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 the 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.

About Our Opportunity

The Intense Planning and Support Coordinator (IPSC) is a key role contributing to the Human Rights Remedy, addressing systemic discrimination against persons with disabilities. In this transformative role, you'll provide person-centred, human-rights-focused planning and support, addressing systemic discrimination and promoting inclusive citizenship. You'll work closely with DSP participants, especially those transitioning from institutional facilities or requiring complex, coordinated responses, to build strong relationships and understand their unique strengths and visions for the future.

As an IPSC, you'll lead in collaborating with clinical and allied health partners, mainstream services, and local communities, fostering partnerships that enhance capacity and resilience. You'll operate with a high degree of independence and autonomy, acting as an agent of the individuals you support, ensuring their voices are heard and their decisions respected. This role requires a strength-based, trauma-informed approach and the ability to adapt to each person's unique communication style, creating a safe space for self-expression and decision-making.

Primary Accountabilities

As an IPSC, you will be accountable to provide intensive individualized support and planning, developing, analyzing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive support plans tailored to the needs and aspirations of individuals with disabilities. You will:

• Work closely with individuals and their networks, gathering and assessing information to elevate supportive decision-making, and connecting individuals with various services and professionals.

• Facilitate transition planning and coordination for individuals moving from institutional settings to community living.
• Manage multiple priorities and logistics, maintaining relationships across service providers, government agencies, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to represent and advocate for the individual's goals and needs.
• Engage in partnership and capacity building, using your extensive knowledge of multidisciplinary services to advocate for and connect individuals with the necessary resources.
• Foster integrated support planning by bringing together partners and facilitating connections to natural support networks, peer supports, and community relationships.
• Demonstrate commitment to person-directed planning, supportive decision-making, and the rights of persons with disabilities, as outlined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Qualifications and Experience

You are a Licensed Professional in Nursing (RN or LPN), Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Nutritional Studies plus five (5) years of related experience. You must be currently registered, or eligible for registration, with your applicable professional association.

A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation are required (as an inclusive employer, we are committed to considering accommodations in accordance with the Human Rights Act). In addition, you have:

• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive support plans tailored to individual needs and aspirations.
• Skills in facilitating and promoting supportive decision-making practices.
• An understanding of trauma and its impact, with the ability to adapt support approaches.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information in an accessible manner.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain trusting relationships with individuals, families, support networks, and professional partners.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, capable of mediating complex personal and environmental dynamics to develop innovative solutions.
• Experience in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including healthcare professionals, service providers, and community organizations.
• Strong advocacy skills, cultural competence, and an understanding of Disability Rights and Legislation as well as community resources and services

Assets include:

• A completed related Master's degree
• Additional certifications or training in trauma-informed care, disability rights, or community engagement.

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

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include:

• a Master's degree in either Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Nutritional Studies plus three (3) years of related experience.

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

The IPSC will travel to various locations including homes, facilities, and hospitals, supporting individuals with disabilities, including those with complex needs. The role involves extensive driving, entering private residences, and occasional lifting. Travel is required throughout the region or province, under varying weather conditions. The role requires resilience in handling emotional situations, potential aggression, and navigating diverse family dynamics. IPSCs must make professional judgments in complex situations and work inclusively with culturally diverse individuals. This environment underscores the importance of adaptability and emotional resilience.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of August 5, 2026.  The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please let us know.

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
• Department specific flexible working schedules