Job Description

Competition # : 38903

Department: Community Services

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 5/4/2023 (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 Well-being (CFW), Employment Support (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support (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 supports and staff, to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Practice Support, the Child and Family Well-being Specialist has the authority, accountability, and responsibility to provide recommendations towards the development, planning, monitoring, budgeting and evaluation of effective policies and procedures, and to provide a coordinated delivery of Child and Family Well-being programs and services.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Child and Family Well-being Specialist, you provide regional leadership, functional direction, and support to DCS staff in interpreting policy and procedures, as well as promoting and implementing the strategic vision of the Department.

You have a pivotal role in leading and supporting casework supervisors through regular, coordinated meetings as well as ad hoc consultations as necessary. You will be called upon to participate in project activities related to child and family well-being practice shifts, including focus groups, training and policy development and revision.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a minimum of a Bachelor of Social Work Degree and five (5) years of supervisory experience in child and family services; or a Master of Social Work degree and three (3) years of experience. You must be registered and in good standing (or eligible for registration) with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers.

You have excellent organizational skills, effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders (both verbal and written) and strong interpersonal abilities. You demonstrate a positive profile while making difficult decisions within a complex multi-system environment.

You are highly motivated, adaptable to change, and have demonstrated experience in situations requiring innovative and proactive solutions. You must be able to demonstrate good judgement and make sound decisions which support the goals of the department. You must possess an in-depth knowledge and expertise with respect to child and family well-being programs and policies, as well as the Children and Family\'s Services Act. Computer capabilities are required.

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please click for more information on LEADS.

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

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. 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

About 50% of the time this position involves office work and approximately 50% of the time this position involves driving to district offices for meetings. There are some occasions when the Child and Family Well-being Specialist is required to travel throughout the province. Frequently, the Child and Family Well-being Specialist is engaged in multi tasking and deals with multiple issues that all require immediate attention or a same day response.

Additional Information

Flexibility is required given the demands of this role which may require working outside regular business hours. In addition, you may provide coverage for other Child and Family Well-being Specialists throughout the province, as needed. You may be called to court to testify as to a report that has been written, or to respond to issues of policy and procedure.

Flexibility with worksite location may be negotiated during the offer stage.

A valid driver\'s license is required, and you must be able to travel to various work site locations as required.

This is a Term opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2024. 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: EC 11

Salary Range: $3,143.79 - $3,929.78 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.

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

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