Job Description

Competition # : 47064
Department: Opportunities and Social Development
Location: Flexible
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 29-Sep-25 (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 supports and staff, to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.
About Our Opportunity
The Employment Support Services (ESS) Specialist provides leadership and direction in the development, planning, interpretation, evaluation and application of effective policies, standards, and guidelines for coordinated delivery of the Employment Support and Income Assistance (ESIA) Program throughout the province, with a focus on Employment Support Services.
Your leadership will have a significant impact on the province's ability to maximize the program's potential, support and enhance the needs and employability for vulnerable Nova Scotians.
If you are creative and a problem solver with a genuine passion to support the needs of Nova Scotians, we encourage you to apply!
Primary Accountabilities
As an ESS Specialist, your direction, support and problem-solving approach will influence the department's program and services. You will work closely with program and service delivery teams, senior colleagues, community service organizations and other municipal/provincial/federal departments.
Some of your key accountabilities will include:

• Providing support to management, supervisors, staff, and community partners with complex ESIA cases, as well as in the interpretation of legislation, policies and procedures.
• Supporting the development of programs and service delivery improvements while focusing on problem-solving and identifying innovative solutions.
• Recommending legislative, regulatory and policy changes in consultation with management/staff, to meet changing client needs.
• Advising management on developing & implementing mechanisms for monitoring program performance/costs by providing statistical data & performance results for the ESIA program.
• Fostering collaboration between the ESIA program and other departmental programs, as well as community collaboration/program support, development and agreement oversight.
• Coordinating the integration of services provided by funded service providers in the region, including government organizations, community groups and individuals.
• Liaising with program divisions, within head office & regionally, on matters related to policy, program development, delivery models and system enhancements.
• Maintaining close liaison with federal/provincial officials in the region regarding mutual program areas, overlap issues and negotiation/delivery of federal/provincial agreements.
• Assisting in identifying, designing and delivering program-specific training.

Qualifications and Experience
You have completed a Bachelor's degree in social science with several years of related supervisory and/or program leadership experience. Equivalent levels of direct and relevant experience will also be considered.
You must demonstrate:

• An understanding of the diverse needs of clients & their families and the barriers impacting marginalized populations.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion and anti-racism in the workplace and understanding of the impact of program/policy development on the lives and futures of individuals/families.
• Knowledge of employment/employability-related support services and the Nova Scotia labour market.
• Experience interpreting information, particularly legislation/policies, and providing advice & recommendations regarding improvements.
• High level of problem-solving skills, to analyze complex cases, evaluate policies/procedures, and develop proactive and innovative solutions.
• Experience and proven ability to collaborate and build/maintain partnerships and networks with diverse groups and community partners/service providers.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, enabling you to foster collaborations and navigate diverse environments with tact and diplomacy.
• Effective interactive communication with experience developing communication plans regarding new programs/projects, policy changes and interpretations.
• An understanding and experience of change management and an ability to adapt to change, to improve performance and service delivery.
• Ability to make good judgments and make sound decisions within a complex multi-system environment.

The following are the assets for this role:

• Familiarity with ESIA program: ESIA regulations, policies, and program standards within the province
• Experience working or partnering with other provincial/federal government departments.

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 related Master's degree and several years of related supervisory and/or program leadership experience

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 a , Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: .
Working Conditions
Work is primarily within a comfortable office environment. There is frequent travel involved between offices within a region, and sometimes from region to region within the Province.
Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. This role does entail a high volume of work, which may require longer than normal working hours and some overtime. Due to the multiple spheres of action and scope of responsibilities that this position requires, there is significant mental pressure, requiring your resilience. Your ability to work independently and under pressure is necessary as there is sustained pressure from deadlines and conflicting demands.
Additional Information
You must have a valid driver's license and the ability to travel to various work locations.
Your worksite location is flexible and will be determined at the offer negotiation stage, pending office availability. OSD has offices across the province and your team is located throughout the province. For a list of office locations, by region, please click .
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

Pay Grade: EC 11
Salary Range: $3,418.96 - $4,273.75 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.
Accommodation Statement:
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.
Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:
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.

Skills Required