Job Description

Department: Justice Location: NEW GLASGOW Type of Employment: Permanent Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG Closing Date: 1/18/2023 (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 adult and young persons 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. Evidence based Program facilitation and supports to specialized courts in areas of domestic violence, mental health and wellness are also part of the role of a Probation Officer as well as 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 person 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: https://novascotia.ca/just/Corrections/

About Our Opportunity

The Senior Probation Officer is responsible for ensuring Correctional Services Policy & Procedures for Community Corrections offices are implemented and monitored by overseeing the management, operation, and administration of offices; workload management of staff as it pertains to assignment of duties; and supervision of community corrections staff, paraprofessionals, and volunteers. As well you are responsible for delivery of all community corrections services and community-based programs for adults and young persons while adhering to budget parameters and procurement practices.
Additional responsibilities include preparation of investigative reports for courts, court attendance, supervision of persons serving community-based dispositions and engaging collateral contacts with employers, schools, family, and others during the supervision process. Senior Probation Officers lead the planning and development of Community Corrections Staff, daily operations, and may also be required to coordinate provincial program initiatives or other special projects as assigned by the Manager, Community Corrections.

Primary Accountabilities

Office Supervision

• Provide supervision to all staff within office jurisdiction.
• Human resource management of staff, including talent acquisition in accordance with the Government of Nova Scotia\xe2\x80\x99s policies and the Civil Service Master Agreement.
• Case Management oversight, ensuring individuals under community supervision are properly supervised, provided with supports to address their criminogenic risks/needs, and all case management activities are properly documented.
• Office operations, ensuring staff have the tools and a safe work environment to complete their duties.

Case Supervision

• Preparation of Presentence Reports.
• Supervision of individuals serving community-based sentences by applying Core Correctional Practices.
• Recording case management activities in the Correctional Services Justice Enterprise Information System.
• Responding when individuals fail to comply with the conditions of Court Orders in accordance with Policy and Procedures.
• Coordinate or facilitate operational programs (including Adult Restorative Justice, Fine Option, Community Service Work, Prisoner Release, Volunteers in Corrections, and various rehabilitative programs).

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s Degree (Social Sciences) plus 7 years of related experience or a Masters\xe2\x80\x99 Degree plus 4 years of related experience plus 2 years experience as a professional Probation Officer. An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
You must demonstrate knowledge of a wide variety of operational policies and procedures; federal and provincial legislation; and the current collective agreement as this knowledge is essential to ensure effective operation of Community Corrections offices. Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, the ability to apply sound judgement and decisiveness to resolve issues are essential attributes of a Senior Probation Officer.
You possess a strong teamwork ethic, as you will function as a team member within the office and division and lead the team in the performance of their duties. In addition, you will demonstrate initiative in identifying programming needs and resource requirements in local areas and be able to perform all the duties of a Probation Officer at an exemplary level.
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 not limited to:

• A 2-year Diploma in a related field and 9 years of related work experience
• 11 years of related work 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 here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week during regular business hours
• May be required to work overtime on occasion
• Excessive mental demands may exist due to clients\' violent, substance addicted, sexually dysfunctional, and other high-risk behaviours daily
• There may be increased physical demands associated with uncertain client behaviours when conducting community visits and interviewing in correctional institutions
• Supervision of volatile individuals may pose a physical risk
• Hazards may result from driving in all types of adverse weather conditions for the purpose of community visits, court attendance and other obligations
• Correctional institution visits, contact with inmates and daily contact with individuals\xe2\x80\x99 present unique risks due to above listed factors

Additional Information

This is a Permanent employment opportunity based in New Glasgow.

Following the job interview and employment reference checks, the successful candidate will be asked to complete and submit a Pre-Employment Questionnaire (PEQ) prior to your appointment. You will meet with a recruitment officer to review your PEQ answers. The questionnaire focuses on honesty and integrity and candidates must answer all questions accurately and truthfully. Dishonesty or non-disclosure will result in elimination of the candidate\'s application. To review the pre-employment questionnaire please visit https://novascotia.ca/just/Corrections/recruitment/questionnaire.asp

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 17 Salary Range: $3,001.65 - $3,525.41 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.