Administrative Assistant, Disability Support Program

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).

The Disability Support Program (DSP) is committed to fostering innovative ways to empower individuals with disabilities to pursue their vision of a fulfilling life. We are on a journey to implement international best practices that uphold human rights and choice to enhance the way people engage with their communities. We envision Nova Scotia as a place where people with disabilities can choose the life they want to live, in communities that are welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. A life where individuals can build authentic relationships, explore their interests, and achieve their full potential as valued citizens in their community.

About Our Opportunity

The Disability Support Program (DSP) is engaged in transformative work that is changing how programs and services are delivered across Nova Scotia. DSP serves adults, youth, and families through a range of community-based programs, and we are looking for strong administrative support to help ensure these services operate smoothly and effectively.

This is a fast-paced role, supporting multiple regions in the province, with responsibility for a broad range of administrative functions. As a key point of coordination for the office, you will help connect staff, leaders, and partners to the information, processes, and supports they need. Your work will help ensure the efficient operation of administrative services and contribute to a positive, respectful, and responsive experience for colleagues, service providers, and members of the public.

Primary Accountabilities

You will provide administrative support to the Director(s) and Managers by coordinating a variety of operational and administrative activities. You can expect to help with:

• Coordinating electronic calendars and scheduling meetings within the office and in community locations
• Organizing meeting logistics, materials, and follow-up actions as required
• Coordinating office equipment and technology, and providing basic troubleshooting support to staff
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding logistics, workspace setup, and maintaining accurate employee records.
• Provide administrative support to recruitment and HR processes, including scheduling interviews, preparing materials, managing documentation, and ensuring completion of required employee information and compliance records.
• Preparing cheque requisitions and supporting payment-related documentation for various projects
• Drafting, formatting, and processing confidential correspondence and other documents across multiple program areas
• Responding to inquiries from the public, community agencies, service providers, and government departments
• Maintaining accurate records, data, and statistics, and preparing reports as required
• Reviewing, sorting, and distributing incoming and outgoing mail
• Supporting the day-to-day coordination of office administrative processes to ensure efficient operations

Qualifications and Experience

You will have a one (1) year business administration course plus a minimum of three (3) years of administrative support experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. 

You demonstrate:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint (or equivalent office software)

• Experience coordinating calendars, meetings, correspondence, and general office processes
• Experience handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion
• Strong organizational skills and a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain respectful, collaborative working relationships
• Sound judgement, tact, diplomacy, and a service-oriented approach

Assets include:

• Experience working in government, health, social services, community services, or another public-facing sector
• Knowledge of accessible and inclusive communication practices
• Experience in the disability support sector.

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 bachelor's degree
• Four (4) 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

Your regular work week is 35 hours, with 7-hour workdays. This role requires ongoing work in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions and multiple competing priorities. You will have regular contact with the public, other government departments, community agencies, and service providers. You may occasionally be required to move or lift light objects such as office supplies, files, or equipment.

Additional Information

This position’s worksite location is flexible between the Bridgewater, Kentville, or Sydney offices. The work location will be determined at the offer negotiation stage.

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