Employment Support Services & Income Assistance Caseworker (Caseworker 1-2)

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

We’re hiring dedicated Caseworkers to join our Employment Support Services and Income Assistance (ESIA) team. In this role, you will evaluate the eligibility of individuals seeking financial assistance and support, ensuring both initial and ongoing eligibility. You will also deliver comprehensive employment support services to Income Assistance recipients and individuals with disabilities, helping navigate and guide towards achieving financial independence for themselves and their families.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Caseworker, you will deliver the continuum of employment support services and income assistance enhancement activities for clients such as:

• employability assessments, counselling/case management;
• workshop facilitation, job development/job search services, and referrals;
• intakes, assessments, records maintenance;
• general and/or specialized case management, consultation; and
• communication of outcomes to applicants, and referrals to appropriate programs and community resources.

In a team environment, you work collaboratively with colleagues, community, and clients to mobilize the client’s personal resources toward self-sufficiency, using appropriate supporting interventions. You’ll facilitate access to training, along with the development of training/workshops with external service providers; all of which enable the movement of clients into employment.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Business, or another related field, combined with a genuine passion for making a difference.

You excel in interviewing techniques and communication (both written and verbal) and possess strong planning, organizational, and crisis intervention abilities. Familiarity with workshop facilitation, job development and job search services, intakes, and assessments are a benefit to this role, as well as a solid network of community resources to support clients effectively.

You understand budgetary and case management concepts and demonstrate initiative and sound judgment. A client service focus, and an awareness of how factors like culture, socioeconomic status, gender, age, and sexual orientation influence client experiences is necessary. The ability to meet deadlines and handle challenging situations with poise is essential.

Fluency in multiple languages is a significant asset, enhancing your ability to connect with and support a diverse client base. Other assets include experience with Employment Support and Income Assistance (ESIA) policies and legislation, and Occupational Health and Safety responsibilities.

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 2-year diploma along with two (2) years of related experience;
• Four (4) years of 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

A typical work week is 35 hours, with 7-hour days. While your primary work environment will be an office where you'll spend substantial time at your computer, we offer flexible work options to enhance your work-life balance. As operational needs allow, you may have the opportunity to work from home one day per week.

Occasional travel may be required. The role is dynamic and involves navigating time pressures and managing a diverse caseload. You’ll need to thrive in a fast-paced environment, balancing competing priorities.

Additional Information

This is a temporary opportunity with an anticipated end date of April 7 2025. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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.