Correctional Programmer (Case Management Officer)

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 incarcerated adults and youth. Within the Correctional Services core business area there are two (2) programs: Community Corrections and 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.

Community Corrections has 22 offices across the province from Yarmouth to Sydney and is responsible for the supervision of both adult and young persons serving community-based sentences. The sentences include probation, conditional sentence, custody and supervision, conditional supervision, and Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision.  Probation Officers also supervise those released from custody on conditional releases and prepare pre-sentence investigations to assist the Courts in the sentencing process. Evidence-based Program facilitation and supports to specialized courts in areas of domestic violence, mental health and wellness are also part of the role of a Probation Officer, as well as Restorative Justice casework and collaboration with community justice agencies.

Four (4) Adult Correctional Facilities and one (1) Youth Centre provide the safety and security of persons in custody, while providing programs that address dynamic criminogenic factors to assist with their successful, reintegration back into the community.

Nova Scotia Correctional Services are leaders in delivering a high standard of services to achieve positive change. We develop partnerships and use integrated information and communication systems to provide a safe, secure, healthy, and supportive environment for individuals in custody and staff.  Our division takes pride in using creativity, innovation and integrity in decision making and the achievement of our goals and objectives. We utilize an evidence-based approach in both Community Corrections and custodial facilities. Core Correctional Practices (CCP) is the foundational practice that drives reintegration and rehabilitation practices deployed within Correctional Services. Utilizing CCP, Correctional Services staff can effectively interact, manage behavior, and help facilitate change, within target populations.

About Our Opportunity

As a Correctional Programmer, you will identify, assess, and respond to the needs of individuals in custody through the development, delivery, and evaluation of responsive and evidence-based programs and services to improve outcomes for individuals in custody and community. Working under the supervision of the Manager of Education and Programs, you will collaborate with other government departments and service providers to create a culturally based continuum of support, including program development, facilitating connections to existing programs and services, and review of existing Correctional Services programs to ensure inclusion of cultural content. Working directly with individuals in custody, you will assist them by better understanding their needs and concerns and providing education and information.

In this role, you will interact daily with individuals in custody while carrying out your duties, which include developing and delivering a variety of services and programs.  As a Correctional Programmer, you will prepare program plans and maintain files and records in our electronic case management system (JEIN).

In addition, you will also work with community partners to facilitate culturally responsive programming and establish supports that assist with community reintegration. In collaboration with other Case Management Team (CMT) members and operational staff, you support individuals in custody with their correctional case plan goals.

Primary Accountabilities

• Interact daily with the individuals in custody through program engagement and facilitation
• Collaborate with Case Management Team members to review program referrals, inform case planning, coordinate supports and services, and inform release planning
• Collaborate with community partners to provide culturally responsive programs and services for individuals in custody and establish a continuum of programs/services post-release

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 two (2) or more years of experience in a correctional setting.  You must have experience facilitating programs. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered. You must be familiar with all 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 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.

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

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 term position based in Dartmouth at Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility with a term end date of January 15, 2024. 

The facility is a 24-hour operation and is a tobacco-free environment.

Assessment Process

Qualified applicants will be invited to attend a competency-based job interview.

In advance of the interview you will be required to prepare a lesson plan on an assigned topic, your lesson plan is to be submitted prior the job interview. You will be required to present your lesson during the interview process. At completion of the job interview, candidates will be issued a pre-employment questionnaire.  If you are called for the next phase, the pre-employment interview, you will be asked to submit the completed questionnaire in advance.  The questionnaire focuses on honesty and integrity and candidates must answer all questions accurately and truthfully.  Dishonesty or non-disclosure will result in elimination of the candidate's application.

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.