Classification Officer (Program Admin Officer 1-2)

About Us

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) is leading the transformation of the early years and public education system in Nova Scotia. We are doing this by designing an innovative curriculum, facilitating excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring an inclusive education experience, and working closely with our partners in early learning and education. This will provide children, students, and families with a strong foundation for success. This department is a perfect fit for those that want to be part of the future of early learning and public education in the province by supporting student learning in a progressive and responsive policy environment.

About Our Opportunity

Under the direction of the Manager of Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Classification Services, the Classification Officer is responsible for reviewing, assessing, and recommending classification levels in a provincially regulated ECE classification program.

Primary Accountabilities

• Review high volumes of applications for completeness and accuracy. Review and interpret academic transcripts and official documents to determine eligibility for classification levels in accordance with Nova Scotia Early Learning and Child Care Act and Regulations and Standards. This includes applications within Nova Scotia, throughout Canada and internationally. 
• Provide transparent, objective, impartial and procedurally fair registration practices under the Nova Scotia Fair Registration Practices Act (FRPA), including application of requirements under the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) and the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Credentials.
• Maintain an extensive database system to track issuances of classification certificates and records of professional development for all applicants.
• Ensure reliable record keeping procedures are implemented to maintain integrity of the classification electronic database. 
• Consult with other internal and external partners, such as training institutions provincial/territorial governments, with respect to cross-jurisdictional data sharing and information gathering.
• Provide timely response to phone and email enquiries about classification. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

As the ideal candidate you have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree, from a university of recognized standing, in early childhood education, human resources or a related discipline, and have three years of related experience. An acceptable combination of education and experience will be considered.

In addition, you possess the following:

• Demonstrated experience in interpreting and administering polices, procedures and regulations. 
• Ability to analyze procedural and/or program problems, develop, recommend, and implement solutions as required.
• You must be able to demonstrate a commitment to professional development, sound judgment and problem-solving.
• Experience with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook etc.). 
• Strong communication skills, including verbal, and written. 
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, including developing and maintaining professional working relationships with key players and staff.
• Effective time management skills in relation to managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment demonstrating sound judgement, attention to detail and initiative.
• Ability to work effectively, independently and within a team environment and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Assets for this role include knowledge of post-secondary training standards credentialing requirements in early childhood education and/or registration practices. 

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

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

Located in an office environment in Halifax.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026. 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