Program Admin Officer 3 (Eligibility Review Officer)

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

The Eligibility Review Officer is responsible for ensuring that accurate benefits are provided to eligible participants, and for investigating files as required. In this role, you will work with complex, sensitive, and financial information and may make recommendations or decisions regarding program eligibility and/or court actions.

Primary Accountabilities

You have the important responsibility to review and assess clients accessing our services, ensuring they meet the requirements for and/or eligibility for program participation. You will support this work by:

• Reviewing participants for program eligibility while also ensuring accuracy of report and file completeness.
• Assessing and gathering documentation to determine and support eligibility for the program and benefit amounts.
• Preparing documentation and reports for occurrences of unreported or incorrectly reported income.

You may be required to represent the department in court proceedings and/or appeal board hearings. You will work closely and collaboratively with other Departments, court offices, and the legal community.

Qualifications and Experience

 
You have completed your bachelor’s degree in a related field and have five (5) years of related experience, knowledge of services and programs offered by the Department and other community agencies. Previous experience with OSD Department programs would be considered an asset.

You must demonstrate:

• Knowledge of the justice system and have demonstrated the ability to effectively prepare and present evidence in court and in appeals.
• Familiarity with labour market trends, poverty and under/employment of individuals facing systemic barriers, mental health, addictions, and other issues that prevent sustained employment and income.
• Effective communication skills (both verbal and written), including strong report writing and the ability to analyze data from multiple sources to draw appropriate conclusions and make suitable recommendations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. 
• Strong multi-tasking abilities and the ability to work efficiently and effectively in a workplace environment that is constantly dealing with time pressures and conflicting pressures.

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.

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• A related master’s degree and three (3) years of related experience
• A related diploma and seven (7) years of related experience
• Nine (9) years total related experience 

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 in a comfortable office setting with regular travel throughout the province. You will have daily contact with various Department staff, other government Departments as well as other local Agencies. At times, you will have to manage conflict situations with clients who may be experiencing frustration.

Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

Additional Information

You will travel regularly, requiring a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

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.