Coordinator, Child and Family Wellbeing (Quality and Reviews)

About Us

At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD), 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 Coordinator, Child and Family Wellbeing (Quality and Reviews) , you will ensure the quality and accountability of child and family wellbeing services. You will be responsible for developing and implementing policies, as well as developing procedures and conducting a range of program and file reviews  that support effective service delivery for OSD and Mi'kmaw Family & Children's Services.

This position involves conducting specialized, high-confidentiality reviews that assess compliance with provincial policies and CFW Practice Framework standards. Your findings and recommendations can have significant impacts, including informing court proceedings, addressing service delivery challenges, and supporting the safety and well-being of children and families.

Collaboration is central to this role. You will work closely with Executive Directors, Regional Service Delivery Managers, Child Welfare Specialists, and government partners across various sectors. You will also engage with legal professionals and judiciary members when reviews involve complex cases requiring formal recommendations.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Developing processes, implementing, and refining file and program reviews to assess compliance with child and family wellbeing legislation, CFW Practice Framework standards and Guiding Principles.
• Conducting high-profile reviews, preparing court-ready reports, and recommending responsive work plans to address areas identified during these reviews that require further action.
• Analysing service trends, evaluating workloads, and recommending policy enhancements
• Providing expert guidance on complex and high-risk cases, offering strategies for resolution and identifying necessary program adjustments.
• Working closely with leadership, government departments, and external partners to ensure a coordinated approach to service delivery and compliance.
• Advising senior officials, including the Deputy Minister and Minister, on high-profile cases and legal or remedial actions.
• Supporting the development and delivery of training programs focused on assessment, monitoring, and documentation tools to strengthen compliance practices.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a related Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, and have several years’ experience with child and family wellbeing and policy development. You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW).

This role requires travelling in the regions. As such, a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel is required.

In addition to the above, you must demonstrate:

• Proven leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to guide teams and support staff in a complex, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and collaborate with a diverse range of partners.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Deep knowledge of Child and Family Wellbeing programs, policies, and the Children and Family Services Act, as well as demonstrated skill and strength in the application of the Department’s Framework of Practice.
• Ability to navigate change and provide innovative solutions to meet emerging challenges.
• A commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field of Child and Family Wellbeing.

An understanding of culturally responsive and attentive social work practices is essential. It is highly desirable if you have experience working with diverse communities.

LEADS

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviors and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains include Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS for more information.

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.

Benefits

Based on the employment status, 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

Your typical work week is 35 hours with 7-hour days.  You’ll work in a comfortable office environment with travel to district offices across the region for meetings and consultations. The role often involves multitasking, with multiple priorities that require immediate attention or same-day responses, providing an exciting and fast-paced work environment.

Additional Information

This is a permanent position, however additional permanent or term position(s) may be drawn from this competition for locations throughout the province for a period of up to 1 year.  

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