Competition # : 46049
Department: Opportunities and Social Development
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 23-May-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
We are hiring for three (3) opportunities:
To be considered for designated opportunities, you must self-identify on your application.
See the Nova Scotia Government’s Employment Equity Policy for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.
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).
Our Diversity, Equity and Engagement Branch is focused on transformational change for both staff and community in a safe, respectful and innovative work environment. We support the DIVERSITY of the staff and communities we serve by creating EQUITABLE opportunities through ENGAGEMENT. We foster a healthy and inclusive workforce by providing culturally responsive services to Nova Scotia’s most vulnerable citizens.
At OSD, we are committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and reconciliation in meaningful and measurable ways. We are currently hiring three Diversity, Equity and Engagement Specialists, each with a unique area of focus to help drive this mission forward. These positions are part of our strategy to create culturally responsive, inclusive programs and services across Nova Scotia. Each Specialist will serve as a leader within OSD, helping shape and influence corporate and community-facing initiatives through an anti-racism and intersectional lens. The Specialists will play a key role in embedding inclusive practices in client services, hiring, program design, and strategic planning.
Whether you are collaborating with communities to ensure culturally safe practices, identifying and addressing barriers impacting communities, or leading outreach and systemic advocacy, you will be an integral part of OSD’s commitment to respectful, equitable service for all.
In this role, you will:
Ideal candidates have strong community connections and a passion for advancing equity and inclusion across systems. Along with this, you have a post-secondary degree in social sciences, community development, or a related field, plus progressive experience in equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), or culturally responsive community engagement. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
You must demonstrate lived experience and/or deep understanding of the realities and systemic barriers experienced by African/ Black Nova Scotians and Racialized Persons, Mi’kmaq and Indigenous Peoples, and Survivors of gender-based violence. In addition, you must:
While not required, it is considered an asset if you
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.
We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
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.
Your typical work week is 35 hours with 7-hour days. This role is primarily performed in a comfortable office environment, with occasional site visits. Your resilience is key as this role has exposure to psychological pressures and sensitive interactions.
Additional Information
Please identify on your application which opportunity you are applying for. All positions are located in Head Office, Halifax. Three (3) opportunities are available:
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please let us know.
Pay Grade: EC 11
Salary Range: $3,418.96 - $4,273.75 Bi-Weekly
Employment Equity Statement:
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.
Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.
Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.