Job Description

Competition # : 47028
Department: Justice
Location: TRURO
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: ?02-Oct-25 ? (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 4 (Program Admin Officer 3) administers and delivers a broad range of court support services within the Supreme Court (Family Division), in accordance with Legislative and court directives. This includes assisting court users: to initiate legal proceedings by providing legal information and court forms; by discussing assisted dispute resolution options to resolve conflicts; by offering appropriate legal information and assistance; and, by operating special programs in the Court such as the Parenting Information Program. Daily, the incumbent liaises with the judiciary, members of the public and the legal profession responding to requests for information and assisting clients coming into the courthouse.
The Justice Officer 4 (PAO3) case manages a high-volume caseload, often high conflict cases, offering assisted dispute resolution services to facilitate agreements on issues between the parties in appropriate cases. They prepare court orders, interpret and analyze financial information provided by clients and perform the quasi-judicial functions of a Court Officer and Deputy Prothonotary.
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 applying Rules, Statutes and Legislation and experience with legal documents and legal terminology. You must have demonstrated exceptional communication skills both in person and in an automated environment. You must possess knowledge of the justice system, court support programs and government services and a demonstrated ability to independently make complex decisions.
Training and demonstrated experience in mediation, non-conflict resolution, domestic violence issues and interviewing/client assessment is required.
You must possess a high level of diplomacy, tact and professionalism and have 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 high-volume case management; a sound working knowledge of the justice system, court procedures, 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 mentorship to other support staff is essential. Self-directed behavior, analytical and conceptual thinking and creative approaches to problem solving are required. The incumbent must be and appear to be, fair and impartial, be sensitive to the diverse needs of the client group and is responsible for maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
The above qualifications and competencies will be assessed using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.
Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.
Experience in a Family Law environment and fluency (both oral and written) in the French Language will be considered assets.
Equivalency
Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

• 9 years combination of relevant education and experience in a legal/justice environment.

Benefits
Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a , Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here:
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)
• You will be exposed to emotional and sensitive issues. Dealing with difficult or distraught individuals creates a stressful environment
• There is a high demand for accuracy and attention to detail while working in a high volume and complex service area
• Regardless of the situation, you must be able to display a completely impartial attitude at all times

Additional Information
This is a Permanent employment opportunity, located in Truro, NS.
A test will be administered as part of the screening and selection process.
Some travel and overtime may be required.
This position will require an enhanced level of security screening for external applicants.
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: $2,556.10 - $3,107.16 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.
Accommodation Statement:
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.
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.

Skills Required