Job Description

Competition # : 42815Department: Community ServicesLocation: FlexibleType of Employment: PermanentUnion Status: NSGEU - NSPGClosing Date: 03-Jul-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)Designation StatusThis opportunity is designated to applicants that identify as Indigenous, African/Black Nova Scotian or Other Racially Visible Persons.If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you must self-identify during the application process, to be considered.See the for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.About UsAt the , we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services(ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support Program (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 OpportunityWe\'re hiring a Social Worker to support our Regional Resource program in the Western Region including Foster Care and Adoption; providing safe, loving and nurturing foster and adoptive homes for children and youth. When you join our team, you will be joining a team that understands the value of community and focuses on strengthening children, youth, and families to live healthy and thriving lives.In this role, you will use your invaluable community relationships and passion for helping our most vulnerable citizens, to help recruit diverse foster and adoptive families. Using your creativity and networking abilities, your recruitment of foster and adoptive families will make profound and positive impacts in the lives of children and youth. You will be completing SAFE (structured analysis family evaluation) assessments through an interview and assessment process, in consultation with a resource supervisor, and interviewing and evaluating applicants to our foster and adoption programs. You may provide pre-service training with a culturally diverse lens; ensuring foster and adoptive applicants have appropriate supports and training, and completion of required documentation.You will be employed in a dynamic, creative, and collaborative work environment which celebrates diversity, promotes continued professional growth, and provides you with the opportunity to utilize your full range of social work skills, knowledge and experience.Primary AccountabilitiesAs a Social Worker, you are responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of children in the care of the Minister. Essential to your success in this role is your strong community connection and relationship building abilities. You will participate in community groups, and meetings, and create awareness of foster family opportunities.Your work will directly support a wide variety of professional child welfare services including protection services for children; development, coordination, and implementation of foster care and adoption services; and planning and supervision of children in care and custody. You will intervene under the Children and Family Services Act, and in accordance with the legislation and policies of the program, to protect children and make a lasting difference in their lives. You exercise judgment and make decisions regarding case planning with children, youth, and families in consultation with your supervisor and colleagues.Qualifications and ExperienceA completed Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work is required as well as a valid drivers license. You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW).You are also:

• A strong team player
• Empowered to impact change
• Compassionate, reliable, and resourceful

You are understanding of child development, family dynamics, trauma-informed care, counselling, community resources, and are well versed in effective intervention strategies. Your problem-solving skills and experience, combined with your creative thinking, work to strengthen, and improve support while working with children and families.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.Working ConditionsMost of your work involves meeting with clients in their homes or in office. These interactions, along with contacts with service providers, will sometimes be required outside of regular working hours. This necessitates considerable driving time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. While present in the office, your time is spent in a comfortable office environment with the possibility of flexible working options available.On a rotating schedule, you may be required to provide child and family well being services for your designated area, after regular business hours. This will include working on weekends and reporting to the provincial after-hours response team. You may be required to work beyond regular business hours on short notice.Your personal resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be immersed in high stress and crisis situations, with plenty of support and resources accessible to you. You must be able to work under pressure and be personally and professionally committed to working with culturally diverse individuals in an inclusive manner.Additional InformationThe worksite location is flexible within the Western Region. Your worksite location will be determined at the offer negotiation stage. For office locations in the western region, please click .What We Offer

• Reimbursement for registration fees to the NS College of Social Workers.
• Flexible working arrangements including modified work weeks.
• Ability to earn overtime and shift premiums for weekend and after hours work.
• Career possibilities, guidance and coaching, and ongoing training.
• Rewarding and versatile work where you will see the immediate impacts you make, in and around your communities.

Based on the employment status, we also offer a wide range of benefits such as:

• Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP).
• Travel and car allowance.
• Three (3) weeks vacation to start, and annual pay progression.
• Health, Dental, and Life Insurance. Pension. General Illness (Short and Long Term).

Click to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.Pay Grade: PR 09 - PR 15Salary Range: $2,173.77 - $3,364.90 Bi-WeeklyEmployment 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