Job Description

Competition # : 37275

Department: Public Prosecution Service

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Temporary

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 11/24/2022 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service (PPS) was established in 1990 as the first statutorily based independent prosecution service in Canada. The Public Prosecution Service is responsible for all prosecutions and appeals within the jurisdiction of the Attorney General.

With the guiding mission of providing fair and equal treatment in the prosecution of offences, the PPS prosecutes charges laid under the Criminal Code and under Nova Scotia statutes such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The Head Office is in Halifax and there are regional offices located throughout the province.

The core functions of the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service are to:

• Represent the Crown in the conduct of criminal trials and quasi criminal appeals before all levels of courts.
• Participate in the development of criminal law and criminal prosecutions policy.
• Provide advice to police in respect of prosecutions generally or in respect of specific investigations.

For more information on the Public Prosecution Service please visit the following link:

About Our Opportunity

The Clerk 3 is the initial contact person for the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). This individual must access the needs and determine the urgency of all requests that are presented by members of the public, witnesses, accused, victims, and members of the legal community, both in person and on the phone.

The incumbent must have an excellent knowledge of government structure, services, and of the court system and be able to appropriately direct all inquiries within the PPS as well as to other areas of government. The office is frequently presented with irate, distraught, and aggressive individuals. It is the incumbent's responsibility to handle these situations in a calm and professional matter, thereby attempting to diffuse emotional situations and offer support as necessary, to be able to recognize potentially dangerous situations and to act upon them accordingly.

The Clerk 3 assists with records and file management and other administrative duties, including filing and the preparation of general correspondence and legal forms. The scope of this position requires that in addition to having an extensive knowledge base, the incumbent has strong organizational skills, attention to detail, the ability to multi-task, and the ability to be a team player.

Primary Accountabilities

Administers to all those who have inquiries directed to and through the Public Prosecution Service of Nova Scotia by following the guidelines of the criminal code of Canada, PPS mandate and policies and court procedures to ensure accurate responses, action, and direction. Also including:

• Notify witnesses if they are not required to appear
• Ensure witness fees are submitted in a timely matter
• Provide disclosure
• Mail duties
• Coordinate travel arrangements
• Other administrative duties as assigned

Qualifications and Experience

A high school diploma and four years of directly related experience in a public or legal environment are required; an acceptable equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Demonstrated technology skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and database management software, are required. This includes proficient and accurate typing, word processing, and data entry skills. As well, you must be able to lift heavy file boxes weighing between 25-30 pounds when necessary.

The successful candidate must be able to deal effectively with the public in a multifaceted and sometimes stressful environment. Sound judgement and initiative, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) are required. Due to the nature of the work, this individual must have a demonstrated ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with the public, both in person and on the phone, sometimes in confrontational and sensitive situations. The ability to exercise a high level of confidentiality is essential.

The following will assist you in this role:

• Knowledge of the Criminal Code and other relevant legislation (e.g., Youth Criminal Justice Act);
• Demonstrated understanding of the prosecution process; and
• Sound knowledge of the justice system and government services.

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

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

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day
• May be required to work overtime on occasion
• The nature of the position requires the incumbent to deal with the criminal element who may often act in an aggressive and unsociable manner
• Often required to diffuse potentially difficult situations and must always conduct themselves in a calm and professional manner

Additional Information

This is a temporary employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2023. The appointment status ('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

Pay Grade: CL 18

Salary Range: $1,626.82 - $1,820.19 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.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. 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.