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

We’re hiring for a Casework Supervisor to work with the central region Provincial Screening Team. This supervisor position will provide direct and clinical supervision to a collaborative, passionate team of Social Workers. With your expertise in Child and Family Wellbeing, you will lead, coach, guide and support a dedicated team of professionals.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Supervisor, you will provide clinical supervision to your staff on matters relating to:

• Risk assessments, matters before the court, and clinical evaluation
• Acting on behalf of the Minister to make decisions on the care of children at risk through risk assessment case conferences with the screening team, Child Protection Social Workers and Program Specialists
• Leading your team and providing consultation, and supervision on cases, policies and protocols
• Identifying and recommending improvements in services and implementation of the Child and Family Wellbeing Practice framework
• Building effective relationships with colleagues, departments and partner agencies as needed to ensure positive outcomes for children and families

You will work to inspire, motivate, and ensure engagement of your team, investing in their professional development. Using your expertise and social work techniques you will support your team with difficult, complex cases.  

Qualifications and Experience

Completion of a Bachelor of Social Worker and at least five (5) years of social work experience, is required; or completion of a Master of Social Work, along with three (3) years of social work experience. You have a valid driver’s licence, the ability to travel, and must be registered (or be eligible for registration) with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW)

Previous supervisory experience is considered an asset; however, you must demonstrate leadership competencies and an ability to manage challenging situations under stressful circumstances.

Furthermore, you demonstrate:

• Confidence in your ability to make decisions regarding risk to youth, children, and families, and support fellow social workers in doing the same.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of social worker practices and strategies, family functioning and child development, along with services for persons with disabilities
• Ability to respond and prioritize crisis and emergency situations
• Understanding of CFSA legislation, related acts, and other program policies, regulations, and procedures
• Knowledge of services offered by the department, and other community agencies

Essential is strong communication (oral and written), ability to work independently, strong attention to detail and organization skills, and the ability to work with limited supervision is critical.

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.

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

Much of your time is in an office setting, meeting with staff and repeated interruptions. You may have to respond to crises with little to no notice. While office hours are generally between 8am to 5pm, supervisors may need to work outside these hours. Some supervisors will spend a significant amount of time on the road, encountering risks such as aggressive or unpredictable clients.

The requires personal resilience and the ability to effectively manage high-stress situations is essential.  You will debrief staff who have experienced traumatic situations, spending significant time counselling them to mitigate vicarious trauma.

What We Offer

• Reimbursement for your registration fees to the NS College of Social Workers.
• Flexible working arrangements including modified work weeks where operational needs allow.
• Out-of-province applicants may be eligible to apply for moving expenses.
• 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.