Access and Privacy Coordinator (Research and Statistical Officer 1(A)-(B)

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

As the Access & Privacy Coordinator, you will be responsible for assisting in the achievement of short and long term objectives of the unit by contributing to the effective and efficient operation of the division’s overall program activity.

Primary Accountabilities

Some of the primary accountabilities in the role include:

• Tracking and supporting the processing of requests for information received by the department outside of the FOIPOP process.
• Providing support and overseeing work associated with the processing of Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPOP) applications, privacy breach and privacy complaint investigations and Privacy Impact Assessments.
• Researching developments in case law, new reports, studies, decisions of Commissioners and related research from other jurisdictions that may have an impact on the operations of the unit and work of the department.
• Acquiring and applying thorough knowledge and detailed awareness of the department’s various programs and project activity and status.
• Supporting communication between the members of the team and various partners/contacts as required, under the scope of authority assigned by the Manager.
• Providing administrative, financial, and budgeting support to the Manager of Information Services & Privacy.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have completed a related Bachelors degree; an equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered. 

You must be able to multitask, effectively prioritize workloads, and be proficient in the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). In addition to this, you have excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and can explain complex information in an accessible manner. You have experience designing and delivering presentations to a variety of audiences, excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills, and consistently maintain a respectful, professional, and courteous disposition with colleagues and clients.

You are conscientious about, and accurate with, your work and have well developed time management and organizational skills to effectively manage competing priorities in a busy work environment. You are a critical thinker and problem solver who takes initiative to identify opportunities to improve the way things are done. You are flexible and adaptable and demonstrate a willingness to learn new skills and take on any task required to help the team provide timely quality service to the public.

You maintain current awareness of the legislative environment, national and international, that supports access and privacy as well as an understanding of the fast-changing technology and its impact on privacy.

Knowledge of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and other access and privacy legislation would be an asset.

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: 

• At least four (4) years of related experience.
• A completed related diploma and two (2) 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.

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