Job Description

Department: Community Services Location: DARTMOUTH Type of Employment: Permanent Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG Closing Date: 5/31/2023 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At the Department of Community Services (DCS), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child Youth and Family Support (CYFS), 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

As the Secretary you are a key member of the clerical team, providing administrative and secretarial support for staff across the department. You are essential to helping keep our operations running smoothly. You provide back-up for other clerical team members, handling receptionist duties, and receiving and greeting visitors to the Department.

Primary Accountabilities

A few of your key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, file maintenance and retention using the STAR/STOR system, along with faxing, copying, scanning, filing, retrieving archived files and retrieving information to complete FOIPOP requests. You will also process incoming and outgoing mail, respond to general inquiries and emergencies, and refer calls to appropriate contacts. You may also type a wide variety of documents including confidential correspondence and reports, type confidential client notes on the Integrated Case Management System (ICM), set up new cases, schedule meetings and may be required to meet tight operational deadlines.

Qualifications and Experience

You will have a one (1) year business course plus a minimum of two (2) years of related experience.
You are a collaborative team player who takes initiative to provide support to the team, has a positive attitude and enjoys implementing creative solutions. You have proficient skills in the use of a variety of Microsoft programs such as Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel or equivalent. A working knowledge of the ICM system would be considered a definite asset. You will demonstrate the ability to work independently in a busy and challenging environment, along with the ability to exercise sound judgment around issues requiring a high degree of tact and diplomacy. Excellent organizational, communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills are essential to your success in this role.
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

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Related equivalencies may include, but are not limited to:

• Three (3) years of related experience
• A related two (2) year diploma and one (1) year of experience
• A related bachelors degree

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 here to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting. Occasionally you may need to move or lift objects such as boxes or files. You will have daily contact with the public, various Government Departments as well as other local Agencies.
Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. You may need to work flexible and adjusted work hours, as 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: CL 14 Salary Range: $1,521.78 - $1,675.62 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.