Competition # : 48312
Department: Opportunities and Social Development
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Term
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 23-Apr-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
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), Disability Support Program (DSP), Employment Support Services (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), and Supportive Housing and Homelessness.
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, staff, and partners to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.
We’re hiring a Director, Supportive Housing and Homelessness to lead operational activities and administration, guide policy development, and implement strategic provincial and cross-governmental initiatives for the Department’s Homelessness and Supportive Housing Portfolio.
In this critical leadership role, we’re seeking a candidate whose passion is leading with a person-focused approach and is able to identify and implement innovative models and solutions that strengthen services in Nova Scotia. This is a highly collaborative role as you lead, build, and maintain critical relationships and solicit the involvement of strategic partners within the private and community sectors.
The Department continues to enhance strategies and strengthen the services and programs we provide, and as a Director, you will be responsible for the effective, economic, and efficient management of services to operate the department’s Supportive Housing and Homelessness portfolio. We will count on your expertise to:
You have completed a related Bachelor's or Master's degree combined with several years of professional experience that evidences an understanding of the challenges, barriers and opportunities facing Nova Scotians experiencing poverty and/or persons experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, you demonstrate knowledge of provincial and federal programs and data related to people experiencing poverty and/or homelessness.
As our next Director, you are always seeking new ways to support vulnerable Nova Scotians, address barriers, and enhance programs. Previous work, or lived experience related to housing instability or homelessness, is an asset.
In addition, you work well under pressure and are a leader who inspires and challenges others to be creative, innovative, and collaborative. You ensure an inclusion and diversity lens is applied to the development and management of all strategies, policies, standards, program design, and initiatives. You have an understanding of anti-black racism within Nova Scotia and how historical trauma and systemic racism adversely impact underrepresented communities.
You must have experience with collaborating with a wide variety of partners, including (but not limited to) non-profit or community-based organizations and government agencies. Your analytical nature is essential for identifying opportunities, determining program requirements, evaluating alternatives, and providing strategic recommendations. In your career, you have demonstrated an ability to execute and deliver actions in the short-term, along with experience in developing and implementing a vision with a longer-term outlook. You are an innovative thinker and a natural, strong communicator who excels at building relationships.
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 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.
Excellent people skills and personal resilience are essential to succeed in this highly collaborative, human-centred environment. Your decisions have a significant impact on the safety and well-being of many, requiring your ability to balance conflicting views with multiple stakeholders.
The demands of this position necessitate flexible hours and may require frequent attention outside regular business hours. Many services operate 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week, and you may be called upon to deal with escalated issues after regular working hours. There may be travel to offices throughout the various regions.
This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of January 5, 2029. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.
Pay Grade: EC 13
Salary Range: $4,136.98 - $5,171.21 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.
Accommodation Statement:
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.
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.