Family Court Assessor (Term)

About Us

The Court Services Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice is dedicated to excellent service and the provision of fair and accessible administration of justice. Court Services administers court operations, delivers services to the public, and provides administrative and clerical support to the judiciary.
 

About Our Opportunity

Under the general supervision of the Manager, the Family Court Assessor is responsible for the delivery of the Family Court Assessment Program (FCAP) within the province of Nova Scotia. Responsibilities include completing Expert Reports, including Parenting Assessment reports and Voice of the Child reports, testifying as an expert witness before the Supreme Court (Family Division) in family justice matters, assisting with the development, implementation, evaluation and enhancement of policies, and planning for the Family Court Assessment Program. A high level of judgement, independent decision-making and discretion is required in exercising the duties of the Family Assessor in accordance with the policies, procedures and best practices set out by the division.
 

Primary Accountabilities

• Development and implementation of policies for Parenting assessments and Voice of the Child assessments conducted within FCAP, and assists with program formulation, development, implementation and compliance monitoring.
• Prepares Parenting Assessment reports and Voice of the Child reports and testifies as an Expert Witness. 
• Develops and enhances professional networks with other justice partners and community organizations that support litigants who have experienced inter-personal violence.
• Promotes the FCAP to various internal and external partners and advocates for their participation.
• Contributes to the development of the division's strategic, business and training plans by providing input and feedback to the Manager and Director.
• Provides input to management on operational policy/procedures and policy development, informing system changes; develops/presents and/or participates in training/presentations and special projects related to the FCAP.
• Maintains a sound working knowledge of all relevant legislation and of the policies,  procedures, and directives governing the program and applies them accordingly as an employee of the FCAP.
• Promotes diversity, a healthy workplace, and teamwork through ongoing education, communication and support to colleagues.
• Completes mandatory training as required.
   

Qualifications and Experience

You possess a Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, counseling or a related field plus 2+ years related experience. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered. 
In this role, you are required to have skills and experience working with children and families, conducting client interviews and assessments, as well as case management. Knowledge of the justice system and training and/or experience in forensic interviewing will be considered an asset.

Must be a Registered Social Worker (RSW), or a candidate for registration, with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) or a member of an equivalent professional organization.
The ability to deliver respectful, professional, competent and timely service with vulnerable children and families with diverse backgrounds is essential.

Our successful candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills, good organizational ability and strong interpersonal skills including the ability to mange conflict, problem solve, and work as part of a team. You will demonstrate empathy, warmth and tact along with an in-depth understanding of human dynamics, family systems, and knowledge of child development and the impact of different environments on children. Sound judgment and the ability to work independently with self-confidence and decisiveness are also important in this role.

Access to reliable transportation and a willingness to travel is required. 

The ability to speak French would be considered an asset.

The above qualifications will be assessed 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

• May be required to work overtime or flexible working hours on occasion
• Stressful work environment given exposure to high emotional issues and dealing with clients in crisis 
• Mentally challenging due to a high demand for accuracy and attention to detail with a high volume of work, and exposure to sensitive information.
• Possible exposure to domestic disturbances and aggressive attitudes toward government officials
• Travel is required to attend meetings and offer services in courts and clients’ communities
   

Additional Information

This TERM employment opportunity is located in Halifax, with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2026. 

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.
• Countless career paths.