About Us

The Accessibility Directorate is a dynamic and committed team that is leading and coordinating Nova Scotia’s work toward our goal of an accessible province by 2030. We work together with Nova Scotians with disabilities, community and disability organizations, government departments, municipalities and villages, other public sector bodies, businesses, and other partners to support the cultural shift needed to implement the Accessibility Act and address disability-related issues across government.

Since the team was established in 2017, we have built relationships within government and with public sector and community partners to support efforts to improve accessibility, including Government’s first three accessibility plans; developing accessibility standards in six areas: Built Environment, Education, Employment, Goods and Services, Public Transportation, and Information and Communication; collaborating with public sector bodies to support the development and updating of accessibility plans; and developing awareness resources and initiatives, including the public awareness campaign “Access Includes Everyone” with the related website https://accessible.novascotia.ca/

Learn more about our work to ensure Nova Scotians with disabilities can enjoy all this province has to offer, at home, school, work and in community, on the Accessibility Directorate website: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/

About Our Opportunity

As a Built Environment Program Lead, you will be responsible for leading the implementation of the Built Environment Accessibility Standard and managing other projects and initiatives related to accessibility in the built environment. In addition to working collaboratively with other Government departments, you will provide information and support to entities who have requirements related to the built environment under the Accessibility Act. This position reports to the Director, Policy and Standards.

Primary Accountabilities

• Leading the planning, development, and implementation of awareness and capacity building tools and initiatives related to the Built Environment Accessibility Standard.
• Plan and manage projects related to the Built Environment Accessibility Standard and others aimed at advancing accessibility of the built environment under the Accessibility Act.
• Work collaboratively with the Policy and Standards Team and other Accessibility Directorate staff to contribute expertise in built environment accessibility and support the development and implementation of other accessibility standards, awareness and capacity building projects, compliance and enforcement processes, and collaborative initiatives.
• Collaborate with government departments, municipalities, federal government, public and private sector entities, community organizations, and others.
• Conduct research and analysis to identify and address issues related to built environment accessibility
• Provide advice and briefings to senior leadership, prepare briefing materials, and provide timely responses to requests for information.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of compliance and enforcement processes and activities related to the Built Environment Accessibility Standard.
• Support responses to public inquiries and complaints about accessibility in the built environment.
• Contribute to the development of long-term strategic plans to implement the Accessibility Act and address accessibility and disability issues.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate you will have a university degree in a related field, plus several years progressive experience in a program lead or project management role.

You have:

• Significant experience in project management and leading project teams
• Experience establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with a range of partners, including government departments, other levels of government, public and private sector organizations, and community organizations.
• Experience developing, implementing, and managing new initiatives, resources, and programs.
• Experience developing frameworks, policies, regulations and guidelines.
• Expertise in accessibility of buildings and outdoor spaces, including technical knowledge of building codes and accessible design.
• The ability to assess evidence and information, conceptualize and articulate solutions to issues, analyse alternatives, and arrive at one or more recommended solutions.  
• The ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision, carry out work within tight timelines, manage competing priorities.
• The ability to work collaboratively with a range of partners and in intersectoral environments.
• Knowledge of accessibility and disability issues, including relevant legislation, policy and programs.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills, including delivering presentations, and clearly describing complex concepts in writing and in presentations.
• Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) professional designation would be considered an asset.
• Fluency in French (oral and/or written) would be considered an asset.
  
  

Equivalency

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.

Additional Information

This position is based in Halifax. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from individuals with disabilities.

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
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus