Job Description

Competition # : 39735

Department: Justice

Location: SYDNEY

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 7/21/2023 (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 Mi\'kmaq Court Interpreter, you provide interpretation services between the English and Mi\'kmaq languages as required in all levels of Court. Working with the Court Administrator and other Justice Partners, you coordinate the scheduling of external Mi\'kmaq interpreters and assist with their recruitment and training. As the Mi\'kmaq Staff Interpreter, you are a cultural resource for Court Services staff and you assist in ensuring cultural and language supports are available in the delivery of a wide range of programs and services in family, criminal and quasi-criminal matters.

Primary Accountabilities

The Mi\'kmaq Court Interpreter responsibilities include:

• Provide consecutive or summary interpretation services between the English and Mi\'kmaq languages and coordinate services of external Mi\'kmaq interpreters as necessary to meet the needs for courtroom interpretation at all levels of court. As directed by the Court, provide interpretation services outside the courtroom for parties, agencies and counsel in child protection matters involving Mi\'kmaq families.
• Assist in the recruitment, assessment and training of freelance Mi\'kmaq interpreters who provide services to the Courts.
• Review existing Court Services materials, programs, and services to ensure cultural awareness is infused into content.
• Promote cultural competence of Court Services staff and conduct or facilitate training opportunities to support cultural competence; research cultural programs, services and supports for Mi\'kmaq clients and ensure staff and stakeholders are aware of cultural-based services for referrals.
• Provide translation of written and on-line materials; provide interpretation or translation services to assist in delivery of intake, parent information and conciliation services for Mi\'kmaq speaking clients.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you must be fluent in both written and spoken English and Mi\'kmaq languages. You must also have a command of modes of interpretation in both languages (Mi\'kmaq and English), and thoroughly understand protocols and ethics of court interpretation. You will also demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Mi\'kmaq culture and presence in Nova Scotia.

In addition, you possess a University degree and a minimum of one year of directly relevant experience, such as experience as a Court Interpreter. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

You are a self-motivated individual who works independently with minimal supervision, and who also works well in a team. You take initiative and have excellent organizational skills. Within an environment that is often emotionally charged and highly stressful, you display an impartial and professional attitude, and you maintain a high level of trust and confidentiality. A high degree of tact, patience and professionalism is required in the delivery of your 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

• 2 years of undergraduate study plus 3 years of related experience
• 1-year certificate or diploma plus 4 years of related experience
• 5 years related experience with exposure to the justice system

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 (typically the hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, this may vary depending on operational needs)
• Some travel and overtime may be required.
• Long hours sitting in a formal courtroom environment. The interpreter must be able to focus intently on their task within a busy and often stressful environment.
• You will be exposed to emotional and sensitive issues, and potentially volatile situations, especially in relation to domestic and criminal situations. Dealing with difficult or distraught individuals creates a stressful environment.

Additional Information

• This competition has been opened to fill 1 term, full-time vacancy based in Sydney with an anticipated end date of December 29, 2024
• This position will require an enhanced level of security screening for an external application.
• Must possess a valid driver\'s license.

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 06 - PR 10

Salary Range: $1,915.37 - $2,746.69 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