Job Description

Competition # : 41759

Department: Community Services

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: \xe2\x80\x8b23-Feb-24 \xe2\x80\x8b (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At the (DCS), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing, Employment Support (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support (DSP).

Through our services, we advocate and help vulnerable Nova Scotians be independent, self-reliant, and secure. We work collaboratively across the province with a strong dedicated network of supports and staff, to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.

About Our Opportunity

The PDRU Program Support Officer is responsible for the coordination/administration, interpretation, investigation, promotion, and provision of information of various cost containment and recovery activities relating to the Employment Support and Income Assistance (ESIA) program. Responsibilities include assisting in the delivery and administration of new and existing programs, as well as assisting in the investigation and resolution of complaints. Your role directly impacts the delivery of programs and service through the provision of operational and procedural support to staff, response to client inquiries, and by liaising with other provincial and federal government departments.

Primary Accountabilities

Using your strong coordination, administration, and communication abilities, you will support effective program delivery and implementation of PDRU activities involving benefit assignments and overpayment management.
A few of the key responsibilities include:

• Processing transactions and issuing payments
• Completion of complex calculations
• Reviewing and actioning reports
• Coordination and preparation of documents
• Management and response of group email accounts, correspondence, and toll-free phone line
• Providing guidance, direction, and support to clients, staff, and stakeholders

In the course of conducting your duties, you must liaise with internal and external government stakeholders including, but not limited to, ESIA Supervisors, Caseworkers, Eligibility Review Officers, Decision Review Services/Appeals, Records Management, Finance, Department of Justice (Maintenance Enforcement Program [MEP]), Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services (Collections), Vital Statistics, Service Canada, Bankruptcy Trustees, and attorneys.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a bachelor\'s degree (preferably in Social Science or Finance/Accounting) and have at least one (1) year of related experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Your key qualities include:

• Detail-oriented, decisive
• Well-developed analytical skills and ability to interpret and synthesize data from a wide range of sources
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite programs including Excel and Word
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Understanding of cultural differences and respect for other cultures
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and organization skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Familiarity with mainframe computer systems as well as knowledge of web-based programs.

Assets include:

• Excellence in the knowledge of the Employment Support and Income Assistance Act, Regulations, and Policy, Family Benefits and Social Assistance Acts, Regulations, and Policies.
• A working knowledge of the Family Maintenance Act and the Maintenance Enforcement Act.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• A related 2-year diploma and three (3) years of related experience
• Five (5) years of 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

Our division supports flexible working options and hybrid models of working. Most of your work is within a comfortable office-based environment and you will have the opportunity to work from home as operations allow.

This role requires repetitive tasks on a regular basis; a high level of visual and mental concentration; and contact with the public, various Government Departments as well as other local Agencies and Institutions.

Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

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

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