Manager, Homelessness Programs (Designated)

Designation Status

This opportunity is designated to applicants that identify as Indigenous Person, African/Black Nova Scotian and other Racialized Persons.

See the Nova Scotia Government’s Employment Equity Policy for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.

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), Supportive Housing and Homelessness, and the 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

Reporting to the Director of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, the Manager of Homelessness Programs will be responsible for the design, delivery, evaluation, and monitoring of programs and services to work with individuals and families at risk/or experiencing homelessness including preventative programming.  The Manager of Homelessness Programs will develop and maintain working relationships with service providers, community partners and colleagues across government to advance this work.

You will have the opportunity to work with diverse partners outside of OSD; working with other government departments, programs, and operational units to provide program support and expertise to enhance the Departments objectives and outcomes.

As Manager of Homelessness Programs, you will have a significant impact on supporting vulnerable Nova Scotians. Through your leadership, you’ll aspire to shape the future of the population served through our many programs.

Primary Accountabilities

Primary Accountabilities

You will make impacts to the Homelessness and Supportive Housing sector by:

• Managing and delivering strategic plans and communications regarding supportive housing initiatives
• Identifying and designing programs to enhance future direction of programs and policies
• Consulting and collaborating with your team along with various internal, external and community stakeholders
• Reviewing and recommending improvements to existing processes, programs and systems
• Ensuring the effective management of human and financial resources
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a related bachelor’s or master’s degree combined with several years professional experience that evidences an understanding of the challenges, barriers and opportunities facing Nova Scotians experiencing homelessness and housing challenges.

Furthermore, you demonstrate knowledge of provincial and federal programs, and data related to this sector.

A few of your key qualities include:

• Information seeking and innovation as you seek new ways to support vulnerable Nova Scotians, address barriers, and enhance programs.
• Inspiring and challenging others to be creative, innovative, and collaborative.
• Ensuring an inclusion and diversity lens in the development and management of all strategies, policies, standards, and program design
• Experience collaborating with a wide variety of partners, including (but not limited to) non-profit or community-based organizations and government agencies.
• Analytical skills
• Strong communication

Previous work or lived experience related to housing instability or homelessness is 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

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application. 

Benefits

Based on the employment status 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. Excellent people skills and personal resilience are essential to succeed in this highly collaborative, human centred environment. Your decisions have a significant impact on the safety and well-being of many, requiring your ability to balance conflicting views with multiple stakeholders.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2028.  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