Job posting for a Clinical Therapist

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

CLINICAL THERAPIST – PHOENIX YOUTH AND FAMILY THERAPY

FULL-TIME, TERM

TERM DATE: AS SOON AS POSSIBLE – MARCH 31, 2028

Phoenix Youth Programs is a non-profit, community-based organization located in K'jipuktuk/Halifax, Nova Scotia. Since 1987, Phoenix has been dedicated to supporting youth between the ages of 11 and 24, their families, and communities across multiple locations in Halifax. Our team of caring professionals recognizes that each person who comes to us has individual needs as well as strengths. People are the leaders in their own lives; Phoenix is a leader in supporting them.

Our approach is informed by the voices of the youth and families/caregivers we serve, important social justice considerations, best practice research, and the wisdom we have gathered from working closely with our local communities, as well as provincial and national partners. Phoenix is known locally, regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation. Most importantly, Phoenix has supported thousands of young people, their families and their communities.

A staff group that represents the diversity of the people and communities we serve is of the utmost importance. Phoenix is committed to reducing barriers and we encourage those interested to self-identify their ethnicity and/or race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, etc. We also invite you to share your pronouns in your cover letter or resume.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Position Overview: As a Clinical Therapist, you will be part of the Phoenix Youth and Family Therapy (PYFT) team, with a primary focus on supporting youth and families within the Mulgrave Park community through the Phoenix Youth and Community Centre (PYCC).

In this role, you will provide individual and family therapy to youth aged 11 to 24 and their caregivers. You may also facilitate group sessions and contribute to complementary programming. The work will involve supporting youth and families facing a variety of challenges, including strained family dynamics, grief and loss, peer conflict, bullying, school-related issues, emotional regulation, low self-esteem, experiences of abuse and trauma, systemic barriers, and discrimination.

Collaboration is central to this position. You will work closely with staff across other Phoenix programs, community partners, and local schools within HRM. Most importantly, you'll build meaningful relationships with the PYCC team and the Mulgrave Park community, learning from its history, strengths, and perspectives to inform and shape your therapeutic practice.

The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong commitment to reflection and growth through a social justice and trauma-informed lens. You bring a deep understanding of the protective factors that promote youth mental wellness and familiarity with local community resources and service systems. Compassionate and curious, you value continuous learning and cultural responsiveness in your therapeutic approach. You are skilled at building trusting relationships—with clients, colleagues, and partners—and confident advocating with and for youth and families facing systemic inequities.

Programs Overview:

Phoenix Youth and Family Therapy (PYFT): PYFT offers free, early intervention therapy to youth and families, addressing concerns such as mental health challenges, family and peer relationships, grief and loss, abuse and trauma, discrimination, and poverty. Advocacy and the strengthening of protective factors are core elements of PYFT's approach.

You will have a private office at PYFT, located in Halifax's lively North End within the Hydrostone Market area. The space includes a welcoming waiting area with a kitchen, gender-neutral washrooms, and private offices accessed via a set of stairs.

Phoenix Youth and Community Centre (PYCC): You will also have access to an office at PYCC, located in the heart of the Mulgrave Park community. PYCC is more than a physical space—it's a hub of creativity, connection, and community spirit. It offers diverse and engaging programs for youth and residents, many of whom experience systemic and contextual challenges.

At PYCC, youth can explore recreation, art, community leadership, resource navigation, and support with employment or education goals. The building itself embodies warmth and inclusion, with a fully accessible ramp, two gender-neutral washrooms, shared kitchen spaces, and multiple gathering areas. Its vibrant artwork and thoughtful design reflect the strength and diversity of the community—creating a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Reports to: Director of Mental Health & Wellbeing and Director of Community Programs & Partnerships.

Position: Full-time, three-year term position. Start date as soon as possible.

Compensation:

• Salary range: $80,000 – $84,000 annually (pro-rated for the term, based on education and experience)
• Professional fees covered up to $500 per year
• Comprehensive group health insurance plan
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• 3% employer-paid RRSP contribution
• Three weeks' vacation in the first year; four weeks in the second year
• Three weeks of paid sick/wellness leave
• Generous paid holiday schedule
• Access to in-house training and professional development opportunities

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week).

Location: 5547 Young Street, Halifax (PYFT) and 123/133 Jarvis Lane, Halifax (PYCC)

Screening Requirements: Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Search, Child Abuse Register Check, and verification of education and professional registration

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver services in alignment with Phoenix's mission, vision, and guiding principles.
• Adhere to Phoenix's policies, procedures, and therapeutic orientation.
• Demonstrate ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, decolonization, inclusion, and access through learning, self-reflection, and professional development.
• Provide individual and family therapy to youth and caregivers.
• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with community members.
• Engage with the community to assess needs and develop responsive programming (e.g., inviting guest speakers, hosting workshops for parents and caregivers).
• Offer consultation and support to parents/caregivers, PYCC and Phoenix staff, and community partners.
• Advocate with and for youth and families navigating systemic barriers.
• Cultivate trust and connection with the Mulgrave Park community through consistent presence and engagement.
• Participate in organizational initiatives, committees, and collaborative projects.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records in Phoenix's database for case management and program evaluation.
• Contribute to facility safety, upkeep, and a positive therapeutic environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Social Work or Education (Counselling) preferred; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Registration or candidacy with an appropriate professional regulatory body (e.g., RSW).
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience providing clinical therapy.
• Demonstrated experience in individual and family therapy.
• Group facilitation experience is an asset.
• Skilled in culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches.
• Familiarity with community resources and social service networks in Mulgrave Park and Halifax's North End is an asset.
• Strong commitment to anti-oppressive and social justice–oriented practice.
• Capacity for critical reflection regarding both clinical work and social-political factors impacting youth and families.
• Working knowledge of various therapeutic models (e.g., Narrative Therapy, EFT, ACT, DBT, CBT, trauma-specific modalities).
• Strong understanding of adolescent development, youth mental health, and social determinants of health.
• Standard First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within six months of hire)

TO APPLY: *Note that interviews may take place during the posting period.

Interested applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter (in Word or as a PDF document) to , with the subject line "Clinical Therapist". Your resume should contain pertinent information about your qualifications and experiences, and your cover letter should let us know why this is the job for you. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the posting will remain open untilthe position is filled.

Accommodation: Phoenix is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every candidate feels respected and supported. We embrace equal opportunity in our recruitment and selection process and strive to meet the unique needs of all applicants. Phoenix will gladly provide accommodation to the best of our ability to ensure equitable access throughout the hiring process. If you require any accommodation during any stage of recruitment, please feel free to indicate this in your application.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 29 months

Pay: $80,000.00-$84,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Employee assistance program
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Wellness program

Work Location: In person