YWCA Halifax

Title: Communications and Engagement Coordinator

Department: Fund Development

Reports to: Director of Philanthropy and Communications

Classification: Full-Time, Term – 12-month Maternity Leave

Hours: 37.5 hours a week

Start Date: Mid-February 2023

Deadline: February 1, 2023

Location: Halifax, NS

YWCA Halifax is a progressive, multi-service, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls, two-spirited and gender diverse people and their families at critical turning points in their lives. We work to transform lives by providing a continuum of services and programs that drive lasting positive change. We strive to change the underlying issues that are root causes of inequality, violence, poverty, and homelessness. Our four program focus areas include: promoting the health, wellness, and leadership of women and girls; advancing women’s economic and housing security; delivering quality, accessible, early learning, and childcare; and working to end violence against women, girls and gender diverse individuals.

Why work for the YWCA

Staff at YWCA Halifax enjoy a supportive and dynamic team environment, a commitment to staff growth, a connection to the national and international YWCA movements, learning from colleagues in a multiservice agency, and a strong shared vision.

Why YOU should apply

Even if you don’t have all the requirements listed in this position, you may be the right candidate. If you are a natural leader with a strong attention to detail and a passion for social justice and gender equity, we want to hear from you. Take a chance and apply. Tell us how you can make a difference through your YWCA.

Role of the Communications and Engagement Coordinator

The Communications and Engagement Coordinator will serve as a key member of the philanthropy team, helping to create and execute a wide array of communication strategies to grow YWCA Halifax’s brand awareness. Through consistent explanation of the organization’s vision and its impact, the coordinator will ensure contributions are recognized and celebrated as well as supporting a YWCA’s strong voice on issues that matter.

The individual will help lead YWCA Halifax digital channels including website, email, and social media communications.

Oversee engagement functions for all donors including Major Gifts, Corporate supporters/Sponsors, Foundations, Government, and other donors.
Proactively develop and implement strategies that identify, engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward all donors in all stages of the development cycle.
Prepare communication materials including newsletters, key messages, and social media content and ensure alignment with the organization’s branding, messaging, and values.
Lead social media strategies through various platforms.
Create events and content that allow YWCA Halifax to shine as a thought leader, advocate, and source of knowledge. Consistently grow new supporters year-over-year based on compelling content.
Manage and produce content for YWCA Halifax website.
Support and grow events through posting content, encouraging/reminding participation.
Create design collateral (advertisements, flyers, infographics, etc.).
Develop the stories that allow YWCA Halifax impact to come to life via social media storytelling.
Assist and collaborate with the Fund Development Team on the planning, coordinating and execution of various fundraising and grant committee components.
Generate reports and social media analytics.

Qualifications and Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in related field of study.
Experience in marketing, communications, fund development and/or PR experience.
Social media scheduling, posting, and evaluation experience.
Proficiency in all MS Office programs including PowerPoint and Excel (especially for communications plans).
Remarkable writing and communication skills.
Absolutely exceptional attention to detail.
A valid Nova Scotia driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is strongly recommended.
A background in Adobe In-Design, Acrobat Pro, Illustrator, and other graphic design programs highly preferred.
Proficiency in CRM software highly preferred.

YWCA Halifax is committed to diversity, and we welcome all suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. YWCA Halifax is governed by, employs, and serves diverse individuals and community members. Self-identification by applicants does not guarantee an interview but we want you to know that we understand that lived experience of racialization, Indigeneity, disAbility, and gender diversity are their own knowledge and expertise. We value this expertise and consider it as we discern who to interview.

If interested, please send your cover letter and resume in one document to humanresources@ywcahalifax.com Subject Line

Title: Overnight Community Navigator

Department: Violence to Resilience

Reports to: Safer Spaces Coordinator

Classification: Part-Time, Term – Until March 31, 2024

Hours: 20-25 hours per week

Start Date: April 1, 2023

Deadline: March 15, 2023

Location: Dartmouth, NS

Why work for the YWCA

Why YOU should apply

Program Overview

Supporting victims and survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking with emergency supports such as the designation of an emergency bed for the RCMP HT Team/HRP at the Safer Spaces location; basic needs kits; support navigating available community resources for Provincial Human Trafficking Team, Halifax Regional Police-Human Trafficking Team; and YWCA Safer Spaces/NSTAY (Nova Scotia Transition and Advocacy for Youth) working with victims after regular business hours. This project is designed to address barriers that victims have faced in accessing emergency supports after regular business hours. The project includes supports to address these barriers such as a dedicated staff resource and resource kits.

Role of the Overnight Community Navigator

Connecting agencies and organizations with necessary short-term resources
Work with Provincial Human Trafficking Team, Halifax Regional Police- Human Trafficking Team, and YWCA Safer Spaces/NSTAY Teams after regular business hours to navigate the needs of victims.
Provide support to all residents
Basic maintenance and cleaning duties
The navigator position would be assigned awake overnight hours, positioned on-site at the Safer Spaces house.

Qualifications and Requirements

Experience working in a supportive role.
Experience working with people from diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds.
Good communication skills: able to negotiate and enforce policies, provide support and encouragement and accurately maintain written logs.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Certification in Non-violent Crisis Intervention, First Aid and CPR, ASIST or willingness to obtain these at the start of employment.
Enthusiasm and affinity for work with youth and young adults.
Flexible, adaptable, and able to work in an environment that is not always predictable.
Must be able to provide a Criminal Record check with a Vulnerable Sector check upon hiring.

If interested, please send your cover letter and resume in one document to humanresources@ywcahalifax.com

Subject Line: Overnight Community Navigator

Title: Safer Spaces Housing Coordinator

Department: Violence to Resilience

Reports to: Violence to Resilience Manager

Classification: Full-time, Term – until March 31, 2024

Hours: Typically 37.5; Position will require after hours on-call time.

Start Date: April 1, 2024

Deadline: April 15, 2023

Location: Dartmouth, NS

Why work for the YWCA

Why YOU should apply

Overview

YWCA Halifax is seeking an experienced program coordinator to lead the administration and development of the Safer Spaces Housing Program specifically designed for victims of human trafficking and youth sexual exploitation. The successful candidate will work closely with the Nova Scotia Transition and Advocacy for Youth (NSTAY) team, as well as community partners and the broader YWCA management team to implement a transitional housing program for youth who are exiting the sex trade. In addition, the program coordinator will work with YWCA’s existing housing programs and other community housing providers to support the safety needs of housing participants who are victims and survivors of exploitation and trafficking.

Roles and responsibilities:

The Safer Spaces Coordinator’s main role will be to operationalize the existing safe house through support of residents and housing support for NSTAY participants. As well as engaging in research on best practices in working with trafficked/exploited youth; developing and implementing a Safe Housing model and framework for the Nova Scotia context; facilitating partnerships with national and local agencies offering second stage housing programs to provide a continuum of care for victims of trafficking/exploitation. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program Development and Coordination

Develop and administer the program budget.
Review existing safe housing programs and practices from across Canada.
Conduct housing prioritization assessments.
Identify location(s) for housing program sustainability.
Develop and keep updated a Safe Spaces Housing Program Handbook.
Housing Operations and Coordination
Develop and manage relationships with landlords.
Lead housing operations and facilities support.
Implement technological security systems.
Work with Housing Teams across the province to coordinate housing for clients.

Staff Supervision

Hiring of part-time housing staff.
Supervision and scheduling of casual housing support staff.

Partnership Facilitation

Identify second stage and recovery-based housing placements across Nova Scotia and Canada.
Develop partnerships with existing housing providers to offer a variety of housing choices for clients.
When applicable within role, work closely with Child Protection and Placement workers to support youth in-care.
When applicable within role, work closely with law enforcement and victim services to support youth pursuing charges against their perpetrators.

Qualifications and Requirements

The Safer Spaces program coordinator will be responsible for front line housing support, administrative tasks, and program development. The ideal candidate must have a specific skill set in problem solving and perceptibility, along with the following qualifications and experience.

Education & Knowledge

Degree in social work or related field such as, international development studies, sociology, child and youth studies, education, health promotion, or equivalent
Understanding of feminist theoretical perspectives and intersectionality. Also, of issues such as racism/colonialism, violence against women, sexualized human trafficking, sexual health, and poverty.
Knowledge of, and experience with community-based, trauma-informed, harm reduction practices as well as a strong commitment to ongoing learning and development in these areas.

Experience

A minimum of three years’ experience in program development, administration, and housing support.
Experience conducting best practice research and implementing research findings and recommendations.
Experience working in Violence Against Women shelters at an administrative level an asset.
Working in a collaborative environment on complex issues involving multiple and diverse stakeholders including people with lived expertise, landlords, child welfare and law enforcement.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Outstanding communication and organization skills and high levels of computer literacy.
Flexible and adaptable to client schedules and diverse work environments.
Available for on-call work.
Have an existing self-care strategy and regimen.
Fierce advocacy skills.

If interested, please send your cover letter and resume in one document to humanresources@ywcahalifax.com Subject Line: Safer Spaces Coordinator

Title: Live-In Residence Coordinator SHYM 2

Department: Housing

Reports to: Housing Manager

Classification: Permanent, Live-in Position

Hours: Overnight on call hours with 4 pre-determinate overnights per month off

Remuneration: This position offers an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment, including heat, hot water, electricity, Wi-fi and free parking.

Start Date: As soon as possible

Deadline: March 2, 2023

Location: Halifax, NS

Program Overview

Supportive Housing for Young Mothers (SHYM) provides supportive housing, parenting support, and life skills development for at risk young single mothers ages 16 to 24. SHYM is open to young mothers in their third trimester of pregnancy or who are independently parenting their child or children and need supportive housing. SHYM also provides housing for at risk single mothers who are attending a post-secondary institution full-time. SHYM 2 is a 6-unit apartment building for single mother led families who are in need of safe, affordable housing. Individualized support is also offered to families at SHYM 1 and 2.

Role of the Live-In Residence Coordinator

Supporting residents by being the first point of contact for any building related matters
Conduct routine, non-licensed inspections of facilities; does an inspection once a week of all interior and exterior common areas, parking lot, outside grounds, and all entrances.
Ensure fire protection equipment is properly maintained and up to date.
Support the coordination of licensed inspections as required.
Support the coordination of major maintenance and repairs under the direction of the Facilities Manager.
May be requested to show units to potential clients and completing both in and out inspections.
Cleans, performs minor paint jobs and repairs to vacant units for new tenants as necessary.
Identifies, evaluates, and reports risks associated with the building, takes appropriate actions to address or alleviate risk, completes incident reports and reports these to Housing Manager.
Advance the mission and vision of the YWCA Halifax.
Must be available for emergency and On Call duties.

Qualifications and Requirements

Strong communication and conflict resolution skills
Must be able to assess all maintenance issues on site and assist in coordinating repairs with the Facility Manager and/or Contractors.
Must have First Aid/CPR and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training.
Subject to Criminal Records check with Vulnerable Sector search and a Child Abuse Registry search.
Must have experience working within confidentiality guidelines and always maintaining a high degree of professionalism.
Must be able to set and maintain professional boundaries.
Must be comfortable working in a women and children only building and from a women-centered perspective.

Why work for the YWCA

Why YOU should apply

If interested, please send your cover letter and resume in one document to humanresources@ywcahalifax.com

Subject Line: Live-In Residence Coordinator

Title: Peer Outreach Worker

Department: Violence to Resilience

Reports to: Violence to Resilience Manager

Classification: Full Time, Permanent, Salaried, Non-Management

Hours: Typically (37.5) however, this position will require after hours on-call time

Start Date: As soon as possible

Deadline: February 14, 2023

Location: Halifax, NS

Other: Must have a valid driver’s license, 2M liability insurance and consistent access to a reliable vehicle. There will be 2 weeks of initial training in HRM.

Why work for the YWCA

Why YOU should apply

Program Overview

NSTAY is a program which provides exploited/trafficked youth with wraparound support and connects them with the services they need. NSTAY has been developed with a trauma-informed lens and takes a harm-reduction approach. It is a non-judgmental program and incorporates promising practices from across Canada and is informed by those with experience of exploitation within the sex trade.

The YWCA Halifax is seeking a peer support worker who has previously been involved with the sex trade to join our dynamic team and be a crucial component of the Nova Scotia Transition and Advocacy for Youth (NSTAY) program.

Role of the Peer Outreach Worker

Providing one-on-one client support to youth 13+:
- Meeting accompaniment
- Court support
- Systems Navigation
- Crisis Management
- Community, Leisure and Social activity planning
- Collaborative case management
Completing and maintaining appropriate administrative logs, including participant contact forms and case notes
Engage in community outreach with partners and service providers across Nova Scotia, this may require provincial travel
Engagement in the Trafficking and Exploitation Service Systems (TESS) partnerships
In consultation with the Department of Community Services, the Peer Outreach workers will engage in community outreach /programming with residential facilities across the province of Nova Scotia.
Must be available for emergency and on-call duties

Qualifications and Requirements

The Peer Outreach Worker will previously have been involved in the sex trade and have successfully exited for at least 3 years- we recognize the diverse range of experiences in this area and are looking for self-identification of involvement in the sex trade in the variety of ways it exists.
Experience working in a peer support role
Experience working with people from diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds
Good communication skills: provide support and encouragement and accurately maintain written logs
Experience working with youth
Knowledge of community-based, trauma-informed, and harm reduction practices are an asset
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Flexible, adaptable, and able to work in an environment that is not always predictable
Must be able to provide a current Child Abuse Registry and Criminal Record check with a Vulnerable Sector check upon hiring

If interested, please send your cover letter and resume in one document to humanresources@ywcahalifax.com Subject line: Peer Outreach Worker.

Early Childhood Educator – Substitute

Title: Substitute Early Childhood Educator

Department: Early Learning and Child Care

Reports to: Director YWCA Early Learning and Child Care

Classification: Casual, Hourly

(Depending on Classification Level)

Deadline: Posted Until Filled

Location: Halifax, NS

Position Summary

The Substitute Early Childhood Educator is expected to work with regular full-time ECE staff within established guidelines of the YWCA and within the policy, procedures and regulations of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Food Safety Guidelines to deliver a quality childcare program.

General Competencies

Must be a team player with skills in caring for children in a group setting. Must have a professional attitude and effective communications skills. Must demonstrate sound judgment, decision-making skills, and excellent communication skills. Work can be demanding both physically and mentally.

Role of the Early Childhood Educator

Work in a team setting respecting established routines for the children.
Provide active physical play both indoor and outdoor. Maintain playground by ensuring that fire escape routes are kept clear of toys, and debris.
Create a warm, pleasant, and inviting atmosphere and ensure that all areas in and out of the classroom are kept tidy, clean, and in good order.
Devote the whole of working time, attention, and energies to the care of the children.
Communicate with children with respect and at their own individual developmental level and set realistic behavior expectations.
Support children in developing problem and conflict-solving skills.
The practice of child and educator self-reflection is key to our quality program
Adhere to Covid-19 health and safety protocols

Qualifications and Requirements

Valid ECE Classification Level 1, 2 or 3 or working towards.
Food Handling/Safety Certificate would be an asset.
First Aid with Infant CPR (Level C).
Child Abuse Record Check.
Criminal Records Check (Vulnerable Sector).

Working Conditions

Caring for children is physically and mentally demanding.
Work requires heavy lifting, bending, stooping, carrying, and reaching overhead.
Work may require long periods of standing or walking.
Work may require dealing effectively and calmly with emotional situations.

If interested, please send your cover letter and resume to k.johnson@ywcahalifax.com Attn: Kerri Johnson – Director, YWCA Early Learning and Child Care. YWCA Halifax is committed to diversity, and we welcome all suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until a suitable candidate is found. No phone calls please.