Job Description

Competition # : 38503

Department: Justice

Location: Multiple Locations

Type of Employment: Relief

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 5/4/2023 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Court Services Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice is dedicated to excellent service and the provision of fair and accessible administration of justice, including court administration and security.

The Division provides administrative support to the courts listed: Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (including Family Division), Provincial Court, Family Court, Small Claims Court, Probate Court and Bankruptcy Court. The courts act independently from the government to address individual cases.

For more information on the Department of Justice Court Services please visit our website:

This competition may be used to fill casual relief opportunities in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), HRM Transport, Northeast Transport, Kentville, Bridgewater, Antigonish, Amherst, Digby and Yarmouth. Candidates must identify their location preference in the covering letter.

About Our Opportunity

As part of a team, the Deputy Sheriff 1-2 is responsible for providing comprehensive support to all levels of court on matters pertaining to court security, prisoner transportation, jury management, and court orders.

As a Deputy Sheriff 1-2, you will be accountable for the timely, safe and efficient escort and transportation of persons in custody, young offenders, and mental health patients both to and from correctional institutions, hospitals, and police agencies. You will also be responsible for providing security to all levels of court in the province and court property.

Successful candidates will be placed on a call list and contacted as vacancies arise. You must be available to work varying shifts \xe2\x80\x93 days or evenings including weekends and holidays. Scheduling and time off is granted based on length of service. Relief employees have no set schedule or guarantee of hours.

Primary Accountabilities

• Maintain order and security in the court
• Maintain the proper operation of the cell block
• Ensure that prisoners and/or others in detention are transported safely by fleet vehicle
• Ensure that all aspects of court orders relating to criminal and civil procedures are complied with and executed or served properly
• As required, assist Sheriff in conducting Sheriff sales and/or seizure of real and personal property
• Develop risk assessments respecting cases and individuals before the court, prisoners being transported, and civil document services in the community
• Remain proficient in all required use of force options and other physical use of force skills
• Create factual reports, maintains records and travel expenses, electronic and written
• Responsible for the safe keeping of government vehicles, equipment and personal effects of prisoners
• Conducts DNA testing and obtains fingerprints as required

Qualifications and Experience

You have graduated from a recognized law enforcement training institution. High school completion and an equivalent combination of training and experience in a law enforcement environment may be acceptable.

The following are requirements in this position:

• A valid driver\xe2\x80\x99s licence
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Computer literacy (the position involves using applications such as word processing spreadsheets and email systems)

The following would be considered assets:

• Training in Use of Force, Crisis Intervention, De-escalation and Conducted Energy Weapons
• Training in defensive and emergency vehicle operation
• Understanding of the Criminal Code and/or Federal Statutes
• Knowledge of Courthouse operations
• Experience compiling written reports

As a Deputy Sheriff, you will serve as a role model in the community and to clients. As such, it is essential that you possess integrity, sound observation, decision making and problem-solving skills, and the ability to respond effectively in crisis situations.

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

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Equivalency

Includes but not limited to:

• One year of full-time, directly related, work experience (i.e. policing, military, correctional officer, security)
• Five years of continuous full-time employment, does not need to be in a related field

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 offering and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

• Relief employees fill gaps in the schedule and replace full time employees when operational requirements demand as determined by the Employer \xe2\x80\x93 while there is no shift work associated with this position, there is potential for travel, overtime and disruptions to personal and family life due to position responsibilities, workload, and other unplanned activities
• May be required to perform daily highway driving, including during inclement weather
• Most of the work is contained in a courthouse where the climate is managed \xe2\x80\x93 most of this work would be in a cell block which can be noisy and disruptive or standing for periods of time in a court room
• As court issues can be emotionally charged there is the potential for violence/verbal abuse by aggressive persons
• There is potential for elevated risk when required to service court orders (i.e. evictions, property seizures, etc.)
• May be required to physically subdue prisoners or make arrests in public places or private property where back-up may bot be readily available
• Must use considerable tact, independent judgment and initiatives as there is frequent exposure to very emotional and/or potentially volatile situations
• Exposure to emotional and sensitive issues which may create a stressful environment that can be emotionally draining
• High demand for accuracy and attention to detail
• Exposure to potentially volatile situations, especially in relation to domestic and criminal situations

Additional Information

This competition may be used to fill casual relief opportunities in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), HRM Transport, Northeast Transport, Kentville, Bridgewater, Antigonish, Amherst, Digby and Yarmouth.

Candidates that have been screened for the criteria above will progress through additional screening and testing, that may include the following:

• Successful completion of the Correctional Officer Physical Abilities Test (COPAT), which requires a level of physical fitness reflective of the position requirements. Preparatory training is recommended.
• A written test, assessing knowledge, judgment and written communication
• A Competency-Based Interview (CBI), assessing verbal communication, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, knowledge of safety and security, and teamwork ability.
• A pre-employment questionnaire, to determine if you have the personal characteristics necessary to succeed in this position.
• Background investigation and reference check
• Psychological and medical screening.
• At the completion of each stage, only candidates that are successful will move onto the next stage.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the confirmation of credentials and the completion of all applicable background, criminal record, child abuse registry and reference checks, driver\xe2\x80\x99s license, driver\xe2\x80\x99s abstract, COPAT test, pre-employment interview, psychological and medical testing, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer.

• If you require assistance or have questions about this process, you can reach a member of our Diversity and Inclusion or Training Teams via email at sheriff.recruitment@novascotia.ca
• Successful candidates will be required to work varying shifts \xe2\x80\x93 including days, evenings and occasionally weekends and holidays. Scheduling and time off are granted based on length of service.
• Candidates will be required to successfully complete the 8-week internal Sheriff Officer Training Program.
• Candidates will be required to successfully complete an on-the-job supervised training program for up to one year.
• Candidates will be required to successfully complete additional in-service training throughout their appointment.

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: TE 19 - TE 21 Hourly

Salary Range: $27.53 - $35.06 Hourly

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.

A relief employee is an employee who is not regularly scheduled by the Employer, but who works relief assignments on an as-needed basis as operational requirements demand. As such, a relief employee does not have guaranteed hours of work. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Please note: when competing for vacancies, a successful Temporary, Term or Permanent Relief Employee who is currently employed with the Province will maintain their bargaining unit status, seniority and benefit level at the new workplace.

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