Manager, Employment Support Services

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

The Manager, Employment Support Services (ESS), plays a lead role in the development, planning, interpretation, and application of effective policies for the coordinated delivery of ESS programs across the province. To support the Director of ESS in their focus on strategy and achieving program excellence, the Manager role provides critical leadership, direction and support to community service providers, local service delivery teams and the ESS Program team in the effective delivery of employment programming. Leading two (2) direct reports, the position ensures the timely development, execution and evaluation of contracts, service delivery tools, policy and new projects in support of divisional and departmental priorities.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Manager, ESS, you will work collaboratively with senior leadership in and across government departments to support the advancement of the Employment Support Services program development and policy implementation. You will achieve this through:
 

• Developing, formulating, and administering effective and efficient Employment Support and Income Assistance (ESIA) policy, regulations, program standards and procedures, including making recommendations for improvement and identifying gaps in services.
   
• Initiating, planning, developing, communicating, and managing a wide range of projects, employment-related initiatives, programs and services.
   
• Representing the Department and division locally and provincially while consulting with key partners to ensure sound policy development and alignment with government objectives and priorities.
   
• Providing leadership within the division in the achievement of the short- and long-term objectives of the department.
   
• Providing expert advice to senior leaders and various working committees by preparing, coordinating and assuring quality control for a variety of briefing materials, reports and presentations.
   
• Leading the division's accountability requirements, conducting reviews and monitoring ongoing results of policy, program standards and program outcomes.
   
• Ensuring the effective monitoring of financial resources to understand budget utilization or reallocation, the coordination of incoming requests for additional resources, monitoring expenditures and adhering to procurement guidelines.
   
• Supporting human resources oversight by implementing regular staff performance planning for two (2) direct reports, promoting diversity and a healthy workplace, demonstrating leadership competencies and promoting teamwork and individual development.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in policy, program, and research combined with several years of related experience in the design and development of policies and programs.

You must have a sound understanding of the diverse and basic needs of clients and their families, as well as the impact of program / policy development on the lives and futures of many households and individuals in need of basic support, as well as employability support services.

Strong organizational and research skills are essential. You are analytical and can identify opportunities, determine program requirements, evaluate alternatives, and provide sound recommendations to senior leadership. You must have excellent communication and presentation skills, along with excellent project management abilities. You promote positive teamwork and a collaborative atmosphere where an inclusion and diversity lens, including an Africentric lens, is applied to the development and management of strategies, policies, standards, and program design.

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviors and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains include Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS for more information.

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:

• several years of related experience in the design and development of policies and programs.

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 in a comfortable office environment, and you may be required to travel throughout the province. There is a need for you to balance competing priorities and meet strict deadlines.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of June 5 2026. 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