Job Description

Competition # : 39839

Department: Justice

Location: WATERVILLE

Type of Employment: Relief

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 31-Jul-23 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice contributes to the maintenance of a just, peaceful and safe society by administering and operating community and custody-based programs and services for adult offenders and young persons.

Nova Scotia Correctional Services offers:

• Professional, well-trained and motivated staff
• Integrated, focused and equitable program and service delivery
• Responsive programs and services for offenders and the public

We are leaders in delivering a high standard of services to achieve positive change. We develop partnerships and use integrated information and communication systems to provide a safe, secure, healthy and supportive environment for offenders and staff. Our Division takes pride in using creativity, innovation and integrity in decision making and the achievement of our goals and objectives.

About Our Opportunity

As a Youth Worker, you are responsible for assisting with the care, custody and control of young persons in a secure facility for youth. This work occurs on a shift basis.

Youth workers plan, organize and implement a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of assigned young persons. This includes such activities as facilitating individual and group program activities in the community, and coordinating comprehensive orientation for new residents. You will develop and implement effective individualized case plans for assigned young persons, and prepare administrative reports related to young offender management, such as custodial progress reports for review of dispositions of the youth court.

As a Youth Worker, you are accountable for maintaining institutional security requirements and ensuring residents comply with rules and regulations. You will serve as a role model for young persons and must demonstrate an approach toward the young person which is compatible with the institution\'s goals as well as an understanding of the issues and challenges facing these youths.

Qualifications and Experience

You possess a Bachelor\'s Degree (preferably in Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, Education or Recreation), and direct experience in youth orientated program delivery, preferably in a correctional setting. An acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

Report writing, counseling and building and maintaining a rapport with the residents and co-workers are critical components of the job. As such, our successful candidate(s) will demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail. You must display strong leadership and problem-solving skills, be able to make good decisions and respond appropriately to crisis situations. Other competencies that must be displayed are the ability to work well with minimal supervision and an understanding of the importance of exercising discretion with confidential matters.

Having a First Aid/CPR certificate will be an asset.

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

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.

Additional Information

Relief employees fill gaps in the schedule and replace full time employees when operational requirements demand as determined by the Employer. As a relief employee there is no guarantee of hours.

During the job interview, candidates will be issued a pre-employment questionnaire. If you are called for the next phase, the pre-employment interview, you will be asked to bring the completed questionnaire with you. 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.

The successful candidate(s) will be required to complete a mandatory 6-8 weeks training session.

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 04 Hourly

Salary Range: $25.21 - $40.76 Hourly

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.

A relief employee is an employee who is not regularly scheduled by the Employer, but who works relief assignments on an as-needed basis as operational requirements demand. As such, a relief employee does not have guaranteed hours of work. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Please note: when competing for vacancies, a successful Temporary, Term or Permanent Relief Employee who is currently employed with the Province will maintain their bargaining unit status, seniority and benefit level at the new workplace.

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

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