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). 

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 and dedicated network of supports and staff, to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all. 

About Our Opportunity

The Program Administration Officer, Employment Support Services (ESS), is a critical team resource in the development, implementation, coordination, tracking and monitoring of policies, pilot projects and programs.  

 
You directly contribute to, and make recommendations for, projects and programs for individuals and their family members connected to income assistance, people of diverse equity groups and youth-at-risk. The work you do impacts service delivery and focuses on prevention, early intervention, and skills development approaches to employment support services. 

The ESS Program team is driven and solution-focused and looking for a dynamic individual with an innovative mindset, who is eager to enhance programming opportunities for the individuals and families we support. 

Primary Accountabilities

We count on your expertise to cultivate working relationships and enhance the development and implementation of programs and/or projects. You will achieve this through: 

• Creating, monitoring, implementing, and evaluating standards and guidelines that support ESS programs and policies; 
• Assisting in the enhancement of program development and delivery through the creation of accountability systems and support in coordination; 
• Providing advice and guidance on projects/programs related to sustainable labour market attachment and employment-related initiatives for youth-at-risk, persons with disability and recipients of income assistance; 
• Analyzing and interpreting policy from a research lens to identify gaps in services and consider trends when contributing to effective program development; 
• Partnering with regions as well as internal and external parties to actively support the achievement of the short and long-term objectives of the ESS division, in alignment with departmental goals; 
• Developing approaches and communication tools to implement new projects and programs to the regional delivery system; 
• Participating in the development of evaluation frameworks used to assess program performance and supporting analysis and reporting of outcomes; 
• Providing contract management and communications with proven community collaboration and networking abilities; and
• Contributing to the monitoring of budgets and forecasts by developing and implementing effective program statistical tracking mechanisms. 

Qualifications and Experience

You have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least five (5) years of related experience in policy/program planning and development. Previous experience with Employment Support Services and knowledge of services and programs offered by the department and other community agencies are desirable assets. 

By applying an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens to your work, you are analytical in nature and can identify opportunities, determine program requirements, evaluate alternatives, and provide sound recommendations to management. You can interpret policy with proficiency, track statistical program information, and measure desirable program outcomes. 

You must demonstrate effective communication skills (both verbal and written), be able to deliver presentations to internal colleagues and external organizations and be able to facilitate the implementation/delivery of new programs. Essential to your success are your strong report writing skills, along with your negotiation, organizational and planning skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, is required. 

Furthermore, you have a strong nature for multi-tasking, are task-oriented, and able to work efficiently and effectively in a workplace environment that is frequently faced with time pressures and conflicting priorities. 

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, but are not limited to:

• A related Masters Degree and 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, 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 time is spent in a comfortable office setting with occasion travel throughout the province, as required. You will have daily contact with various department staff, other government departments as well as other local agencies in the community. 

Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. 

Additional Information

The position is connected to and will report to the ESS Manager in Head Office, located in Halifax. As our Head office is in Halifax, it is expected that you may have a presence in Halifax as well as time in regional offices. 

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

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. 
• Options for department-specific Flexible Work schedule along with Earned Days Off.