Job Description

Competition # : 40295

Department: Justice

Location: TRURO

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: \xe2\x80\x8b06-Sep-23 \xe2\x80\x8b (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:

About Our Opportunity

As the Justice Officer 4, you will administer and deliver a broad range of court support services within the Supreme Court (Family Division), including directing document preparation to initiate legal proceedings, assisting court users to consider and initiate appropriate options to resolve conflicts, offering appropriate legal information and assistance and operating special programs in the court such as Parent Information.

You will case manage high-volume and often high conflict cases, offer assisted dispute resolution services to facilitate an agreement on issues between parties in appropriate cases, prepare court orders, interpret and analyse financial information provided by clients and perform the judicial functions and duties of a Court Officer and Deputy Prothonotary. You will liaise with the Judiciary, members of the legal profession and the general public, responding to requests for information and assistance daily.

Primary Accountabilities

Responsibilities include:

• Interview, assess and assist individuals in processing court documentation or in determining appropriate course of action to resolve legal issues
• Administer, supervise and mediate complaints and assist individuals in dispute resolution
• Prepare correspondence and reply to queries from the public, legal profession, other courts, and jurisdictions and agencies
• Scrutinize all documents and actions filed with the various courts to ensure that they are prepared and completed in a proper, timely and consistent manner
• Arrange court approved assessors to prepare assessments as ordered by the court
• Maintain proper accounting and banking practices and procedures for the collection, reporting, and disbursement of monies in accordance with the Costs and Fees Act

Qualifications and Experience

A Bachelor\'s degree plus five years of related experience in a legal/justice environment or an acceptable equivalent of education, experience and training.

As the successful candidate you have knowledge and experience providing client-based services as required. Previous experience and formal training in domestic violence issues, assisted dispute resolution, interviewing and client assessment are considered assets. You will analyze, interpret and demonstrate an understanding of the Rules & Statutes that govern court actions and apply them to the court process.

You must possess a high level of diplomacy, tact and professionalism and the ability to deal with difficult people and demanding situations communicating with tact and discretion in a clear, concise manner.

Time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines for a high volume of case management; a sound working knowledge of the Justice System, Family Division, court support programs, community referral agencies, and proficiency in automated computer software programs are key in this role.

The ability to work within a team and provide direction to support staff is essential. Self-directed behavior, analytical and conceptual thinking and creative approaches to problem solving are required.

Fluency (both oral and written) in the French Language will be considered an asset.

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

Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• A two year diploma in a related field plus 7 years of related experience in a legal/justice environment
• 9 years of related experience in a legal/justice environment

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

• Exposure to emotional and sensitive issues, dealing with difficult or distraught individuals
• High demand for accuracy and attention to detail while working in a high-volume service environment
• Urgent deadlines and constantly changing priorities
• Potential for violence/verbal abuse by aggressive persons since court related issues can be highly emotionally charged, especially in relation to domestic and criminal situations
• Must display a completely impartial attitude at all times

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity located in Truro with an anticipated end date of July 3, 2025. The appointment status (\'term\', \'temporary\' or \'casual\') is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

This position requires the successful candidate to work on-site.

An enhanced level of security screening is required for external applicants.

Some travel may be required.

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: PR 13

Salary Range: $2,543.38 - $3,091.70 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.

Government of Nova Scotia