Edge Community Navigator

POSITION TITLE: EDGE Community Navigator

LOCATION(S): The John Howard Society’s EDGE Office (New Glasgow)

DATE: December 2023

The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia 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 community members, 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. We seek capable, dedicated people to join our team and engage in this exciting and rewarding work.

EDGE is a youth-focused (ages 18-26), Africentric employability program delivered in New Glasgow, NS. EDGE will be expanding its reach within Pictou County and into Antigonish County through program activities delivered in-person and virtually. The primary role of the Community Navigator (CN) is to work collaboratively with other team members to support participants through a case management model from intake through to job connection and employment maintenance.

We encourage applications from community members of diverse backgrounds, including individuals of the BIPOC Community (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) and the LGBTQ2S+Community. We encourage applicants to self‐identify.

JHSNS values first voice, including lived experience with the criminal justice system. A criminal record will not automatically eliminate you from qualifying for the role. We encourage those with lived experience to apply.

Position & General Accountability:

• The EDGE - Community Navigator reports to the Programs Team Lead.
• The EDGE - Community Navigator will:
• Employ a lens that is person-centred, Africentric and trauma-informed to help participants navigate systems barriers and support connection with community resources and support networks.
• Utilize the Social Determinants of Health to provide system navigation and integration support to youth.
• Provide community leadership with cultural humility/competency for working with clients. The incumbent must possess a firm understanding of support services and resources available to youth in Pictou County and Antigonish County.
• Work in close coordination and collaboration with other EDGE team members and other JHSNS team members. Support advancement and achievement of target outcomes.
• Remain committed to continuous learning for personal and professional development.

Position Type: Permanent full time, upon completion of probationary period

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Terms of Employment:

• Regular schedule is 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Some exceptions may apply and flexibility with hours is necessary.
• Rate of pay $22.50/hr ($40,950 annually) with leave entitlements, enrollment in group benefits after three months, eligible for enrollment in RRSP after 12 months.

Location:

The position is based out of the EDGE office at 534 B E River Rd, New Glasgow. Staff are required to work on site.

Working Conditions:

• The position requires moderate amounts of walking, climbing stairs, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, and both scheduled and unscheduled interactions with others.
• The position is fast-paced and demanding, requiring initiative, creativity and significant mental effort to analyze information, problem solve and support people.
• The equipment and resources necessary for carrying out your work will be supplied (ex: computer, telephone, stationery supplies, etc.), according to regular standards of work within JHSNS. If you require accommodations, please discuss with your supervisors.
• Services will be delivered in a combination of in-person and remote means (phone, virtually, etc.)

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. The EDGE Community Navigator will:

• Work closely within and across JHSNS teams and a variety of government and community partners to connect with prospective youth candidates and participants of the EDGE program.
• Work with participants to develop and action individual support plans that explore and engage available resources including financial supports, shelter/housing, basic needs (food, personal care items), wellness, community support, cultural support, employment options, among others.
• Keep current, clear and accurate records (i.e. support plans, case notes, documentation for client files, program case logs, etc.).
• Engage in reporting and record keeping responsibilities as it relates to internal and external reporting requirements (i.e. monthly reporting, LaMPSS Service Registration and Activity Reports).
• Lead project promotion and participant recruitment efforts.
• Lead community networking and collaborative partnerships.
• Lead the 1:1 support stream for participants outside of group programming or accessing aftercare support.
• Maintain positive and supportive relationships with participants and respond to incidents or crises in youths' lives. The CN will work collaboratively with other staff to provide a supportive environment that promotes youth empowerment.
• Provide support to other team members with program activities if/as needed. For example, co-facilitation with Program Mentors or liaising with local employers.
• Collaborate with DCS teams to coordinate participant support and address participants’ special needs as identified through needs assessment. The Community Navigator will be a primary point of contact with DCS/ESIA/CYFS.
• Manage on-site petty cash and petty cash protocol in coordination with the Team Lead.
• Maintain regular connections to a variety of communities within the region and province, including the African Nova Scotian Community, BIPOC Communities, LGBTQ2s+ community. The CN will bring to their JHSNS Team current information and learnings about available resources, programs and services; this helps to ensure that clients are receiving the best level of support possible through JHSNS.
• Act as a liaison and advocate for EDGE candidates and participants with government agencies, community agencies and potential employers to ensure that connections are made and supports are accessible. The CN will provide accompaniment support to participants as needed/appropriate.
• Act as an ambassador to JHSNS as they carry out their work throughout the community. The CN must ensure that their conduct is professional, collaborative and represents JHSNS in a positive image.
• Work within the scope of their role, of JHSNS as a service provider, and follow safety and security protocols and procedures.
• May engage in the support, supervision and evaluation of student placements.

Travel:

This position requires frequent (daily, weekly) travel throughout Pictou County and Antigonish County, and periodic travel provincially. Approved travel for work purposes is compensated at standard JHSNS mileage rate. The CN must be willing to transport clients for matters relating to their support plans and program activities.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Required: Must provide a satisfactory Drivers Abstract and a valid driver’s license. Must have a reliable personal vehicle and be able to obtain liability insurance (minimum $2 million) coverage.
• Required: Must complete and submit a valid and acceptable Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check. A criminal record will not automatically eliminate youfrom qualifying for the role.
• Required: Must complete and submit a valid Child Abuse Registry Check.
• Required: Demonstrated experience in front-line service delivery and systems navigation across the Social Determinants of Health (examples: education, health care, correctional services, social services, housing, etc.)
• Required: Previous experience in conducting needs assessments, case management processes (including record keeping), developing support plans and report writing.
• Required: Commitment to continuous learning (personal and professional development).
• Required: Comfortable working with computers, navigating the internet, and information technology.
• Asset: Experience working with diverse populations in a support role.
• Asset: Understanding of the Nguzo Saba Principles and able to work through an Africentric lens.
• Asset: College Diploma or University Degree in a relevant discipline (i.e. Social Sciences, Human Services, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, etc.) or a demonstrated acceptable equivalent.

Competencies & Skills:

• Subject matter expertise in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Experience working with marginalized individuals and/or communities, particularly aged 16-30.
• Demonstrated record of accomplishment of working effectively within and across equity‐seeking communities including consultation and consensus building.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Communicates effectively with individuals who experience mental health difficulties; communicates effectively with other organization personnel and community/government partners.
• High degree of cultural competency and cultural humility.
• Able to set and maintain firm boundaries in client, service provider relationships.
• Able to facilitate the learning of others through effective coaching, consulting, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to make recommendations and decisions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills. Able to work in a fast‐paced environment and adapt to change efficiently and effectively. Able to work effectively across multiple locations.
• Works efficiently as a team member and independently. Ability to be flexible, work positively, and collaboratively.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications.
• Experience utilizing a trauma-informed approach. Training/Certification in the following is considered an asset: Mental Health First Aid for Youth, ASIST, NVCI, Standard First Aid, WHMIS 2015.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: From $22.50 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

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

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Licence/Certification:

• Driver's license and daily access to reliable vehicle. (required)

Ability to Commute:

• New Glasgow, NS B2H 3R6 (required)

Ability to Relocate:

• New Glasgow, NS B2H 3R6: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person