Job Description

Competition # : 38526

Department: Justice

Location: NEW WATERFORD

Type of Employment: Relief

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

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

About Us

The Maintenance Enforcement and Victim Services Division of the Department of Justice helps facilitate court ordered child and spousal support and offers a range of services to help victims of crime.

The Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) is a free service of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice that helps you make or receive court-ordered maintenance payments when your court order is enrolled with the program and can take steps to enforce maintenance orders when payments are not made. The MEP operates under the laws set out in the Maintenance Enforcement Act. Benefits of enrolling in the MEP include: we keep an accurate record of all payments made and received; we protect your personal information; we act as a buffer between payors and recipients; we work with the MEPs in other provinces if the payor or recipient live outside Nova Scotia; and we can take enforcement action if payments are not made. No one other than MEP can enforce an order to pay maintenance.

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

About Our Opportunity

The Enforcement Assistant is responsible for the general office administration of the Maintenance Enforcement Program. Enforcement Assistants perform their functions in accordance with legislation, program standards, policies and procedures. Responsibilities include managing current account cases, both where the payor resides within Nova Scotia and within reciprocal jurisdictions, direct client contact and responding to client inquiries, data entry, preparation of correspondence and memos, and providing coverage for staff.

The Enforcement Assistant is required to develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge relevant Acts and legislation as necessary to effectively manage a caseload. These include the Maintenance Enforcement Act, Maintenance and Custody Act, Parenting and Support Act, Divorce Act, Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Act, Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act, Reciprocal Maintenance Order Recognition and Enforcement Operational Principles and Goals.

The Enforcement Assistant is knowledgeable in the operation of the Maintenance Enforcement Program computerized case management system, which is applied consistently in performing relevant roles and responsibilities. The incumbent works cooperatively with Enforcement Officers to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the team.

Primary Accountabilities

• Manages an assigned caseload
• Identifies circumstances where legal opinion is required
• Ensures all necessary case documents are placed in case files according to established guidelines and policy
• Ensures case information are accurately entered and updated in the Maintenance Enforcement Program
• Requests and enters status updates from reciprocating jurisdictions and appropriately uses the bring forward system to ensure response in a timely manner
• Reviews and handles unprocessed payments daily
• Responds to telephone calls and voice mail messages within established timeframes
• Prepares letters and documents
• Provides administrative support as required within the office

Qualifications and Experience

Four years related experience is required; an acceptable equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

This position requires accurate typing, word processing, internet search and data entry skills, as well as the ability to use computer applications such as MS Word and e-mail systems, and internet search skills. The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to prioritize and manage a demanding, large and diverse caseload. The successful candidate will have excellent communication and client service skills with the ability to de-escalate highly sensitive, complex situations, as well as good interpersonal skills, the ability to work in a team environment, sound judgment and discretion. These attributes may be explored during the interview process.

Previous experience handling correspondence, using a bring-forward system, responding to client telephone queries, and working in a high-volume, automated environment are considered assets. Other asset qualifications include: experience and proficiency entering and retrieving information to and from a database, interpreting financial statements, utilizing a computerized case management system, or working in a public office; knowledge of court orders, legal documents and terminology; experience/knowledge of Family Law (particularly Maintenance Enforcement); and French language skills.

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.

Equivalency

Include, but not limited to:

• A Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in a related field
• A two-year certificate/diploma in a related field plus two years of related experience
• A one-year certificate/diploma in a related field plus three years of related 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 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

• May be required to work overtime on occasion
• Normal office environment, modern, automated office
• Potential for both physical and non-physical violence and abuse
• May be exposed to distraught clients
• Constant use of computer workstation and telephone for extended periods of time
• Frequent interruptions; high volume of work
• Must manage pressure in response to management and staff requests to meet deadlines
• Required to handle and process several tasks concurrently
• Challenge of a large caseload and high call volume, while ensuring cases are managed in compliance with policy and procedures

Additional Information

We are establishing a Relief Roster. This Roster will be used to fill multiple relief opportunities over the next several months.

As a Relief Employee flexibility is paramount, it is expected you will be available for shifts with short notice.

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: CL 18 Hourly

Salary Range: $23.94 - $26.78 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