Disability Support Program Officer (Program Administration Officer 3)

Designation Status

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 the Disability Support Program (DSP).

The Disability Support Program (DSP) is committed to fostering innovative ways to empower individuals with disabilities to pursue their vision of a fulfilling life. We are on a journey to implement international best practices that uphold human rights and choice to enhance the way people engage with their communities. We envision Nova Scotia as a place where people with disabilities can choose the life they want to live, in communities that are welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. A life where individuals can build authentic relationships, explore their interests, and achieve their full potential as valued citizens in their community.

About Our Opportunity

As the DSP program officer, you will have a role in supporting the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy transformation, a five-year, legally binding agreement to build a more inclusive and equitable disability support system. You will assist with several critical Remedy projects that directly shape how services are delivered across the province. You will manage projects from start to finish, collaborate with third party organizations, post-secondary institutions and other government departments on activities that advance the Remedy directives.   

As the program officer, you will be responsible for coordinating the activities of the Innovation Panel, a team of internal and external members whose responsibility is to review and make recommendations on individual funding proposals for disability support funding. As the program officer, you will be the main point of contact for panel enquiries, documenting panel decisions and facilitating executive director approval of their recommendations for implementation, coordinating panel meetings and presenters, managing confidential agreements pertaining to the panel and coordinating with the DSP Regional Hub leadership team to manage presentations.

You will also provide coordination support for implementing the Disability Support Sector Workforce Strategy. You will include project managing initiatives related to training, safety and recruitment across the disability support sector. This will range from professional development workshops (i.e., safety training) to post-secondary credentials (i.e., micro credentials, certificate/diploma programs and master level programs). Activities will include research, engagement of partners, development and management of contracts, project management and evaluation of results to inform future planning.

More broadly, you will supporting other program areas as required. Specifically, you will support the DSP Regional Hub leadership team to carry out operational activities such as the ongoing delivery of Regional Advisory Councils and the Provincial Advisory Council.  In this role, this may include research and analysis of documents, creation and management of spreadsheets, and preparation of plain language briefing materials and collaboration with internal government partners and external community partners.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role, you will:

• Coordinate the Innovation Panel by planning meetings, document decisions and facilitate approval, compile confidential funding proposals, collaborate with DSP Regional Hub leadership team to schedule presentations to the panel and submit panel recommendations.
• Deliver on Remedy Workforce projects by managing planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Coordinate provision of sector-wide workforce initiatives for the disability support sector including management of training and professional development, bursaries, wage replacement compensation, contracts with post-secondary institutions.
• Coordinate the delivery of surveys and assessment of survey results to support workforce planning.
• Lead and implement workplace safety initiatives, fostering a safe and supportive environment across the workforce.
• Oversee budgets, contracts, and procurement, monitoring resources and recommending action when adjustments are required.
• Coordinate communications and prepare progress reports for internal and external partners.
• Ensure project management standards and best practices are followed.

Qualifications and Experience

You have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least 5 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Proven experience leading projects involving multiple stakeholders, with strong skills in planning, coordination, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of workforce development, occupational health and safety initiatives, training, or organizational planning.
• Experience managing contracts, budgets, and external partnerships.
• Strong research, analytical, and strategic planning abilities.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear reports and build productive working relationships.

While not required, assets include:

• Formal project management training or certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent).
• Experience with workforce planning, competency frameworks, or safety initiatives.
• Familiarity with government processes, change management, or large-scale program delivery.
• Bilingual ability (French/English).

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.  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

Your typical work week is 35 hours weekly. You are primarily office-based. Work involves a balance of independent tasks and team collaboration.  Tight deadlines and multiple priorities are part of the role. This role involves working closely with individuals with disabilities, their families, service providers, and community organizations, requiring a high level of professionalism, empathy, and adaptability.

Additional Information

This is a TERM  employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of August 20, 2027.  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