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

Are you looking for an opportunity where you will have profound and positive impacts on the lives of children and families? Are you looking for an environment where you can establish positive connections and build everlasting relationships within your community? Do you want to work in an environment where you have access to continued professional and personal growth and learning?

Embark on a rewarding career as a Social Services Associate. We’re hiring multiple Term opportunities over the next several months. Opportunities may be in any region across the province and located in any of our offices. You can find our office locations here.

The Social Services Associate (SSA) is a vital member of the professional team, working collaboratively with the Child and Family Wellbeing team to support and assist Social Workers engaging with children, youth, and families connected to the Department of OSD. The SSA adheres to the Child and Family Wellbeing Practice Framework, ensuring that the child and family are at the center of all discussions and actions. On a daily basis, the SSA will play an active role in working with children, youth, and families to foster resilience and inspire change.

This Hiring Pool will be used to fill multiple Term, Temporary, and Casual opportunities over the next several months, in Western, Central, Northern, and Eastern Regions. For a link to locations within the regions, please click here.

Primary Accountabilities

Working alongside the Social Worker, you will have a substantial impact on the lives of children and families and are an integral part of the Child and Family Wellbeing team. Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Contributing to the case management functions of a file that will aid in the delivery of services (i.e.. completing collateral contact, meeting notes, scheduling of appointments, file closures)
• Assisting in the collection, organization and planning for the implementation of programs and services to meet the needs of children, youth and families
• Contributing to the planning for programs and services that impact safety and well-being of children
• Participating in risk management conference meetings, case conferences, or other meetings, as required
• Accompanying Social Workers, assisting with home/community visits and attending court as required.
• Supporting the development of case plans, access plans, and court documentation.
• Delivering services using a compassionate approach to connect children, youth and families.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have completed a diploma in Child and Youth Care and possess a minimum of two (2) years of related experience working with children, youth, and families. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. A bachelor’s degree in social sciences (e.g., Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related discipline) is considered an asset.

You bring a strong understanding of child and youth development, family dynamics, and the broader social systems that support wellbeing. You are also knowledgeable about the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of children and youth, both within family settings and while in care.

Key competencies and attributes we are seeking include:

• A trauma-informed, compassionate approach to working with children, youth, and families.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced, team-based environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusting relationships.
• Experience supporting and advancing case plans and care objectives.
• Proven documentation skills, with the ability to accurately capture sensitive information and observations for case file.
• Strong communication skills—both verbal and written—and comfort facilitating conversations or group activities.
• Resourcefulness, empathy, resilience, and adaptability in challenging or unpredictable situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and digital documentation.

Additional assets include:

• Experience working within child and family wellbeing settings.
• Familiarity with case management systems such as ICM (Integrated Case Management) and CCM (Child and Community Management).
• Cultural competence and the ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

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

This is an excellent career opportunity for many, and we do consider an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience. Related equivalencies may include, but are not limited to:

• A related bachelor’s in social science (such as Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or Community Studies)
• Four (4) years total related experience working with children, youth, and families

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 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

Most of your work involves accompanying the Social Worker and meeting with clients in their homes. This requires a significant amount of driving time, occasionally under challenging weather conditions.

While present in the office, your time is spent in a comfortable office environment.

Personal resilience is crucial to handle the physical and emotional requirements of this role. The position involves high-stress and crisis situations, with ample support and resources available. Candidates must be adept at working under pressure and demonstrate a commitment both personally and professionally to engaging with culturally diverse individuals in an inclusive manner.

Additional Information

A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle are required.

Your worksite location will be determined at the time of offer negotiation and based on operational requirements.

This Hiring Pool will be used to fill multiple Term, Temporary, and Casual opportunities over the next several months, in Western, Central, Northern, and Eastern Regions. 

What We Offer

• Flexible working arrangements including modified work weeks.
• Career possibilities, guidance and coaching, and ongoing training.
• Rewarding and versatile work where you will see the immediate impact you make in and around your communities.

Based on employment status, we also offer a wide range of benefits such as:

• Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP)
• Three (3) weeks’ vacation to start, and annual pay progression Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
• Pension
• General Illness (Short and Long Term)

Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.