Unit Supervisor (2 Opportunities)

About Us

At the Department of Community Services (DCS), 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

This opportunity is for individuals who are passionate about supporting the development of children under the age of 12, in a community-based program in Dartmouth, NS.  While the program is based in Dartmouth, NS, the services for the children will be an extension of WSC Long Term Treatment program in Truro, NS.

Wood Street Campus (WSC) is a cornerstone in providing specialized treatment services for children in the care of the Minister of Community Services. We operate 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week, and are passionate about supporting our young people and enhancing their development into successful community members. The experience of fostering positive outcomes for young people is very rewarding and requires a highly motivated and energetic individual!

As Unit Supervisor, we rely on your effective and consistent leadership to maintain positive staff and youth relations, high levels of morale, and safety. You play a critical role in supporting our young people and staff. including their safety and security, through facilitating, monitoring, and maintaining both dynamic and static security

You are responsible for the direct supervision and employee development of Youth Workers who provide daily delivery of treatment and case management services.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Unit Supervisor, we count on your effective and consistent leadership to ensure and maintain positive relationships with staff, young people, and community partners, along with high morale and safety. A few of your key responsibilities will include:

• scheduling and managing the daily operations, including treatment plan strategies, the application of case management, and overseeing the delivery of emotional and social programming for young people.
• ensuring the safety and security of young people and employees through facilitating, monitoring, and maintaining both dynamic and static security on campus.
• providing appropriate interventions in response to managing acting out/pain-based youth behaviour.
• Performance planning and absence management for a team of youth workers.

You may occasionally, in the absence of the Program Manager, assume responsibility of the daily operations.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a university degree in social sciences with several years of experience in child and youth caring treatment programs, combined with demonstrated abilities in a leadership role.

You have an ability to provide individual and group supervision of staff, as well as direction, guidance, coaching and modelling on effective youth care interventions. A strong understanding of short-term crisis programs and youth-in-care treatment, along with group care dynamics is required. A solid working knowledge of safety, security, program and staffing issues in a treatment setting is also required.

Effective interpersonal skills, along with your written and verbal communication skills are essential to your success. Some of your key qualities include an ability to lead collaboratively and effectively, a team of youth workers in an intensive setting. You must demonstrate an ability to work in an interdisciplinary team environment. Being able to problem solve and make decisions in a fast-paced environment. A working knowledge of policies and procedures for Department of Community Services would be considered an asset.

LEADS

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 behaviors and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains include Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS for more information.

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 completed related diploma and several years experience.
• a completed master’s degree and several years experience.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

 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 treatment facility that operates 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week and rotating shift work is required. You will facilitate and maintain both dynamic and static security to provide safety and security of young people, visitors, staff, and the community. While we take precautions, children and youth may demonstrate harmful/aggressive behaviours and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) techniques are utilized to manage these behaviours and you must be able to perform these techniques.

Personal resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be subjected to a high degree of stress and must be able to work under pressure and in crisis situations.
 

Additional Information

Two (2) one-year term positions are available until approximately October 2025.

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.
• Free parking onsite.