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

We’re hiring a compassionate, creative, and adaptable Teacher to join our team at Wood Street Campus. In this role, you will deliver educational programs and treatment services while facilitating, co-facilitating, and assisting with social and emotional learning. You’ll have the opportunity to work with a diverse group of students across various grade levels, requiring flexibility in meeting the needs of individual learners, along with practical knowledge of elementary, junior, and high school curricula.

Joining Wood Street’s Interdisciplinary Team means working collaboratively to provide diagnostic, assessment, and treatment services, as well as programming for children with complex emotional and/or behavioural needs. This position offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of children and youth by enhancing their personal, social, and academic development.

Whether you are a new graduate or an experienced teacher, if you are passionate about making a difference, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role!

Primary Accountabilities

As a Teacher at Wood Street Campus, you will:

• Develop and deliver individualized educational programs that adhere to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development guidelines while addressing individual treatment and learning needs.
• Manage the classroom by providing instruction in a multi-grade setting, ensuring a positive, structured, and safe atmosphere that promotes learning and development.
• Integrate social and emotional learning into Individual Program Plans (IPP) to foster the academic, social, and personal development of each student.
• Facilitate engaging learning experiences through curriculum-linked field trips and hands-on activities.
• Collaborate closely with Youth Workers and other interdisciplinary team members to create a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
• Monitor and evaluate student progress, adjusting individual plans as needed to ensure ongoing personal and academic development.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you must have:

• A valid Nova Scotia Teaching License (TC 5 or ITC).
• An understanding of the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of children and youth.
• Knowledge in multiple subject areas, with the ability to apply and adapt diverse teaching methods effectively.
• The ability to develop and implement Individual Program Plans (IPP) and assess student progress.
• Strong classroom management and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage students of varying academic levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A collaborative teaching style that fosters strong relationships and partnerships.
• The ability to provide guidance, coaching, and model behaviours that help youth succeed.

In addition to the qualifications above, assets for this role include:

• Experience working with children and youth with disabilities and/or complex emotional or behavioural challenges.
• Previous experience working in a secure treatment or residential setting.
• Knowledge of OSD child welfare policies and procedures, including the Children and Family Services Act and relevant legislation, such as the Occupational Health & Safety Act.

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 and union agreement, 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

You will work in a secure treatment and/or long term treatment program that operates 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week, therefore, you will facilitate and maintain both dynamic and static security to provide safety and security of children, visitors, staff, and the public. While we take precautions, children may demonstrate harmful/aggressive behaviours and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) techniques are utilized to manage these behaviours.

Personal resiliency and active self-awareness is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be subjected to a high degree of stress and must be able to work under pressure and in crisis situations.

Four (4) classrooms at Wood Street Campus operate twelve (12) months of the calendar year, including summer, spring break, and winter vacation which differs from public-school classrooms.

Additional Information

A valid drivers license is required.

A valid Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry Check are both required for this role.

This is a Term opportunity with an anticipated end date of November 1, 2026. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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.
• Free parking on site.