Competition # : 44901
Department: Opportunities and Social Development
Location: SYDNEY
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 20-Jan-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD), 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).
The Disability Support Program (DSP) is committed to fostering innovative ways to empower individuals with disabilities to pursue their vision of a fulfilling life. We are on a journey to implement international best practices that uphold human rights and choice to enhance the way people engage with their communities. We envision Nova Scotia as a place where people with disabilities can choose the life they want to live, in communities that are welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. A life where individuals can build authentic relationships, explore their interests, and achieve their full potential as valued citizens in their community.
The Disability Support Program Specialist has a key role in ensuring the quality and efficiency of DSP services in their region. This role is especially key as you support our new community-based framework and the Human Rights Remedy, addressing systemic discrimination against persons with disabilities.
Your expertise will guide the interpretation of legislation, policies, and procedures, and you will be instrumental in recommending policy changes, providing expert advice, and ensuring services are effectively managed within allocated resources. As a key liaison, you will facilitate communication between partners; helping shape the future of disability support services in the province.
As the DSP Specialist, you have a vital role in service delivery including the following key accountabilities:
Completed post-secondary education in Management, Social Sciences, Disability Supports, Human/ Social Services or Health Care Related fields, plus several years of related experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.
You possess a genuine passion for people and human rights, fostering a positive, strengths-based, person-centered culture. You have several years of related experience in disability services and programs and a deep understanding of supports, programs and resources for persons with disabilities. In addition, you have experience with providing expert guidance and leadership across different organizational levels.
You demonstrate:
The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviors and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains include Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, and Systems Transformation.
Please follow LEADS for more information.
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.
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:
Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
Based on the employment status, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.
Most of your work is in a central office environment with frequently required travel to various locations across the province, including government offices, DSP program sites, and healthcare facilities. This role places considerable mental pressure on the individual, requiring high personal resiliency to meet emotional demands. You will navigate complex situations, working with individuals through potentially emotional or stressful times in their lives. This dynamic working environment underscores the importance of adaptability and emotional resilience.
Pay Grade: EC 11
Salary Range: $3,351.92 - $4,189.95 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.
Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:
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.
We are committed to hiring military and Veteran spouses and encourage you to identify your connection with the MSEN when reaching out to us or applying to any of our open roles.
Have questions or want to learn more about us? We would love to hear from you!
competitions@novascotia.ca