Director Investigations and Outreach

About Us

The Ombudsman is an independent Officer of the Nova Scotia Legislature who is charged with overseeing provincial and municipal organizations. The Office the Ombudsman reviews complaints about provincial government departments, agencies, boards, corporations and commissions, as well as municipalities. This includes attempting resolution and conducting investigations, resulting in findings and recommendations aimed at improving government administration and public policy. The Office handles more than 2,500 complaints per year.

The Office is also responsible for assessing and investigating disclosures of wrongdoing under the Public Interest Disclosure of Wrongdoing Act and making a determination on allegations of harassment under the House of Assembly Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment in the Workplace.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Deputy Ombudsman, the Director is a member of the Nova Scotia Ombudsman’s Executive Management Team (EMT) and a key contributor providing leadership, complaints handling and investigation expertise, coupled with high-level strategic advice and critical management support to the Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman in the fulfillment of the Ombudsman’s mandate.

The Director is responsible for all phases of investigations, including initial case assessment; direction on opening of investigation files; evidence collection, preservation, and analysis; management of the investigation team comprised of Early Resolution Officers, and Investigation and Outreach Officers and workloads, as well as conducting their own investigations.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter and/or resume the following qualifications to be given consideration:

Essential Qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree, plus several years of leadership and management experience or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
  
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in financial management, human resource management, leading teams of professionals, partnering and relationship building, and dealing with complex, sensitive investigations.

Qualifications and Experience cont.

• Several years of progressive work related experience in one or a combination of the following:

• • significant experience interpreting and applying a variety of legislation,
  • developing and implementing strategic plans (operationally and administratively),
  • proven experience in policy and program development,
  • administrative law and procedure,
  • conducting investigations within a regulatory or legal framework,
  • report writing,
  • conflict resolution (informal and formal) of sensitive and confidential matters,
  • building a culture of accountability and fairness,
  • leadership and interpersonal skills that inspire, motivate and foster trust, respect, fairness, and confidence among team members, and 
  • excellent interpersonal, communication, and organization skills with the ability to establish priorities.

The following competencies are required: Analytical Thinking, Strategic Orientation, Innovativeness, Adaptability and Flexibility, Initiative, Effective Interactive Communication, Partnering and Relationship Building, Intercultural & Diversity Proficiency.

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

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

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.

Location and Working Conditions

Based in Halifax. Work is conducted predominantly in an office environment and includes external locations such as correctional facilities and adult/youth residential and secure care facilities.

Travel throughout the province, as required, sometimes on short notice. Day/night travel, sometimes with overnight stays. Out of province travel as required.

Additional Information

This is an Order in Council appointment under the Ombudsman Act. Such appointments are to be paid at rates of pay and receive benefits equivalent to civil service classifications.