Employment Support Services Specialist

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

The ESS Specialist provides leadership and direction in the development, planning, interpretation, evaluation and application of effective policies, standards, and guidelines for coordinated delivery of the ESIA Program throughout the province, with a focus on Employment Support Services.

Your leadership in will have significant impact on the province’s ability to maximize the program’s potential, support and enhance the needs and employability for vulnerable Nova Scotians.

If you are creative and a problem solver with a genuine passion to support the needs of Nova Scotians, we encourage you to apply!

Primary Accountabilities

As an ESS Specialist, your direction, support and problem-solving approach will influence department’s program and services. You will work closely with program and service delivery teams, senior colleagues, community service organizations and other municipal/provincial/federal departments.

Some of your key accountabilities will include:

• Providing support to management, supervisors, staff, and community partners with complex ESIA cases as well as, in interpretation of legislation, policies and procedures.
• Supporting the development of program and service delivery improvements while focusing on problem solving and identifying innovative solutions.
• Recommending legislative, regulatory and policy changes in consultation with management/staff, to meet changing client needs.
• Advising management on developing & implementing mechanisms for monitoring program performance/costs by providing statistical data & performance results for the ESIA program.
• Fostering collaboration between the ESIA program and other departmental programs, as well as community collaboration/program support, development and agreement oversight.
• Coordinating the integration of services provided by funded service providers in the region, including government organizations, community groups and individuals.
• Liaising with program divisions, within head office & regionally, on matters related to policy, program development, delivery models and system enhancements.
• Maintaining close liaison with federal/provincial officials in the region regarding mutual program areas, overlap issues and negotiation/delivery of federal/provincial agreements.
• Assisting in identifying, designing and the delivery of program specific training.

Qualifications and Experience

You possess a Bachelor’s degree in social science with several years of related supervisory and/or program leadership experience. Equivalent levels of direct and relevant experience will also be considered.

You must demonstrate:

• An understanding of diverse needs of clients & their families and the barriers impacting marginalized populations.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion and anti-racism in the workplace and understanding of impact of program/policy development on the lives and futures of individuals/families.
• Knowledge of employment/employability related support services and the Nova Scotia labour market.
• Experience interpreting information, particularly legislation/policies, and providing advise & recommendations regarding improvements.
• High level of problem-solving skills, to analyze complex cases, evaluate policies/procedures, and develop proactive and innovative solutions.
• Experience and proven ability to collaborate and build/maintain partnerships and networks with diverse groups and community partners/service providers.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, enabling you to foster collaborations and navigate diverse environments with tact and diplomacy.
• Effective interactive communication with experience developing communication plans regarding new programs/projects, policy changes and interpretations.
• An understanding and experience of change management and an ability to adapt to change, to improve performance and service delivery. 
• Ability to make good judgements and make sound decisions within a complex multi-system environment.

Following are the assets for this role:

• Familiarity with ESIA program: ESIA regulations, policies, and program standards within the province
• Experience working or partnering with other provincial/federal government departments.

Please ensure your application demonstrates how you meet the required qualifications and experiences outlined for this position.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Equivalencies include but are not limited to:

• A related Master’s degree and several years related supervisory and/or program leadership experience

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

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.

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

Work is primarily within a comfortable office environment. There is frequent travel involved between offices within a region, and sometimes from region to region within the Province.

Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. This role does entail a high volume of work which may require longer than normal working hours and some overtime. Due to the multiple spheres of action and scope of responsibilities that this position requires, there is significant mental pressure, requiring your resilience. Your ability to work independently and under pressure is necessary as there is sustained pressure from deadlines and conflicting demands.

Additional Information

This is Term position with an anticipated end date in October 2025.

You must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel to various work locations.

Your worksite location is flexible and will be determined at the offer negotiation stage, pending office availability. The Department of Community Services has offices across the province and your team is located throughout the province. For a list of office locations, by region, please click here.

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 path.