Job Description

Competition # : 40445

Department: Community Services

Location: Flexible

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 26-Sep-23 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At the we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support Program (DSP).

Through our services, we advocate and help vulnerable Nova Scotians be independent, self-reliant, and secure. We work collaboratively across the province with a strong dedicated network of support and staff, to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.

About Our Opportunity

The Intake Caseworker is part of our Consolidated Client Services team, providing assessments for persons who require services such as income assistance, employment support, disability support, crisis intervention and/or a referral to another agency. As the Intake Caseworker, you will provide services to applicants through a multi-channel approach, including phone and digitally-enabled technology.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Intake Caseworker, you will conduct comprehensive assessments of individuals, accurately interpret the results to determine appropriate services and determine eligibility for services. You will provide consultation services and manage referrals to the appropriate programs and community resources.

This is a highly collaborative position. You will work with your colleagues and service providers to support applicants, mobilize their personal resources to achieve greater self-sufficiency and maximize their potential with appropriate interventions.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a related bachelor\'s degree in Social Sciences.

You must be proficient in Microsoft Suite programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint as well as utilizing databases and case management technologies. In this role, you will be using a lot of technology and various programs, requiring your abilities to learn new things quickly. You must also be analytical in nature as you complete comprehensive needs assessments and determine appropriate interventions, and referrals for applicants. In addition to this, you must demonstrate excellent customer service and interviewing skills along with:

• An understanding of budgetary and case management concepts
• Crisis intervention skills for addressing difficult situations.
• Sound decision-making ability, in a timely and efficient manner.
• Tact, sensitivity, and a high degree of confidentiality.
• Flexibility to adapt to different applicant situations.
• Strong communication (written/verbal).

Furthermore, you are highly organized, a team player, and focused on client satisfaction and enhanced service delivery. A working knowledge of, and experience with, the Employment Support and Income Assistance Act & regulations, Social Assistance Act, and Homes for Special Care Act is highly desirable, as well as familiarity with the various DCS programs. Experience with ICM / CCM and case management systems is an asset.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• A completed related 2-year diploma and two (2) years of related experience
• Four (4) years of related experience, without post-secondary education

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

Work is typically located in an office setting with frequent contact with clients by email or phone, who may be upset with a decision or service. This role is primarily based in an office environment where you may be working at your computer for extended periods of time. You must be able to work efficiently and effectively in a workplace environment that is constantly dealing with time pressures and caseload demands.

Additional Information

Some travel may be necessary. You must have a valid driver\'s licence and have the ability to travel, as required.

The worksite locations are flexible within the following office locations: Amherst, Truro, New Glasgow, Sackville or Sydney and will be determined during offer negotiation and based on operational requirements. Four (4) opportunities are available as noted below:

• Three (3) Temporary opportunities: Two (2) with anticipated end dates of March 31, 2024 and one (1) with an anticipated end date of June 7, 2024.
• One (1) Term opportunity with an anticipated end date of Nov 28, 2025.
• The appointment status (\'term\', \'temporary\' or \'casual\') is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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 04 - PR 11

Salary Range: $1,764.93 - $2,852.85 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

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