Port of Entry (POE) Program Staff Job at YMCA in Halifax, Canada – Latest Hiring Guide

Canada’s commitment to welcoming refugees and newcomers relies heavily on compassionate, organized professionals on the front lines. For individuals seeking meaningful community work in Nova Scotia, YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth is currently hiring Port of Entry (POE) Program Staff at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

Offering a competitive hourly wage of $27.00 per hour on a casual, on-call basis, this role places you at the very beginning of a newcomer’s Canadian journey—ensuring refugee individuals and families experience a safe, trauma-informed, and welcoming arrival.

Job Overview and Quick Summary Table

Review all essential details for this latest Canadian job posting—including company name, job type, hourly pay, airport location, contact details, and official application link—in the summary table below.

Job Detail	Information
Job Title	Port of Entry (POE) Program Staff
Organization / Company	YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
Job Type / Status	Casual; On-Call, As Needed
Location	Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Nova Scotia, Canada
Compensation / Pay Rate	$27.00 per hour
Work Schedule	Variable shifts (evenings, nights, weekends & holidays based on flights)
Official Application Portal	https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/
Email Address	Not listed in posting (apply via the official YMCA Halifax portal)
Phone Number	Not listed in posting

(Note: Direct email and phone contacts are not published in this listing; all applications must be submitted online through the official YMCA recruitment link provided above.)

About the Organization: YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth

Operating across more than 100 program locations throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and Nova Scotia, the YMCA is a community-focused charity dedicated to solving urgent social challenges. Their initiatives span accessible childcare, mental health support, youth leadership spaces, senior wellness programs, labor market navigation, and comprehensive settlement services for Canada’s growing immigrant and refugee population.

Guided by its “Shine On” mission, the YMCA equips individuals and families with the tools, encouragement, and safe environments needed to build vibrant, healthy lives in their new communities.

About the Role and Core Responsibilities

Working under the direction of the POE Program Coordinator, the On-Call Port of Entry (POE) Program Staff delivers direct, on-site reception services to arriving refugees at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Whether newcomers are settling locally in Nova Scotia or connecting onward to other Canadian destinations, you ensure a seamless, respectful transition.

What You Will Do in This Position

Coordinate Across Key Stakeholders: Liaise smoothly with federal and local government agencies, airport authorities, ground and air transportation providers, hotels, and regional resettlement organizations.
Deliver Immediate On-Site Arrival Support: Welcome refugees directly at the airport, assess urgent needs, provide basic necessities, and guide families through airport navigation and customs/immigration transitions.
Manage Emergencies Calmly: Respond quickly and effectively to unexpected flight delays, medical or logistical challenges, and evolving arrival situations.
Facilitate Travel and Accommodation Logistics: Assist with ground transportation, onward flight connections, hotel bookings, interpretation support, and arrival documentation.
Foster a Trauma-Informed Environment: Provide culturally sensitive, inclusive, and emotionally supportive care tailored to individuals who may have experienced displacement or long international travel.
Maintain Accurate Documentation: Record arrival data accurately and share timely status updates with the POE Program Coordinator and partner settlement teams.
Adapt to Dynamic Schedules: Manage shifting priorities across variable flight schedules and fluctuating arrival volumes.

Candidate Qualifications and Requirements

To thrive in this fast-paced airport settlement role, candidates should bring a combination of crisis-response readiness, cultural awareness, and administrative reliability:

Relevant Experience: Prior background in refugee resettlement, social services, crisis response, or airport operations is strongly preferred.
Multicultural & Trauma-Informed Insight: Strong interpersonal skills paired with a solid understanding of immigrant and refugee experiences, settlement pathways, and trauma-informed care principles.
Communication & Language Skills: Excellent verbal and written English proficiency; fluency in additional languages—especially Arabic, Amharic, Tigrinya, or Kiswahili—is highly desirable.
Composure Under Pressure: Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, resourcefulness, and discretion in high-pressure, rapidly changing environments.
Technical Proficiency: Comfortable using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, and Zoom, with the ability to adapt quickly to digital reporting tools.
Physical & Travel Readiness: Capability to lift 30–40 lbs to assist travelers with luggage or mobility needs, plus reliable personal transportation to reach the airport during early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays.
Legal & Security Eligibility: Legal authorization to work in Canada and eligibility to obtain mandatory airport security clearances.

Working Conditions and Mandatory Background Checks

Because international flight arrivals vary daily, this is a casual, on-call position where hours are scheduled as needed and are not guaranteed. Availability across irregular hours—including overnight shifts, weekends, and statutory holidays—is essential.

Upon receiving a job offer, successful candidates aged 18 or older must complete:

Criminal Record Check (issued within the last 6 months)
Vulnerable Sector Check (issued within the last 6 months)
Child Abuse Registry Check (issued within the last 6 months)
Child Safeguarding Training upon hire

The YMCA evaluates background checks individually based on role requirements and welcomes applications from equity-deserving groups, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, newcomers, veterans, and people with diverse abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the hourly pay for the Port of Entry (POE) Program Staff role? The position pays $27.00 per hour on a casual, on-call basis.

2. Where is this YMCA job located? The role is based on-site at Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Nova Scotia, Canada.

3. Are full-time guaranteed hours offered in this position? No. This is a casual, on-call, as-needed role. Shifts depend on refugee flight arrival schedules and include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

4. Which languages are considered an asset for applicants? Alongside strong English skills, proficiency in Arabic, Amharic, Tigrinya, or Kiswahili is highly desirable for communicating directly with arriving families.

5. How do I apply for this job at YMCA Halifax? Submit your application directly online through the official YMCA career portal at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/. Candidates requiring hiring accommodations can notify the recruitment team in advance.