Superintendent, Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility (CNSCF)

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.

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 person in custody while providing programs that address dynamic criminogenic factors to assist with their successful, reintegration back into the community.

Nova Scotia Correctional Services utilizes 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.

For more information on the Department of Justice Correctional Services please visit our website.
 

About Our Opportunity

As the Superintendent of the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility (CNSCF), you are accountable for the efficient administration and operation of the facility. you will ensure the smooth daily operations of the correctional facility through the appropriate deployment of Deputy superintendents (DS) Assistant Deputy Superintendent (ADS) Captains and front-line staff. This position reports to the Chief Superintendent, Correctional Services. 
 

Primary Accountabilities

• Interact regularly with staff and offenders to ensure the ongoing efficient operation of the facility.
• Are responsible for maintaining effective work relationships with other units including HR and Finance, as well as other key agencies within government, including the courts, police, the Ombudsman, the Human Rights Commission, the Department of Environment and Labour (OH&S), Fire Marshall, as well as health services and education regarding policies, procedures, programs, and services to offenders.
• Interpret and apply Divisional plans and priorities.  
• Develop a vision and strategic plan.
• Lead the management team in implementing the plan, and monitoring and evaluating results.
• Make decisions regarding operations; e.g. staff deployment, shift schedules, placement of offenders, first level grievances and training priorities.
• Make decisions regarding extraordinary situations including escapes, disturbances, assaults, police-related interventions and accompanying media interest.
• Ensure that the correctional facility operates within budget limits.
• Has the authority and responsibility to grant the conditional release of offenders within prescribed guidelines.
   

Qualifications and Experience

You must have a University degree in a relevant field of study, supplemented by extensive experience in corrections or another related field of law enforcement.  Experience in a management-level position is required. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

As the successful candidate, you are a proven team leader with demonstrated effectiveness in the leadership competencies, such as decisiveness, developing others, effective interactive communication, and self-awareness and personal impact.  A sound understanding of security direct practices within a correctional setting, sound fiscal management and experience in providing programming services must be demonstrated. 

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework.  During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.
Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information.

Management experience in a correctional facility (adult or youth) would be considered an asset.

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

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

• Correctional facilities are open 24/7 operations.
• The incumbent may be required to respond at any time (nights and weekends) to incidents occurring on site.
• The nature of the work environment may bring incumbent into contact with individuals who are verbally abusive and physically threatening.
• The correctional facility environment differs from the normal office conditions due to constraints on movement, and security provisions.
   

Additional Information

This is a permanent, full-time vacancy based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

At the job interview candidates will be issued a pre-employment questionnaire.  If called at the final phase of the competition, candidates will be asked to submit the completed questionnaire prior to your appointment.  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.  Click here to review the pre-employment questionnaire.

An offer of employment is contingent on the completion of all applicable background checks.  These include employment references, a vulnerable sector check with fingerprinting and a child abuse registry check.  Also required is the submission of a valid drivers license, a drivers abstract and proof of education, and other stated credentials.  The results of all checks must be satisfactory to the employer or will result in termination of your employment. 

The successful applicant will be required to receive an enhanced (secret) Security Clearance. The results of which must be satisfactory to the employer or will result in termination of your employment. 
 

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.