Labour Standards Officer 1-2

About Us

The Labour Standards Division is responsible for the Labour Standards Code and related regulations, which establish the basic rights and responsibilities of provincially regulated employers and workers in Nova Scotia.  The legislation provides a dispute resolution mechanism and enforcement tools for addressing complaints under the Code and establishes licensing and registration requirements in relation to the recruitment and hiring of foreign workers.

We help people understand and comply with our legislation and provide a fair, accessible and responsive dispute resolution system.

We know our work can be challenging and often deals with people in difficult situations − we strive to create a welcoming, respectful, safe, supportive, and inclusive workplace culture.

About Our Opportunity

As a Labour Standards Officer 1-2, you will support the work of the Labour Standards Division by responding − in a manner that promotes understanding and compliance − to telephone and email inquiries regarding the application of the Labour Standards Code and regulations.  Using your knowledge of labour standards and settlement skills, you will help resolve disputes between employers and employees. As well, you will investigate matters under the Labour Standards Code and issue formal decisions when necessary.

Primary Accountabilities

• Provide clear, accurate and consistent information to employers, workers, recruiters, and the public about labour standards
• Effectively manage a demanding caseload of complaint files ensuring service targets are met
• Facilitate settlement of disputes using conflict resolution and mediation skills
• Conduct investigations in an impartial, fair and timely manner
• Make findings of fact and legal findings and issue written reasoned decisions
• Enforce decisions through collection activity when necessary
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role you have a bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be acceptable. You have demonstrated experience applying legislation/regulations/policy. You have good interpersonal and communication skills and a proven ability to explain complex information in a way that people can easily understand.  You have experience dealing with frustrated and upset individuals and can deescalate situations by seeking to understand others’ perspectives, showing empathy, and remaining calm and respectful.   You clearly demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

You have proven critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as experience conducting research, assessing information, and making conclusions, and doing written analytical work.  You are conscientious about — and accurate with — your work and have well developed time management and organizational skills to effectively manage competing priorities in a busy work environment. You are comfortable using Microsoft applications including Excel and Outlook and use these tools to help you work more efficiently.

You consistently maintain a respectful, professional, and courteous manner with colleagues and clients.  You are flexible and adaptable and demonstrate a willingness to take on any task required to help the team provide timely quality service to the public.

Assets for this role include:

• Experience applying policies/legislation/regulations
• As well as being fluent in English, you are fluent in other languages such as Spanish, Mandarin, Korean or French.
  
  

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

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

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day
• May be required to work overtime on occasion
  
  

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
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.