Child Protection Social Worker Supervisor

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 a dedicated Child Protection Social Workers Supervisor. In this crucial role, you will provide clinical and administrative supervision to Child Protection Social Workers and Administrative Support staff. You will lead and support in areas such as Intake Investigations, Consolidated Allegations and Investigation Team, Temporary Care, Permanent Care, Long-Term Care, and after-hours support under the provisions of the Children and Family Services Act (CFSA) and An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Children, Youth and Families (FNIM).

Your leadership will ensure the safety and well-being of children and youth in a challenging environment. Unlike other program areas, Child Protection often intervenes on a non-voluntary basis when families are in crisis, requiring significant services to address their needs. As a Supervisor of Child Protection and Children in Care, you will be responsible for all critical decisions regarding children and families, including the removal of children from their homes. 

Primary Accountabilities

You will be accountable for a wide range of responsibilities that are crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families. Your main accountabilities include:

• Administering the Child and Family Services Act and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Children, Youth, and Families (FNIM) Act by developing case plans and participating in court interventions as required.
• Acting on behalf of the Minister of Community Services to make decisions on the care of children at risk through risk assessment case conferences with Child Protection Social Workers and Program Specialists.
• Working with families and children in high-stress situations, focusing on child safety and family reunification.
• Leading your team and providing consultation, and supervision on cases, policies, and protocols.
• Ensuring adherence to procedures, solving complex cases, and overseeing high-risk case management, including intake, assessment, and planning for child protection and children in care.
• Identifying and recommending improvements in services and implementing the Child and Family Wellbeing Practice framework.
• Building effective relationships with colleagues, departments, and community organizations to ensure positive outcomes for children and families.

Qualifications and Experience

Completion of a Bachelor of Social Worker and at least five (5) years of related work experience, is required; or completion of a Master of Social Work and at least three (3) years of related experience. You must have a valid driver’s licence, have the ability to travel, and you must be registered (or be eligible for registration) with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW)

Leadership competencies and the ability to lead and manage challenging situations under stressful circumstances are essential. In addition, you:

• Demonstrate decisive confidence to make critical decisions regarding the risk to youth, children, and families and effectively support fellow social workers in doing the same.
• Have a solid theoretical and practical understanding of social work practices, family dynamics, child development, and services for persons with disabilities.
• Excel in managing crises and emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of those involved.
• Have a thorough understanding of the Children and Family Services Act (CFSA), related acts, and other program policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Are resourceful and well-versed in the services offered by the department and other community agencies, enabling you to provide expert-level advice and support.

Additionally, you are proficient in both oral and written communication, ensuring clear and effective documentation and interaction. Your strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently with limited supervision are critical to your success in this role.

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.

Working Conditions

Much of your time is in an office setting, meeting with staff and repeated interruptions. You may have to respond to crises with little to no notice. While office hours are generally between 8am to 5pm, supervisors may need to work outside these hours. Some supervisors will spend a significant amount of time on the road and may need to attend homes for child protection investigations, encountering risks such as aggressive or unpredictable clients.

The requires personal resilience and the ability to effectively manage high-stress situations is essential.  You will debrief staff who have experienced traumatic situations, spending significant time counselling them to mitigate vicarious trauma.

Additional Information

The Employer will apply a temporary wage adjustment to all steps of the pay scale, effective April 1, 2024 as follows:

• Child Protection Social Worker Supervisor at a rate of 4%

This percentage amount will be applied to the biweekly rate of pay. The biweekly rate of pay will be subject to any future economic increases and/or changes agreed through collective bargaining. Eligibility for a wage adjustment is reviewed periodically and may be adjusted from time to time.

What We Offer

• Reimbursement for your registration fees to the NS College of Social Workers.
• Flexible working arrangements including modified work weeks where operational needs allow.
• Career possibilities, guidance and coaching, and ongoing training.
• Three (3) weeks vacation to start, and annual pay progression.
• Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP)
• Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability
• Defined Pension Benefit Plan.

Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.