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 passionate about adult education and supporting the success of foster and adoptive families?

We are seeking a Social Worker to join our Regional Resource team in a hybrid role that emphasizes the delivery and coordination of training for prospective and current foster caregivers and adoptive parents. While this position supports some aspects of recruitment and preservice screening, its primary focus is on preparing caregivers through PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education) training and other core learning modules that help ensure children and youth in care are placed in safe, informed, and trauma-sensitive environments.

Notice to Pending Social Work Graduates: If you are a few months away from graduation of your BSW/MSW program, you are encouraged to apply.

Primary Accountabilities

Caregiver Training & Facilitation

• Coordinate and deliver PRIDE training and related modules to prospective and existing foster caregivers and adoptive parents.
• Facilitate interactive, trauma-informed learning sessions that build caregiver capacity in areas such as permanency planning, attachment, and child development.
• Evaluate learner participation, readiness, and completion of training requirements.
• Adapt content delivery to meet the diverse needs of adult learners and support inclusive learning environments.
• Maintain accurate training records and contribute to the continuous improvement of training materials.

Preservice Support & Engagement

• Collaborate with preservice colleagues to support new applicants through the training phase of the approval process.
• Answer training-related questions and offer guidance to applicants navigating the system.
• Participate in preservice information sessions and support screening where needed.

Collaboration & Regional Planning

• Liaise with internal stakeholders to identify training needs and support recruitment strategies aligned with placement trends.
• Support planning and scheduling of ongoing training cycles, including refresher modules and specialized content.
• Contribute to the development of provincial training strategies and approaches

Qualifications and Experience

A completed Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work is required as well as a valid drivers license. You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW).

You are also:

• A strong team player
• Empowered to impact change
• Compassionate, reliable, and resourceful.

You have strong skills in training and facilitation, with the ability to confidently lead groups, deliver engaging content, and support adult learners with diverse needs and experiences. You are understanding of child development, family dynamics, trauma-informed care, counselling, community resources, and are well versed in effective intervention strategies. Your problem-solving skills and experience, combined with your creative thinking, work to strengthen, and improve support while working with children and families.

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.

Working Conditions

This position requires frequent travel within the assigned region (Western Nova Scotia) and occasional travel to other locations within the province to support recruitment activities, training sessions, and collaboration with colleagues. While present in the office, your time is spent a comfortable office environment with the possibility of flexible working options available.

You will be required to provide recruitment and training services after regular business hours. This will include some work in the evening and on weekends. You may be required to work beyond regular business hours on short notice.

This role requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and professionalism when supporting diverse individuals and families through the foster care and adoption process. You will often manage competing priorities, sensitive conversations, and emotionally complex situations while maintaining a focus on inclusivity, equity, and relationship-building.

What We Offer

We offer many perks and benefits, based on your employment status including:

• Reimbursement for your registration fees to the NS College of Social Workers.
• Flexible working arrangements including modified work weeks.
• Out-of-province applicants may be eligible to apply for moving expenses.
• Ability to earn overtime and shift premiums for weekend and after-hours work.
• Travel and car allowance.
• Career possibilities, guidance and coaching, and ongoing training.
• Three (3) weeks vacation to start, and annual pay progression.
• Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP)
• Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability
• Defined Pension Benefit Plan.

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