About Us

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).

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 Opportunity

As a Child and Family Wellbeing Specialist, Practice Support, you will play an essential role in shaping and enhancing the delivery of Child and Family Wellbeing programs and services. You will contribute to the development, planning, monitoring, and evaluation of effective policies and procedures, ensuring their alignment with the Practice Framework and the broader strategic vision of the Department.

In this role, you will provide regional leadership and guidance, supporting social work practice and the implementation of programs designed to improve the wellbeing of children and families.

Primary Accountabilities

You will provide leadership and guidance to Child and Family Wellbeing staff across the regions, supporting social work practice and ensuring the effective implementation of policies, procedures, and strategic goals. You will support supervisors, lead program evaluation efforts, and ensure quality service. A few of your key responsibilities include:

• Leading and supporting Child and Family Wellbeing staff and supervisors
• Contributing to policy development, professional development, and transformation initiatives in Child and Family Wellbeing.
• Monitoring and evaluating regional programs, ensuring alignment with the Framework of Practice.
• Overseeing quality assurance activities, to enhance service delivery.
• Developing and maintaining partnerships with communities and partners to improve service delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a related Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, and have several years’ experience with child and family wellbeing and policy development. You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW).

This role requires traveling often in the regions. As such, a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel is required.

In addition to the above, you must demonstrate:

• Proven leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to guide teams and support staff in a complex, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and collaborate with a diverse range of partners.
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills.
• Deep knowledge of Child and Family Wellbeing programs, policies, and the Children and Family Services Act, as well as  demonstrated skill and strength in the application of the Department’s Framework of Practice.
• Ability to navigate change and provide innovative solutions to meet emerging challenges.
• A commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field of Child and Family Wellbeing.

An understanding of culturally responsive and attentive social work practices is essential. It is highly desirable if you have experience working with diverse communities.

LEADS

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.

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

Your typical work week is 35 hours with 7-hour days.  This role is split between office-based work and travel, with approximately 50% of the time spent in the office and 50% on the road visiting district offices across the region for meetings and consultations. You may be called to court to testify. Occasionally, you may be required to travel to other regions as needed. The role often involves multitasking, with multiple priorities that require immediate attention or same-day responses, providing an exciting and fast-paced work environment.

Additional Information

This is a permanent position, however additional permanent or term position(s) may be drawn from this competition for locations throughout the province for a period of up to one (1) year.  

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.