Job Description

Competition # : 39671

Department: Justice

Location: ANTIGONISH

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: \xe2\x80\x8b9/20/2023\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

The Justice Officer administers and delivers a broad range of court support services within the Supreme, Probate and Family Courts, 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. He/she performs some or all of the judicial functions and duties of a Justice of the Peace, Prothonotary, Registrar of Probate, Family Court Officer, and Clerk of the Small Claims Court.

The Justice Officer liaises with the Judiciary, members of the legal profession and the general public on a daily basis, responding to requests for information and assistance.

The Justice Officer, on a daily basis, is responsible to perform quasi-judicial function of a Prothonotary as set out in the Civil Procedure Rules, Rules and Statutes of Nova Scotia, Family Court Officer as set out in the Family Court Act and Rules, and Registrar of Probate as set out in the Probate Act and Regulations and any other applicable rules and regulations that apply to the position.

The Justice Officer may performs accounting functions by maintaining proper accounting for the Justice Centre accounts and monitors court user fees and accounts receivable and monthly invoices.

The Justice Officer performs the position duties in accordance with and as assigned under the Court Officials Act. May be required to attend court as a court clerk to call cases and swear or affirm witnesses, interpreters and translators. Some travel may be required.

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\' experience in a legal/justice environment or an acceptable equivalent of related experience and training.

Applicants will demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the Acts, Rules and Statutes that govern court actions. Sound working knowledge of the justice system, justice computer applications, court support programs and government services for referral purposes are needed. Excellent inter-personal and assessment skills in order to appropriately deal with individuals. Must be able to work positively and effectively with people in crisis situations. Must be, and appear to be, fair and impartial to all parties.

Competency and experience in an automated, computerized environment, including keyboarding and data entry skills are essential. Confidentiality and sensitivity are essential. Ability to deal with difficult people in a multi-faceted and stressful environment, communicating with tact and discretion in a clear, concise manner is essential.

Training and demonstrated experience in mediation and non-conflict resolution of matters is an asset. Fluency (both oral and written) in the French Language will be considered an asset.

Equivalency

Include, but 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 offering 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 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