Join our Team!

Jun 27, 2024

The Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division is looking for a passionate and self-
motivated individual to join the Annapolis Valley Coordinated Access System team for a full-time position available immediately and extends to March 2026, with potential for renewal.

JOB POSTING: Coordinated Access Assessment Specialist Annapolis Valley Coordinated Access System [AVCAS] Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: July 5, 2024

ABOUT COORDINATED ACCESS: The Annapolis Valley Coordinated Access System (AVCAS) addresses rural homelessness in the Annapolis Valley at a client-focused, systems level.

We do this by collaborating with community partners including those with lived/living experience to simplify access to services for people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless, so they are connected with the appropriate services.

AVCAS is committed to prioritizing individuals belonging to marginalized populations as they search for housing, including but not limited to 2SLGBTQIA+, indigenous ancestry, black or people of colour, seniors, youth and those with mental or physical disabilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Reporting directly to the Coordinate Access Manager, the Coordinated Access Assessment Specialist will be responsible for the implementation and ongoing oversight of the CAS Assessment initiative within the Annapolis Valley, by conducting assessments using the Vulnerability Assessment Tool and other common assessment tools with individuals who are experiencing chronic homelessness.

This role supports those with multiple barriers in appropriate placements along the housing continuum. The role also provides advice as a resource for all partners involved in providing services and housing to a vulnerable population in the Annapolis Valley, with a focus on current and upcoming housing programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The key responsibilities includes but is not limited to the following:

• Manages the administration of common assessment tools, ensuring policies, practices and systems related to assessment tools are maintained and updated in serving the needs of the Annapolis Valley homeless population while meeting the mandate of the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia’s (AHANS) Reaching Home directives.
• Provides ongoing evaluation of the assessment tools, ensuring effective and efficient use of the assessment tools.
• Gathers feedback from users and community partners and provides recommendations for improvement.
• Identifies and manages the coordination and delivery of training for using assessment tools and other AVCAS processes.
• Works with the Coordinated Access Manager to deliver a schedule of training and events to improve coordination and service quality in the homelessness-serving sector.
• Participates as a part of the AVCAS group to negotiate and coordinate access to housing supply operated by non-profit partners and funded by AHANS.
• From time to time, collaborates with the Manager and other partners such as Health Authorities and Municipalities on accessing additional housing supply. Promotes non-profits in using CAS to fill vacancies. Manages vacancies using the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS).
• Works closely with the Coordinated Access Manager and community housing providers and agencies in finding shelter for homeless individuals.
• Produces reports for internal use and for community partners with oversight by the Coordinated Access Manager.
• Participates as a member of AVCAS by advising on change management initiatives. Provides advice, input and recommendations to support the enhancement and improvement of AVCAS within the Annapolis Valley.
• Other duties as assigned in alignment with the position role and accountability.

LOCATION: Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

WORK SCHEDULE: This is a full-time position, working generally from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (37.5 hours/week).

This position requires a combination of working in a home office environment and in community, with our community partners. We offer a flexible work environment and a workplace culture committed to personal wellbeing and psychological safety. A valid Nova Scotia Driver’s License and access to a vehicle is required. Reimbursement will be paid as per the Expense Policy.

WORKING CONDITIONS: As outlined in the Working from Home policy, the employer will provide basic equipment necessary for a home office. The employee will be required to have a suitable designated workspace and reliable high-speed internet. A cell phone will be provided.

COMPENSATION: Commensurate with experience. Range: $45,000-$50,000 (fair market value within the sector)

QUALIFICATIONS: [No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you.]

• Services / Mental Health sector or strong work history in these are areas are mandatory.
• Post-secondary education in Social Services or Community Development including university level courses in social service delivery, community relations or similar programs; and/or strong relevant work history in these areas are mandatory.
• Experience in Discourse Analysis is considered an asset.
• Motivational Interviewing Training is considered an asset.
• A clear criminal record/vulnerable sector check is required.

PREFERRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to work well with diverse populations of various socio-economic backgrounds, including those who are marginalized, economically disadvantaged, or living with a disability or mental illness.
• Initiative, compassion, flexibility, creative decision-making, solid judgement, persuasiveness, community knowledge, and strong boundary-setting skills are considered an asset.
• Ability to facilitate and build trusting relationships and consensus within a group of community partners.
• Considerable knowledge of the different types of mental health and/or addiction housing models
• Ability to advocate for clients and collaborate with multiple community partners.
• Attention to detail, strong communication and notetaking skills; including active listening and motivational interviewing.
• Comfortable with a level of ambiguity as the Coordinated Access system is still developing.
• Comfortable with shifting priorities within the role.
• Sound knowledge and awareness of Housing First principles.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, and ability to learn and adapt to new technologies.

ABOUT CMHA NS: Founded in 1908, CMHA NS is the most established, most extensive community
mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in 36 communities across the province,
CMHA NS provides advocacy and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and
illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Nova Scotians to flourish and thrive.

Today, the importance of our mental health advocacy work in combination with new energy and
direction of our organization makes CMHA-NS a dynamic employer of choice. To learn more about CMHA-NS, visit: www.novascotia.cmha.ca.

OUR CULTURE: We nurture a culture grounded in curiosity, learning and building trust-based
relationships. We are committed to advancing our JEDDI work (Justice, Equity, Decolonization,
Diversity and Inclusion) at the individual, organizational and community level. Our team values are
– Compassion, Connection, Authenticity, Hope and Growth. We embed these values in the work we
do in community every day.

ARE YOU A FIT? If you are interested in applying for the role, please submit a PDF copy of your resume along with a cover letter stating why this is the position for you by July 5, 2024. Apply via email to: [email protected].

We thank you for your interest and please note that only those identified for an interview will be contacted.

CMHA NS is committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities within which we work. As such, we encourage applications from Black, racialized and Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers to Canada, and people with disabilities. If you are a member of a group that has been historically excluded from opportunities, we encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter or resume and to share your pronouns. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and accommodating those with disabilities at any stage of the hiring process.