Child Protection Social Worker 1-2 (Hiring Pool - Halifax, Dartmouth, Sackville, and Cole Harbor)

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

This Hiring Pool will be used to fill multiple Permanent, Term, Temporary and Casual opportunities over the next several months. Opportunities can be in the following Central Region locations including: Halifax, Dartmouth, Sackville, and Cole Harbor

We're hiring dedicated Child Protection Social Workers to join our team in the following program areas including Intake, Long-term Care, Children in Care, Consolidated Allegations Investigations Team (CAIT), and the Provincial After Hours Response Team (PART). In this vital role, you will provide a wide array of professional child and family wellbeing services. You will be involved in planning for and supervising children in the care of the Minister, liaising with various partners and communities, and advocating on behalf of children and families.

As a role model, you will support and demonstrate a workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, safe, and supportive. 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 role will actively work towards protecting children from abuse and neglect, provide ongoing services to parents and children, and collaborate with program areas to assess families for the placement of children. 

What We Offer

These growing communities in the Central Region of the province offer you an opportunity to explore the vibrant nightlife and culinary culture, stroll along the iconic waterfront boardwalk; discover scenic parks, and outdoor adventures from hiking and biking trails to beaches.

Apply today and embrace the endless opportunities to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children and families while experiencing the bustling growing culture the city life in Nova Scotia has to offer. There is vibrant life outside of work in these communities, and we also offer many perks and benefits, based on your employment status including:

• Reimbursement for your registration fees to the NS College of Social Workers.
• Flexible working arrangements including modified work weeks.
• Out-of-province applicants may be eligible to apply for moving expenses.
• Ability to earn overtime and shift premiums for weekend and after-hours work.
• Travel and car allowance.
• 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.

Primary Accountabilities

Daily, you actively work to engage people and communities to build resilience, address challenges and trauma, and create change. Every day is different, and you will encounter unique challenges with responsibilities ranging from:

• Assessing child protection concerns and working with families and communities to address them
• Collaborating with and supporting individuals and families
• Planning and developing case plans with families
• Working closely with the community and advocating for connections to community resources
• Participating in risk assessments, court testimonies, and evaluations
• Planning with and supervising children in care of the Minister

Qualifications and Experience

A completed Master of Social Work, or a Bachelor of Social work with at least two (2) years of related experience, along with a driver's license are required. You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW).

You are:

• A strong team player
• Empowered to drive positive change
• Compassionate, reliable, and resourceful

You possess a deep understanding of child development, family dynamics, trauma-informed care, and community resources. You are well-versed in effective intervention strategies. Your excellent problem-solving skills, combined with creative thinking, enhance the support provided to children and families, contributing to their overall well-being and growth. 

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

A typical work day is between 8am - 5pm. Most of your work will involve meeting with clients in their homes or with service providers, requiring substantial driving time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. While in the office, you will benefit from a comfortable work environment with flexible working options available.

Positions that support the Provincial After-Hours Response Team (PART) and responds to both child protection and children in care issues outside of regular business hours. PART shifts are typically between 4:30pm - 8:30am  and include weekends and holidays.

You may also be called upon to work beyond regular business hours on short notice.

Personal resilience is crucial to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be immersed in high-stress and crisis situations, with extensive support and resources at your disposal. You must be able to work under pressure and be both personally and professionally committed to working inclusively with culturally diverse individuals.

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 1 (PR 13) at a rate of 4%,
• Child Protection Social Worker 2 (PR 16) at a rate of 6%

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.