Case Management Officer (Correctional Caseworker) (Temporary)
Competition # : 44538
Department: Justice
Location: DARTMOUTH
Type of Employment: Temporary
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 29-Nov-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
About Us
The Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice is responsible for the administration and operation of community and custody-based programs and services for adults and young persons. Within the Correctional Services core business area there are two programs: community corrections & correctional facilities. Each of these program areas is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the program's target group.
About Our Opportunity
As the Correctional Caseworker, you will report to Manager, Case Management and Social Work Services and will work collaboratively with other Justice & Correctional Health Services staff to ensure individuals have timely access to supports required. You will provide direct support and referrals to individuals in custody and assist in navigating those individuals to services and resources in the community, upon their release.
In this role, you will liaise with internal and external partners and will daily interact with individuals on their caseload, supporting the functioning of the individuals and the facility. Your role will impact not only the lives of individuals in custody, but their family and community as well.
Primary Accountabilities
As a successful candidate you will be responsible for:
- Assessment & Planning: You will perform comprehensive assessments of an individual’s unique risk factors and the supports required at the individual, community, and system levels.
- Collaboration: You will engage individuals, community partners and Justice stakeholders to support the goals of individuals in custody, the community and Justice stakeholders.
- Advocacy: You will use your experience, expertise, and influence to ensure clients’ voices are heard within the facility and at the community and system levels.
- Management: You, in collaboration with individuals in custody, will work to make timely decisions about resources and priorities that affect their Correctional Case Plan and contribute to the effectiveness of the individual’s supports.
- Professionalism: You will demonstrate professional behaviour in the best interests of clients, Department of Justice, and our community, through ethical and evidence-informed practice.
Qualifications and Experience
To be considered for this opportunity, you hold a university degree with a major in Criminology, Sociology, Social Work, or another relevant field, in addition to five (5) or more years of experience in a correctional setting or case management service delivery. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered. You must be familiar with aspects of a Correctional Facility operation and have knowledge of currently accepted correctional strategies and philosophies. Some experience with word processing and spreadsheet software. A working knowledge of JEIN (or other electronic case management systems) would be an asset.
As the successful candidate, you demonstrate an attitude toward individuals in custody and the criminal justice system that is compatible with the objectives of the Department of Justice, Correctional Services Division, and the goals of the facility. You have strong problem-solving skills and have an ability to act decisively with sound judgement, both in routine and crisis situations. You also display excellent communication skills and can develop rapport with facility staff and individuals in custody.
Candidates will be assessed for the above qualifications using one (1) or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.
Equivalency
Include, but are not limited to:
- 2 college diplomas (each 2 years) in addition to 5 years of experience
- 9 years of related experience with exposure to the justice system
Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
Working Conditions
You will work within a 24-hour operation and while there is no shift work associated with this position, there is potential for travel, overtime, and disruptions to personal and family life due to position responsibilities, workload, and other unplanned activities (typically the hours are between 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, this may vary depending on operational needs).
Most of your work involves meeting with individuals in custody in your office or their living unit. While present in the office, there are multiple demands on your time that require you to prioritize your daily tasks and additional requests. You will also be expected to host community partners within the facility, attend community-based meetings, and build relationships with support organizations.
Your personal resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be immersed in high stress and crisis situations. You must be able to work under pressure and be personally and professionally committed to working with culturally diverse individuals in a respectful, inclusive, and racism-free manner.
Additional Information
This is a TEMPORARY employment opportunity with anticipated end date of June 1, 2025. The appointment status (‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.
The facility is a 24-hour operation and is a tobacco-free environment.
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
- Department Specific Flexible working schedules.
Pay Grade: ACC 06
Salary Range: $2,270.54 - $2,771.97 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.
This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:
Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.
External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. 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.