Director, Victim Services

About Us

The Justice Supports and Services Division of the Department of Justice consists of three programs: each providing Nova Scotians access to critical programming and support.  The Maintenance Enforcement Program helps to facilitate the payment of court ordered child and spousal support; the NS Restorative Justice Program provides opportunities for victims, offenders, and communities affected by a crime to communicate (directly or indirectly) about the causes, circumstances, and impact of that crime, and to address their related needs. Victim Services offers support to victims of crime as their case moves through the justice system. 

Within Victim Services we offer a range of services to help victims of crime, promote victims’ rights and interests and advise government on issues relating to victims of crime; and work with justice partners and the community to develop policies and programs that address the needs of crime victims. We can help provide the victim, spouse, or relative, with information, support and assistance. When criminal charges are laid, victims and family members can contact us directly for help.

We provide the following programs: Provincial Victim Services Program, Child Victim/Witness Program, Criminal Injuries Counselling Program, Victim Impact Statement Program, Restitution Program and the Sexual Offense Legal Representation Program.

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

About Our Opportunity

As the Director of Victim Services, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, management, and strategic direction of programs that support victims across Nova Scotia.

In this role, you will assess and enhance the effectiveness of victim services, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of individuals and communities. You will work closely with justice partners, community organizations, and multiple levels of government to foster collaboration and alignment in service delivery. Leading a dedicated team, you will drive outcomes that prioritize compassion, accessibility, and innovation. A key focus will be on building and leveraging relationships through horizontal collaboration, promoting awareness, and coordinating efforts with stakeholders involved in victim support across the province.
 

Primary Accountabilities

• Lead and evolve Victim Services programs to ensure they remain responsive, effective, and aligned with provincial priorities.
• Advance strategic objectives by proactively collaborating and coordinating with public, private, and not-for-profit stakeholders involved in victim support.
• Facilitate engagement among diverse partners to share successes, best practices, and innovative approaches to victim-centered services.
• Recommend policy and program enhancements that strengthen victim services across the justice system and government-wide.
• Implement and oversee initiaitives that promote integration, awareness, and continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Ensure effective fostering of a culture of accountability, performance, and professional development within the team.
   

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful applicant you will have a Bachelor’s Degree plus several years of progressively more responsible experience in a related field.  An acceptable equivalent combination of training or experience may be considered.

The previous experience you have in the design, development, and delivery of programs and being able to think conceptually and see the big picture is required. Also needed is your ability to foresee problems, be sensitive to multiple conflicting perspectives, and present workable solutions.

Your proven track record in networking, establishing partnerships, and your innovative mindset as a leader is needed. Also required is your previous experience working with multiple stakeholders, including being able to build strong and lasting connections.

Having the ability to articulate points clearly and build relationships in order to collaborate and compromise when needed will contribute to your success in this role.  In addition, your ability to use tact and diplomacy to communicate effectively with any individual regardless of their level will be important.

Leadership competencies required at this level of work are: Analytical Thinking, Strategic Orientation, Innovativeness, Adaptability and Flexibility, Initiative, Effective Interactive Communication, Partnering and Relationship Building, and Intercultural and Diversity Proficiency.

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.
 

Salary Information

EC 14 - EC 14 

$4,550.68 - $5,688.35 

Benefits

Based on the employment status, 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.
 

Additional Information

This is a Permanent employment opportunity.

Location of the role is flexible across the province and can operate primarily out of any Victim Services office in Nova Scotia, but if located outside Halifax, the successful caniddate  will be required to travel to Halifax on a frequent basis.
 

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
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus