Youth Program Coordinator(s)

Position: Youth Program Coordinator
Contract: February 23/26 – September 4/26
Location: Bridgewater (1), Kentville (1), Sydney (1), Glace Bay (1), Yarmouth (1), Halifax (1), Dartmouth (1), Truro/New Glasgow (1)

The Program

The Career Rising program is an exciting opportunity offered to youth ages 15 – 19 years living in several rural communities across Nova Scotia. The program runs through a partnership between the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council and the Department of Opportunities and Social Development. During July and August, this skills development program provides two weeks of training and orientation for youth to gain employability skills in preparation for their six-week work experience with local employers.

The Program Coordinator Role

Joining the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council team, the Program Coordinator is a vital role focused on connecting with the registered youth in their region throughout their Career Rising journey. Acting as a liaison, the Program Coordinator will develop and maintain relationships with the youth and their family as well as the employers participating in the program. The Program Coordinator will provide updates to Program Management and represent their region when collaborating with their local Department of Opportunities and Social Development office.

This position involves connecting with previous and new employers to recruit work experience placements for their region and attend information sessions and youth meetings to promote the program and meet registered youth. The Program Coordinator will supervise and help facilitate the two-week training and orientation component where community facilitators conduct workshops.

Once the youth begin their work experience, the Program Coordinator’s role will shift to support the youth as they navigate the work force. Duties will include completing scheduled check-ins with the employer and the youth as well as collecting payroll hours on a bi-weekly basis. The Program Coordinator will also support the youth or employer to find a solution for any daily urgencies.

General Duties

Pre-Program

• Supervise and co-facilitate Career Rising 3-day Camp where youth complete scheduled workshops as a pre-career rising event.
• Recruit potential work experience opportunities
• Attend information sessions and youth meetings with to promote the program
• Help develop and oversee day-to-day program activities for two weeks including working with facilitators and arranging tours or site visits

During Program

• Oversee and coordinate the Career Rising program in designated region by acting as a liaison between youth, their employer and the local Department of Opportunities and Social Development office
• Supervise and co-facilitate skills development weeks where youth complete scheduled training and certification related to employability, and team building
• Maintain communication with youth (and their family/support systems) to provide support and offer encouragement throughout the work experience
• Maintain communication with employers by visiting placement sites regularly and connecting through phone calls to check in and offer support
• Document, report, and address successes and concerns with all parties involved (youth, their family, the employer, Program Management)
• Act as a mentor for participants in the program and support youth with job coaching as needed
• Monthly expense and petty cash tracking
• Attending weekly staff meetings via Microsoft Teams
• Any other duties related to the program agreed upon and specified by Program Management

Requirements

• Graduate or currently completing post-secondary program (degree or diploma) in related field of study (Child and Youth Care, Community Studies, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Services, etc.)
• Demonstrated previous experience working with youth
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Professionalism while collaborating with all resources involved
• Comfortable leading a group of 15 – 20 youth
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle for employment site visits
• Current and clean Child Abuse Registry and Criminal Record Check required for start date
• Personal laptop
• Experience with expense, petty cash tracking, and payroll is an asset
• Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel is an asset
• Must reside in the region you apply for
• Must be available to attend Coordinator training February 23-26th, 2026, in Truro

Salary: 37.5 hours per week (must be accessible some weekends and evenings), $22 per hour. Mileage for visiting employer sites and Coordinator training

Interested candidates can submit cover letter and resume outlining their qualifications to: career.rising@novascotia.coop

Application deadline: November 28, 2025 @ 4pm

Your interest is appreciated! Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 2026-02-23 to 2026-09-04
Schedule:

• 7.5-hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Application deadline: 2025-11-28
Expected start date: 2026-02-23