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’s 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

As the Captain, you are responsible for supervising Correctional Workers/Officer and ensuring the custody, care and control of individuals in custody.  Your responsibilities include regular security and maintenance inspections of the facility to ensure that proper cleanliness and security standards are being maintained.  The incumbent is responsible for the development and evaluation of subordinate staff.  This includes implementing necessary correction and developmental action, attendance management, shift scheduling, participation in the recruitment process and correctional programming.  As the Captain you will conduct special projects, investigations and fine calculations, working regularly with Correctional Services policies and procedures, standing orders, and directives.
 

Primary Accountabilities

• Maintain the administration and operation of a provincial correctional facility including the safety of individuals in custody, staff and the public
• Maintain the daily facility schedule and ensure these are delivered consistent with schedules (i.e. cleaning, group program activities, etc.)
• Manages the admission and discharge of individuals in custody ensuring the validity of warrants produced
• Ensures the effective management of human and financial resources
• Assigns and delegates work assignments, workloads and directives as well as participates in the recruitment, selection, placement and retention of staff
• Chair of the Unit Review Boards for transfers of individuals in custody in accordance with the Corrections Act and Policy and Procedures
• Investigate and gather information linked to disciplinary levels for the Provincial Adjudicator
• Participate in the Institutional Review Board for participation of individuals in custody in programs and Temporary Leaves of Absence in the community
• Supervises the operation of mechanical and electrical systems
   

Qualifications and Experience

You will have a High school diploma, completion of a Correctional Officer certificate program and several years of experience as a Correctional Officer or Corrections Youth Worker.  You will have previous supervisory experience and a university degree from a recognized institution.  An acceptable equivalent combination of education, training and experience in other areas of Corrections, Criminal Justice, Policing, or Court Services may be considered.   Experience keyboarding and working in a computerized environment would be an asset.

During the interview, you as the successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of currently accepted correctional strategies and philosophies all in the aspects of correctional facility operations.  You understand custody management, crisis management and prevention, safety and security, administrative routines and allocation of human and material resources.  You as the incumbent will also have effective communication and interpersonal skills with strong leadership abilities to support the development of rapport with institutional staff and individuals in custody.  Sound decision-making and problem-solving abilities are also a requirement.

You as the successful candidate will demonstrate an attitude towards individuals in custody and the criminal justice system that is compatible with the objectives the Department of Justice, the Correctional Services Division and the goals of the Correctional Facility.

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 behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) 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.
 

Equivalency

An acceptable equivalent combination of education, training and experience in other areas of Corrections, Criminal Justice, Policing, or Court Services may be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
 

Benefits

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.
 

Working Conditions

• This is a 24-hour operation and a tobacco/drug free environment, must be available to work any and all shifts in a 24/7 operation. May be required to work overtime on occasion
• Approximately 95% of your time is spent inside the facility consisting of physical rounds, interviewing, conducting meetings, planning, or overseeing operations including team interventions
• Responsible for considerable contact with individuals in custody and there is a need to be constantly alert during those interactions
• Under constant pressure to meet deadlines, make decisions, frequently must deal with members of the public, staff and individuals in custody
   

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. 
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.