Homelessness Coordinator (Program Admin Officer 1-2)

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 Program Coordinator, Homelessness, you’ll work in a fast-moving environment that calls for compassion, critical thinking, and collaboration. Your role is central to supporting emergency housing responses and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective program delivery and positive client outcomes. This includes navigating hotel placements, providing expert guidance on policy and operations, and improving system-wide responses to homelessness and supportive housing.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys the challenge of building cross-departmental bridges and thrives on juggling operational tasks.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Program Coordinator, Homelessness, you will:

• Support the coordination of the Shelter Diversion Support Program (HRM), ensuring alignment with client needs and policies as well as working with Income Assistance Program outside of HRM for Hotel Approvals. 
• Collaborate with internal and external staff, service providers, and other departments to support navigate resources and ensure program alignment.
• Provide advice on homelessness prevention, shelter operations, and supportive housing initiatives.
• Manage program administration, including reviewing financial information, processing invoices, and verifying eligibility for payments and attendance.
• Assist ESIA caseworkers, HSWs, Trustee Programs, and outreach teams in developing creative solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness. 
• Maintain tracking system for approved expenditures
• Support data analysis on homelessness trends, shelter usage, and housing barriers to inform program improvements. 
• Represent the department in cross-government committees, community partnerships, and strategic initiatives.
• Identify gaps in staffing models, compensation structures, and best practices to strengthen sector capacity. 
• Coordinate responses to inquiries from the public, stakeholders, and Minister’s Office on homelessness-related matters.
• Develop clear and timely materials, including briefing notes, reports, and presentations, to support informed decision-making.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Social Work, Public Administration, Community Development, Social Sciences) and at least one (1) year of relevant experience in homelessness, housing services, or program coordination. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

You also have:

• An understanding of issues facing individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including trauma, systemic barriers, and housing instability.
• Excellent communication, relationship building and partnering skills.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, reporting tools, and case management systems
• Have analytical skills, ability to spot trends, and draw sound conclusions.
• A client-centred, equity-informed approach to problem-solving.

While not required, it's considered an asset if you:

• Have knowledge of Nova Scotia’s homelessness strategy and relevant legislation or programs.
• Experience with emergency shelter or hotel placement coordination.
• Experience with financial analysis or invoice verification.
• Are bilingual in French (or other multilingual capacity).

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. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• Completion of a related diploma and three (3) years of experience
• At least five (5) years of related experience

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 with 7-hour days. This is primarily an office-based role with occasional site visits and community meetings. You will work with clients and service providers in potentially high-stress or emotionally charged scenarios. Some work outside of standard business hours may be required to respond to emergent needs.

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