Learning Disabilities Consultant (Education Officer 3)

About Us

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) is leading the transformation of the early years and public education system in Nova Scotia. We are doing this by designing an innovative curriculum, facilitating excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring an inclusive education experience, and working closely with our partners in education. This will provide children, students, and families with a strong foundation for success. This department is a perfect fit for those who want to be part of the future of public education in the province by supporting student learning in a progressive and responsive policy environment.

The Student Services and Equity Branch is dedicated to collaborating across the Department to build a Nova Scotian educational system that is inclusive, equitable, culturally responsive and a safe learning environment for all learners.

About Our Opportunity

As the Learning Disabilities (LD) Consultant, you will be reporting to the Director of Student Services, and will provide leadership, facilitate professional learning opportunities development, and the administration of the Department’s student services policies, programs and initiatives in the public-school system. As the LD Consultant you will assist in the implementation and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the Department’s policies and programs in relation to student services and work closely with Regional Centres for Education/Conseil scolaire acadien provincial staff, interdepartmental, and inter-agency partners in the identification, development, implementation and evaluation of programs, initiatives and resources. In this role as the Learning Disabilities Consultant, you will focus on improving the well-being and achievement outcomes for students with learning disabilities by supporting Regional Centres for Education/Conseil scolaire acadien provincial in the implementation of evidence-informed, effective practices, including assistive technology and professional learning opportunities.

As the LD Consultant, your work will also be focused on the implementation of related actions under the Inclusive Education Policy and other related policies, guidelines, strategies and services. In this role as the Consultant you will collaborate with other government departments and agencies, educational organizations, associations and advocacy groups to ensure high-quality and effective student services related to learning disabilities and other special needs in the public school system across Nova Scotia.

Primary Accountabilities

The Consultant will work directly with Regional Centres for Education and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial and with internal and external stakeholders such as other government departments, authorities, agencies, post-secondary institutions, professional associations, and nongovernment organizations and is responsible for:

• collaborating, leading, and managing professional learning and support for education entities for the implementation of inclusive policies, programs, and resource supports for all learners.
• supporting all teachers and support staff in an inclusive education system to improve student achievement and well-being.
• analysing data in relation to student achievement and well-being and designing, implementing, and monitoring responsive supports to inform and guide decision making.
• guiding, leading, and managing processes for supporting P-12 education system.
• researching, implementing, and evaluating programs, services, curriculum, and professional learning opportunities.
• supporting and ensuring that policies, programs, services, and curriculum are current, evidence-informed, and developmentally appropriate; and monitors for continuous improvement.
• playing a key role in advising and providing expertise to support the NS public school program and services based on evidence-informed practices as well as research into current population-level indicators and outcomes in achievement and well-being for all students.
• actively leading and participating in strengthening student outcomes by building partnerships, relationships, and integrated services delivery across government, agencies, and communities, as appropriate.
• representing the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development on committees with stakeholders to establish policies and protocols in relation to programs, services, and related legislation.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate, you will have a Masters Degree in Education plus eight years related experience, preferably with a focus on Educational Psychology or Special Education or equivalent, or an equivalent Teacher Certification plus eight years related experience, including experience in developing and carrying out professional development, programs, services and initiatives to enhance student success. Experience is required in working with teachers and school board staff in the public school system in the areas of human rights education, cultural proficiency and culturally responsive teaching. 

The successful candidate will possess strong knowledge and expertise in the areas of student success planning, effective classroom instruction and assessment practices, and the Bachelor of Education Programs in Nova Scotia.  The candidate will also have demonstrated successful experience in project management and working with data to inform next steps.

The consultant is proficient in using computer applications (Microsoft Office programs, Internet, virtual meeting platforms). Above average organizational and time management skills are essential, as are excellent interpersonal skills, facilitation skills, and team-building skills.  Proven ability to manage constructive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders and the ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgement is required. The consultant will be required to work independently and in team environments applying the concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion to all areas of the work, and will support colleagues to do the same. Bilingualism in English and French would be an asset. 

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.

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 for Nova Scotians.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.