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

 As the Training Manager with the Disability Support Program, you will play a critical role leading the development of strategies and innovative solutions in response to identified learning, training and workforce development needs both internally (DSP staff) and externally (DSP service provider staff) in order to meet the requirements of the court ordered remedy to address findings of systemic discrimination by the Province of Nova Scotia against persons disabilities.

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy is a five-year, legally binding agreement that guides government's work to transform the disability support system in Nova Scotia. The Remedy represents generational change for people with disabilities in Nova Scotia. It is one of the largest transformation efforts in the province's history, a strong, stable and well-trained workforce is vital to its success.

The Training Manager will foster a culture of respect and inclusion while helping to transform the department into a learning organization. If you are results-driven, process-oriented, and possess strong management skills, we encourage you to apply for this impactful role!

Primary Accountabilities

You’ll play a key role in shaping a strong, future-ready workforce across DSP and its service providers. You’ll be the lead in building innovative, impactful learning strategies that support both sector-wide transformation and everyday service excellence. Here’s what you’ll do:

• Develop and drive innovative training strategies, systems, and processes that elevate staff competency and support organizational transformation.
  Manage a team of adult learning professionals to deliver engaging training experiences that foster knowledge-sharing, growth, and long-term development across the disability sector.
• Work closely with senior leaders, service providers, the Public Service Commission, and first-voice representatives to ensure training is responsive to the evolving needs of persons with disabilities.
• Launch and oversee a transformative training approach aligned with the Remedy’s goals, emphasizing equity, inclusion, and person-centered supports.
• Provide expert guidance to other government teams to co-create training solutions tailored to specific program needs and aligned with system-wide goals.
• Use data and consultation to identify sector-wide training needs, set priorities, and oversee the delivery of targeted learning solutions.
• Develop and apply frameworks to measure post-training outcomes, track skills development, and assess long-term impact on individual, team, and organizational performance.
• Plan and manage training budgets, negotiate resources, and oversee the delivery of services by internal and external providers. Make data-informed decisions on delivery models and platforms.
• Stay current on legislation, human rights-based practices, and emerging trends to ensure training programs are both effective and aligned with best practices in disability support.
• Manage team performance, promote a healthy and inclusive workplace, and ensure responsible stewardship of human and financial resources.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a related bachelor’s degree and have several years of experience in learning and development, including experience in managerial or progressively responsible roles.

In addition to these qualifications, you must demonstrate:

• Proven experience in developing, delivering, and leading training programs within complex and dynamic organizations.
• A successful track record of building and managing teams, preferably within a unionized environment.
• Experience implementing strategic learning and development plans that align with organizational values.
• A sound understanding of change management at both the individual and organizational levels, with experience leading change processes that improve service delivery.
• Effective and influential communication skills, with the ability to interpret policies, collective agreements, and legislation.
• Experience in managing budgets, allocating resources, and monitoring expenses effectively.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with a comprehensive understanding of learning and development principles and organizational culture.
• A commitment to understanding cultural differences and actively engaging with historically underserved communities.

Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a genuine interest in building connections, promoting team learning, facilitating difficult conversations, and understanding and addressing the diverse needs of others.

Assets for this role include:

• A related Master’s degree.
• Knowledge of government decision-making processes and managing within a unionized environment.
• Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), as well as emerging trends in training and development and organizational culture.
• Experience working or volunteering in social services or community-based organizations.
• An understanding of the challenging circumstances faced by vulnerable and equity-deserving communities, including the compounded impact of intersectionality on their 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

We value diverse qualifications and recognize that equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience can demonstrate the skills and expertise required for this role. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• Significant experience in learning and development and leadership roles.

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

You will primarily work in a comfortable office setting, however, periodic travel to other locations within the province to consult with staff and/or key partners may be required. Therefore, a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are needed.

Your normal work week is 35 hours a week, 7 hours a day. This role involves a high volume of work, which may necessitate longer working hours and overtime. Due to the diverse responsibilities and scope of this position, there will be significant mental pressure, requiring resilience. 

Additional Information

This is a term opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2028. 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.
• Countless Career Paths.