Job Description

Competition # : 40188

Department: Justice

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: \xe2\x80\x8b01-Sep-23 \xe2\x80\x8b (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

Designation Status

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. Under the Government of Nova Scotia\xe2\x80\x99s Employment Equity Policy, this position is designated and therefore, only applicants from the following groups will be considered- those that identify as Indigenous People and African Nova Scotians.

If you represent a valued community we are committed to adding to our team, you must clearly identify in your cover letter and self-identify during the application process to be considered.

About Us

The Accessibility Directorate is a dynamic and committed team that is leading and coordinating Nova Scotia\xe2\x80\x99s work to become an accessible province by 2030. We work together with Nova Scotians with disabilities, community and disability organizations, businesses, municipalities, post-secondary institutions and other partners to support the cultural shift needed to implement the Accessibility Act and address disability-related issues across government.

Since the team was established six years ago, we have built relationships within government and with public sector and community partners to support their efforts to improve accessibility, including the Government\xe2\x80\x99s first multi-year accessibility plan; beginning development of accessibility standards in the areas of Education, Built Environment, Employment, and Goods and Services; collaborating with public sector bodies to support the development of accessibility plans and initiatives across the province; and developing accessibility awareness resources and initiatives including the public awareness campaign \xe2\x80\x9cAccess Includes Everyone\xe2\x80\x9d with the related website

Learn more about our work to ensure Nova Scotians with disabilities can enjoy all this province has to offer, at home, school, work and in community, on the Accessibility Directorate website:

About Our Opportunity

As the Accessibility Program Specialist, you will build relationships and develop collaborative partnerships with municipalities, post-secondary institutions, public sector bodies, disability and community organizations, the business sector and professional associations, and other organizations to advance accessibility in Nova Scotia.

You will collaborate with other staff to develop and lead accessibility programs, services and initiatives, including developing a variety of awareness, educational and training resources, such as presentations, guides, fact sheets, toolkits, webinars, and other resources as well as developing, coordinating and using social media, websites and other public awareness tools.

You will align partnerships, programs and initiatives with accessibility priorities by working collaboratively with the Accessibility Directorate and other Government of Nova Scotia staff. You will represent the Accessibility Directorate in these partnerships, at conferences, events, tradeshows and other activities. You will also identify opportunities for program needs and priorities, recommend and implement approved options, and develop and implement program processes such as standard operating procedures, evaluation, data collection, and reporting.

Primary Accountabilities

• Provide independent, specialized professional expertise for the administration, management and delivery of accessibility programs and initiatives
• Identify, develop and enhance diverse community partnerships and relationships
• Conduct needs analysis, and lead and/or respond to complex issues identified by communities and partners
• Plan, develop, promote, evaluate, and monitor new and innovative initiatives
• Analyze and provide program recommendations through reports and advice to management
• Support senior colleagues in the development of internal and external communications

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in a related field and have five (5) years of related experience. A combination of training and experience will also be considered.

You have an understanding of diversity, accessibility and disability issues, and experience in:

• Developing productive, collaborative relationships with diverse community stakeholders, including a strong ability to understand community needs.
• Developing and providing awareness, educational and training resources, programs and activities.
• Project management, including planning, coordinating, tracking and managing multiple activities.
• The ability to work independently, take initiative, identify and implement creative approaches, carry out work within tight timelines, and manage competing priorities.
• Using the Microsoft software suite, such as Outlook, Office, PowerPoint and Teams.
• Fluency in French (oral and/or written) would be considered an asset.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: interview(s), written assignment, oral presentation, and reference checks.

Equivalency

Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• Master\xe2\x80\x99s degree in a related field and three (3) years of related experience
• A related two-year diploma and seven (7) years of related experience
• Extensive and relevant volunteer work in this sector

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day
• May be required to work overtime on occasion, including occasional evenings / weekends
• Work is both within an office environment and in the community (e.g. meetings, presentations, providing training, conferences, trade shows, events, etc.)
• Travel within communities across Nova Scotia will occasionally be required

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade: PR 13

Salary Range: $2,543.38 - $3,091.70 Bi-Weekly

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

Government of Nova Scotia