Job Description

Competition # : 38575

Department: Justice

Location: SYDNEY

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 4/10/2023 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice is responsible for the administration and operation of community and custody-based programs and services for adults and young persons. Within the Correctional Services core business area there are two programs: community corrections & correctional facilities. Each of these program areas is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the program\xe2\x80\x99s target group.

Community Corrections has 22 offices across the province from Yarmouth to Sydney and is responsible for the supervision of both adults and young person\xe2\x80\x99s serving community-based sentences. The sentences include probation, conditional sentence, custody and supervision, conditional supervision and Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision. Probation officers also supervise those released from custody on conditional releases and prepare pre-sentence investigations to assist the Courts in the sentencing process. The role of a Probation Officer also includes facilitation of evidence-based programs, supporting specialized courts in the areas of domestic violence, mental health and wellness, completion of Restorative Justice casework, and collaboration with community justice agencies.

Four (4) adult correctional facilities and one (1) youth centre provide the safety and security of persons in custody while providing programs that address dynamic criminogenic factors to assist with their successful reintegration back into the community.

Nova Scotia Correctional Services utilizes an evidence-based approach in both Community Corrections and custodial facilities. Core Correctional Practices (CCP) is the foundational practice that drives reintegration and rehabilitation practices deployed within Correctional Services. Utilizing CCP, Correctional Services staff can effectively interact, manage behavior, and help facilitate change, within target populations.

For more information on the Department of Justice Correctional Services please visit our website:

About Our Opportunity

As the Probation Officer, you will provide community corrections services with respect to adults and young persons (12 years of age and over). Responsibilities include the use of an electronic case management system, preparation of investigative reports for courts, court attendance, supervision of individuals serving community-based dispositions and collateral contacts with employers, schools, family, and others in order to assist in the supervision process. The management, administration, supervision and enforcement of adult and young person\xe2\x80\x99s Community Corrections caseloads are all components of the supervision process.

You will also be responsible for the delivery of community-based programs for individuals on supervision such as Adult Restorative Justice, Community Service, and Fine Option, and for making agency referrals as appropriate. Additional duties may include public speaking, the development and/or supervision of Volunteers-in-Corrections and creation or promotion of community correctional programming and partnerships.

Primary Accountabilities

What You Will be Doing:

• Complete Presentence Reports as request by the Court as assist in determining appropriate dispositions
• Supervise individuals on Court orders to ensure compliance with the Court ordered conditions
• Investigate violations when Conditional Sentence Orders are breached, prepare and serve applicable documents
• Record ongoing file documentation for case management
• Respond to crises of individuals on supervision and their families utilizing intervention techniques and suicide prevention
• Investigate and charge individuals on supervision with violations of Court Orders, make application and provide supporting documentation for revocation of Suspended Sentence as required

• Facilitate and deliver operational programs such as:

• Adult Restorative Justice
• Fine Option
• Community Service Work
• Prisoner Release
• Electronic Supervision
• Student Placements
• Volunteers in Corrections

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate you will have a bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree plus 1 year of related experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

The following are considered assets: a degree in the Social Sciences, previous experience employing an understanding of criminal/deviant behavior and family dynamics, and knowledge of pertinent federal and provincial legislation.

You will demonstrate sound judgement, impartiality and solid decision-making abilities. These abilities are essential, as daily decisions are made which directly affect the lives of individuals on supervision, their families and the community. You will also demonstrate excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to make accurate assessments related to the preparation of investigative reports and the overall supervision of individuals serving community-based sentences in the community.

The Probation Officer is expected to possess a strong teamwork ethic, be able to function as a team member within the office and the division and cultivate a strong network of accessible community resources. You must be self-directed and able to accept supervision, adhere to policy, and seek direction when necessary.

Access to reliable transportation is required.

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

Include, but no limited to:

• Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s Degree and a Master\xe2\x80\x99s Degree in a related field
• A two-year certificate/diploma in a related field plus three year\xe2\x80\x99s related experience

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

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week
• May be required to work overtime on occasion
• Excessive mental demands given extensive daily exposure to offenders\xe2\x80\x99 violence, problematic substance use, and other high-risk behaviours
• Increased physical demands associated with uncertain offender behaviours when conducting community visits and interviewing in correctional institutions by individuals being supervised
• Sitting at a computer for long periods of time
• Travel is required to for community visits, court attendance and other obligations which could require driving in all types if adverse weather conditions

Additional Information

This competition is to fill a permanent employment opportunity in Sydney

You must be able to respond to the other Community Corrections Offices in the coverage area according to operational requirements.

At the job interview candidates will be issued a Pre-Employment Questionnaire (PEQ). If you are called for the final phase of the competition, the pre-employment interview, you will be asked to submit the completed questionnaire in advance. The questionnaire focuses on honesty and integrity and candidates must answer all questions accurately and truthfully. Dishonesty or non\xc2\xad-disclosure will result in elimination of the candidate\'s application. To review the pre-employment questionnaire please visit:

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 13

Salary Range: $1,915.37 - $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