Job Description

Competition # : 41151

Department: Community Services

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 11-Dec-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 the Disability Support Program (DSP), Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services(ESS), Income Assistance (IA) and Homelessness and Supportive Housing.

The Disability Support Program (DSP) provides assistance to persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia to support them to live the life they choose in community. The program provides support to children, youth, and adults with disabilities through residential and at-home support programs.

About Our Opportunity

The Executive Director provides leadership and oversight both in the delivery of existing DSP Programs and in the creation and implementation of new services and programs as required by the Remedial Order (the \xe2\x80\x9cRemedy\xe2\x80\x9d) issued by the Human Rights Board of Inquiry in response to a finding of systemic discrimination against persons with disabilities by the Province of Nova Scotia. The Remedy represents a complex system-wide transformation that can only be achieved through significant cultural change within the Disability Support Program and across communities in Nova Scotia. This transformation will include:

• development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of new programs, policies and service delivery design and philosophy,
• closing institutions for persons with disabilities across the province,
• redesign of funding models and program access,
• creating new jobs and substantial hiring initiatives, and;
• transitioning to a regional hub, integrated model of supports.

Reporting directly to the Deputy Minister, the Executive Director will have a unique opportunity to spearhead the redesign and modernization of programs and services, ensuring they reflect best practices in supporting individuals with disabilities. The successful candidate will lead a team of professionals, driving initiatives that empower disabled Nova Scotians and their families, promoting independence, self-reliance, and inclusion within their communities.

If you are a seasoned leader with a passion for creating positive change, we invite you to join us on this transformative journey and make a lasting impact on the lives of many.

Primary Accountabilities

The Executive Director, Disability Support Program, plays a pivotal role in reshaping how the province supports persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia. Leading a team of professionals, you will champion creativity, innovation, and insight, creating a workplace culture that supports collaboration, diversity, and renewal.

You will be responsible for ensuring existing DSP programs are delivered professionally, efficiently and effectively across the Province in alignment with applicable legislation and policy. You will manage financial accountability, and stakeholder relationships, and oversee negotiations with partners and service providers. You will also actively contribute to setting strategic plans and priorities as an integral member of the Department\'s senior leadership team, providing high-quality advice and information to government officials, and ensuring prudent management of resources.

At the same time, you will lead a substantial transformation of the existing service delivery and design of the Disability Support Program requiring:

• Implementation of a new community-based framework for supporting individual planning, coordination, and self-management that will include: Local Area Coordination (LAC), Intense Planning and Coordination (IPSC) and Eligibility, Funding and Assessment Coordination (EFAC);
• Transfer of front-line service responsibility to DSP from the Service Delivery Division in order to deliver services more effectively and ensure alignment with, and effective implementation and sustainment of, the cultural change based on human rights principles required under the Remedy;
• Creation of a new DSP Intake System that meets the complexity and diversity of DSP participant support needs;
• Establishment of a Regional Hub model of service delivery support designed to respond to local needs but connected to a provincial framework and processes for consistency and accountability.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a related degree and several years of leadership experience.

You also have:

• A continuous improvement mindset.
• A knack for identifying and executing opportunities for process efficiency improvements and enhanced client service outcomes.
• Expertise in leading the development and administration of programs and services for persons with disabilities.
• In-depth understanding of the regulatory and legislative framework, including legislation such as Homes for Special Care, Social Assistance, Protection of Persons in Care, and Children and Family Services.
• A proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships at the strategic and executive levels, both within and beyond the province.
• Ability to provide high-quality advice and information to senior government officials, contributing to the effective overall management and administration of the Department.
• Strong financial management skills

LEADS

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 follow for more information.

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.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status 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

Excellent people skills and personal resilience are essential to succeed in this highly collaborative, human-centred environment. You must be able to balance the needs of both clients and your employees as priorities.

As you lead at a Provincial level, there will be regular travel to offices throughout the various regions. Your decisions have a significant impact on the safety and well-being of both clients and staff requiring your ability to balance conflicting views with multiple stakeholders.

The demands of this position necessitate extremely flexible hours and require frequent attention outside regular business hours. Many services operate 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week and the Executive Director is often called upon to deal with escalated issues after regular working hours, on weekends and during holidays.

Additional Information

This is a two (2) year term opportunity with an anticipated end date of December 1 2025.

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 16

Salary Range: $5,262.46 - $6,578.05 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:

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