Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for full-time position of Manager, Youth Advocate Program with Parks & Recreation.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

The Manager of the Youth Advocate Program is responsible and accountable for the effective management and for providing leadership and direction in the delivery of the Youth Advocate Program. The Manager will leverage shared responsibility across multiple sectors to promote leadership and the resources required to improve the quality of services for at-risk youth in priority communities throughout the municipality.

With 13 front line staff, the Manager must remain progressive while managing the efficient, effective and coordinated delivery of services to the citizens of HRM, community stakeholders, HRM business units and external agencies/departments.

More information about the Youth Advocate Program can be found at www.halifax.ca/yap

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide overall management and direction to the Youth Advocate Program, including planning, development and evaluation of the program
• Provide program information including statistics, demographics, and success stories for the Youth Engagement Report, which is presented annually to Regional Council
• Contribute to the Youth Section strategic planning and evaluation framework
• Supports the engagement and implementation of the Youth Services Plan
• Coordinates the marketing of the program to youth, community stakeholders and internal business units
• Work in partnership with internal and external organizational teams and advisory groups to provide youth with needed supports and services to resist involvement in criminal and or gang activity
• Provide clear direction and set priorities for 10 full-time and 1 part-time staff
• Ensure service level standards are consistently met or exceeded
• Ensure all programs and services delivered are in compliance with occupational health and safety, WHMIS and hazardous substance programs. Mitigate risks associated with youth at-risk programs and other program delivery
• Contribute to the development of annual business plan
• Manages an operating budget in excess of $750,000 in expenditures
• Monitor and evaluate staff performance and development plans; conducts performance appraisals and sets performance standards for direct reports. Administer performance management and progressive discipline processes as necessary
• Responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures in support of the program
• Represents the program at public meetings, making presentations, meeting with Councillors and representing the business unit section at local, provincial and national levels
• Responds to daily concerns, issues and requests of Regional Council and citizens

QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in the following areas: Community Development, Recreation Management, Social Work, or Public Policy Development
• 3 years of experience in youth development, community development and organizational development with ethnically, racially and socio-economically diverse partners and environments
• Minimum of 3 years management experience working in a recreation or youth setting
• Demonstrated expertise in program design, development, implementation and evaluation
• Experience in organizing and facilitating meetings
• Participation in the Aspiring Leaders or Emerging Leaders program (or equivalent leadership program) considered an asset

Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of government and law enforcement structure and methods
• Thorough knowledge and experience in the delivery of programs and services for criminally involved youth
• Knowledge of standard software and technology utilized in the HRM, i.e., Word, PowerPoint Presentations, SAP, Outlook, Excel, Hansen, etc.
• Knowledge and skills related to budget preparation and management
• Knowledge of strategic and operational planning
• Knowledge and skills related to human resource management and labour relations
• Knowledge of quality front-line customer service principles

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Communication, Developing Others, Managing Change, Risk Management, Valuing Diversity, Organization and Planning, Visioning, Strategic Thinking and Innovation

WORK STATUS: Permanent, full-time

HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Some evenings and weekends will be required.

SALARY: NU 07 $82,900 – $107,280. Salary will be determined based on relevant experience and qualifications related to the specified pay band and job. Placement above the midpoint of the pay band is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications, such as those with exceptional experience, specialized skills, or demonstrated achievements relevant to the role. This ensures fair and consistent compensation practices across the organization.

WORK LOCATION: Power House Youth Centre, 1606 Bell Road, Halifax, NS.

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59pm on Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

(Position # 78604511)