trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.
- Respond calmly and effectively to crises or escalations in accordance with PYOA policies and procedures.

1. Life Skills Development & Program Delivery

- Support youth in developing daily living skills, including:

○ meal planning and preparation ○ grocery shopping and budgeting

○ personal care and hygiene

○ household routines and responsibilities

○ time management and organization





- Deliver and support life skills programming coordinated by the Client Services Lead.
- Facilitate recreational, educational, and skill-building activities that reflect youth interests, strengths, and goals.
- Accompany youth to appointments, community activities, and outings as required.

1. House Routines & Daily Operations (Frontline Scope)

- Support consistent house routines, schedules, and expectations during assigned shifts.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming living environment for youth.
- Follow and support house protocols related to safety checks, food safety, medication procedures, and harm reduction.
- Identify concerns related to safety, maintenance, or youth well-being and report them promptly to the SLP Team Lead.

1. Documentation & Communication

- Complete accurate and timely documentation, including:

○ shift notes ○ incident reports

○ logs and required records

- Communicate relevant observations, concerns, and updates to the SLP Team Lead.
- Participate in team meetings, care planning meetings, and case conferences as required.
- Communicate with external partners only when delegated and in alignment with program expectations.
- Maintain confidentiality of youth, staff, and organizational information at all times.

1. Team Collaboration & Practice Support

- Work collaboratively with Supportive Living staff to support consistency in care and routines.
- Provide informal mentorship and modeling of best practice to peers.
- Support onboarding and shadowing of new staff during shifts.
- Share observations and practice-related feedback with the SLP Team Lead to support team effectiveness and youth outcomes.

Intended Impact The Life Skills Coordinator contributes to:

- Youth feeling supported, respected, and safe
- Consistent delivery of life skills programming
- Predictable and stable daily routines
- Strong relational engagement with youth
- Effective communication across the team
- Safe, clean, and well-functioning home environments





Success in this role is reflected in youth engagement, skill development, emotional regulation, and increased confidence in daily living.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- Consistent completion of documentation to standard
- Active participation in life skills programming and youth engagement
- Demonstrated trauma-informed practice
- Positive contribution to team collaboration and house routines
- Timely communication of concerns and updates
- Adherence to policies, procedures, and professional boundaries

Qualifications Education & Experience

- Post-secondary education in Youth Work, Child & Youth Care, Social Services, Human Services, or equivalent experience
- Experience working with youth aged 16–24, particularly in residential or community based settings
- Experience supporting youth with complex needs preferred

Knowledge & Skills

- Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and youth development
- Ability to manage challenging situations calmly and effectively
- Strong communication and documentation skills
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
- Sound judgment, boundaries, and reliability

Personal Characteristics

- Compassionate, patient, and youth-centered
- Calm and grounded under pressure
- Reliable, accountable, and professional
- Organized and attentive to detail
- Flexible and adaptable
- Reflective and open to feedback

Working Conditions

- Full-time, hourly position
- Shifts may include evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Work occurs within Supportive Living Program homes and community settings
- Requires Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with $2 M liability insurance coverage

Send your resume and cover letter to: Harlie Trimm, Team Lead [email protected]

Applications will be accepted until Monday November 16th, at 4pm AST.

We appreciate all who apply; only those selected for an interview will be contacted

Pay: $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Life Skills Coordinator (Kentville)
🏢 Portal Youth Outreach Association
📍 Kentville