About Us
The Portal Youth Outreach Association works alongside youth aged 16–24 throughout Western Nova Scotia. Through outreach, housing support, employment programming, life skills development, and community-based services, The Portal helps youth access the resources, opportunities, and connections they need to make progress toward their goals.
The Supportive Living Program provides safe, structured, and relationship-focused housing environments where youth can build stability, develop life skills, and work toward greater independence.
About the Role
House Staff are the foundation of daily life within our Supportive Living Program homes.
This is a frontline role that focuses on creating safe, supportive, and consistent home environments for youth. House Staff build positive relationships with youth, support daily routines, encourage skill development, and help maintain a welcoming and stable living environment.
This position is casual and on-call. Casual House Staff provide coverage for planned and unplanned absences and may be offered shifts during days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
While this position is based primarily in Kentville, opportunities may also be available to pick up shifts at our Middleton and Windsor locations.
What You’ll Do
Youth Support & Relationship Building:
- Build respectful, supportive, and consistent relationships with youth.
- Provide encouragement, emotional support, and guidance.
- Support youth in developing communication skills, healthy relationships, and self-regulation strategies.
- Respond to challenging situations using trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches.
- Model healthy boundaries, respectful communication, and positive decision-making.
Safe Supportive Home Environment:
- Help maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming living environment.
- Support daily routines, schedules, and household expectations.
- Assist with meal preparation, household tasks, and shared responsibilities.
- Follow safety procedures, emergency protocols, and harm reduction practices.
- Identify and report safety concerns and maintenance issues.
Youth Engagement & Skill Development:
- Encourage participation in recreational, community, and life skill activities.
- Support youth goals related to education, employment, relationships, identity, and independence.
- Accompany youth to appointments, activities, and community outings when required.
Collaboration & Documentation:
- Work collaboratively with the Supportive Living team and other staff.
- Participate in shift handovers and team communication processes.
- Complete accurate documentation, shift notes, and incident reports.
- Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Diploma or degree in Human Services, Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Psychology, Criminology, or a related field is considered an asset.
- Other relevant education or certifications such as CCA, DSW, PSW, Addictions Worker, or Peer Support are considered assets.
- Experience working with youth, supported living programs, shelters, outreach services, crisis response, or related fields.
- Lived experience relevant to the role, combined with healthy boundaries and the ability to work within program policies, is welcomed.
Skills & Abilities
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice and youth development.
- Ability to remain calm and supportive during challenging situations.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Basic computer and documentation skills.
- Ability to follow policies, procedures, and program expectations.
Personal Qualities
- Compassionate, patient, and youth-centred.
- Calm and grounded under pressure.
- Reliable and accountable.
- Respectful and team-oriented.
- Open to learning, feedback, and professional growth.
Working Conditions
This is a casual, on-call position with no guaranteed hours. Shifts may include days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overnight coverage based on operational needs.
Work takes place within Supportive Living Program homes and community settings. The position is based primarily in Kentville, with opportunities to pick up shifts in Middleton and Windsor as operational needs arise.
The role requires flexibility, sound judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in dynamic environments while supporting youth with diverse needs.
Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a valid Class 5 Driver's License.
- Have reliable transportation and maintain a minimum of $2 million liability insurance.
- Successfully complete a Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check.
How to Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to Harlie Trimm, SLP Team Lead, at [email protected].
Please include "Casual House Staff - Kentville" in the subject line of your email.
Applications will be accepted until July 10, 2026.
We thank all applicants for their interest in The Portal Youth Outreach Association; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
