Community Navigator

The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia

• “Effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime”

Provincial Office: 1-541 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville NS B4C 2S1
Phone: (902) 429-6429 Fax: (902) 406-7619 Email: HRO@jhsns.ca

Position: Community Navigator

● Organization Unit: Transition Team

● Primary responsibilities are Community Navigation Program and Assessments

● Jointly reports to and supported by Transition Team Lead and Program Coordinator.

● Full time, permanent

● Rotational 10 hours day shifts, 4-on, 4-off schedule. Some exceptions may apply and flexibility to work occasional evening and weekend hours is necessary.

Location: The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia, Bridgewater, NS. The position requires working on site and in locations throughout the South Shore.

Date: November 30, 2023

About us:
The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia (JHSNS) has been actively serving our communities since 1950.

Our mission is effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime. We work collaboratively with clients, government and community agencies to support individuals and families who have come into conflict with the law or who are at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Our core activities include direct service provision, community education, research and resource development and advocacy.

JHSNS recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in creating a strong and capable workforce.

JHSNS works towards improving representation of designated groups at all levels. This approach reflects our values of respect, integrity, fairness, diversity, and accountability. We believe such values must be demonstrated in our relationships with participants, students, volunteers and community partners.

The Community Navigator (CN) jointly reports to the Transition Team Lead and the Program Coordinator.

The CN engages clients in intensive supportive case management to support criminalized and at-risk male-identifying community members residing in Bridgewater and South Shore Nova Scotia through systems navigation and integration support.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
This list is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position; rather it provides a general overview:

● Maintains records, employing attention to detail in carrying out assigned work;

● Maintains clear, effective internal and external communications, providing appropriate updates and managing expectations of relevant parties. This includes daily monitoring and response to communications by email or phone;

Job Description: Community Navigator – Cedar House P1

The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia

• “Effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime”

Provincial Office: 1-541 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville NS B4C 2S1
Phone: (902) 429-6429 Fax: (902) 406-7619 Email: HRO@jhsns.ca

● Takes appropriate actions from directives, memos, instructions, or updates received from supervisors;

● Portrays a positive image when carrying out activities; engaging in work as an ambassador for

JHSNS;

● Participates in mandatory training and continuous learning opportunities identified by supervisors;

● Attends and contributes to team meetings;

● Takes a person-centred approach to this work, conducting a needs assessment informed by the client to determine their needs, interests and goals. Then, develops a tailored support plan that explores and engages available, relevant resources across the social determinants of health, including financial, shelter/housing, food security, health, mental health, and cultural support;

● Works closely with other JHSNS programs as well as various government and community agencies. Acts as a liaison and advocate for clients to ensure connections are made and barriers to access are mitigated;

● May provide transportation and accompaniment support as needed and appropriate to agency referrals, medical appointments, court hearings and other related appointments;

● Employs a trauma informed and culturally sensitive lens to systems navigation and integration support;

● Provides community leadership with cultural humility/competency;

● maintains a good understanding of available support services and resources in Bridgewater and

South Shore, NS;

● Builds and maintains relationships with marginalized communities, including the African Nova

Scotian Community, Black Community, Indigenous Community, LGBTQ2S+ Community; and,

● Contributes to team, regional and provincial knowledge and understanding about available resources relevant to JHSNS clients.

● Provides service and program delivery to community participants.

General office and administrative work: (Shared responsibilities by all JHSNS staff)

● Supervises volunteers and students and provides relevant mentorship and support;

● Participates in fund-seeking and program development initiatives;

● Takes part in community education initiatives (e.g. represents JHSNS at events held by community partners, speaking engagements, outreach activities, etc); and,

● Maintains administrative tasks on a timely basis, such as time tracking, expense claims, internal and external communications, etc.

● Other duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator

Required Experience, Competencies & Credentials:

Job Description: Community Navigator – Cedar House P2

The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia

• “Effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime”

Provincial Office: 1-541 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville NS B4C 2S1
Phone: (902) 429-6429 Fax: (902) 406-7619 Email: HRO@jhsns.ca

● Must provide a satisfactory Drivers Abstract and a valid driver’s license. The incumbent must have a reliable personal vehicle and be willing to travel throughout Bridgewater and surrounding areas on a daily basis and be able to obtain liability insurance (minimum - $2 Million) coverage;

● Must complete a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check. Note that positive results will not necessarily preclude employment;

● Demonstrated experience in front-line service delivery using strength-based, action-oriented approaches for systems navigation across the Social Determinants of Health;

● Previous experience in conducting in-depth needs assessments, case management processes

(including record keeping), developing support plans and report writing;

● Subject matter expertise in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Experience working with marginalized adults and/or communities, particularly criminalized populations;

● Knowledge of human rights legislation and related law;

● Demonstrated record of working effectively within and across equity-seeking communities including consultation and consensus building;

● High degree of cultural competency or cultural sensitivity;

● Ability to facilitate the learning of others through effective coaching, consulting and presentation skills;

● Proficiency with technology, including familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Suite; and,

Experience utilizing a trauma-informed approach. Training/Certification in the following is considered an asset: Mental Health First Aid, ASIST, NVCI, Standard First Aid, WHMIS 2015.

Working Conditions:

The position requires:

● The position requires moderate amounts of cooking, walking, climbing stairs, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, and both scheduled and unscheduled interactions with others;

● Daily travel within Bridgewater and occasional travel to other regions in the province;

● A reasonable amount of mental effort to analyze information, problem solve and support people; and,

● A combination of independent work and working in close coordination and collaboration with others.

Equipment and resources necessary for carrying out assigned work will be supplied (ex: computer, telephone, stationery supplies, etc.), according to regular standards of work within JHSNS.

Job Description: Community Navigator – Cedar House P3

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: From $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Day shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Bridgewater, NS B4V 1B5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Licence/Certification:

• First Aid Certification (preferred)

Work Location: In person