Manager Out Of Province/Out Of Country

About Us

The Department of Health and Wellness offers opportunities to grow and advance in a dynamic sector that touches the lives of all Nova Scotians. Along with our partners, including the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre, we’re committed to continually improving our health care system. With a focus on collaborative primary health care, improved supports for mental health and addictions, digital health, capital infrastructure, and more, the department is thinking differently about how to plan, fund, legislate and monitor to improve access and service delivery. To do this, we need leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference.

About Our Opportunity

The Department of Health and Wellness is seeking a seasoned and strategic leader to serve as Manager, Out-of-Province/Out-of-Country (OOP/OOC) Programs. This role is responsible for the oversight and ongoing improvement of key referral and reimbursement programs that support Nova Scotians in accessing essential healthcare services outside the province or country. This includes ensuring policy alignment, program integrity, and responsive, equitable access to care.

Reporting to the Director of Benefit Eligibility Programs, you will lead a small team dedicated to the administration of the OOP/OOC program, manage relationships with external partners such as Medavie and Nova Scotia Health, and ensure the delivery of efficient, accountable, and policy-compliant services. Your leadership will guide the operational and financial administration of the program, while also playing a key role in strategic and policy development.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role, you will oversee the daily operations of the OOP/OOC program and manage the referral and reimbursement process for residents receiving out-of-province or out-of-country care. You will ensure that operational practices reflect legislation, departmental priorities, and the public interest. You will make informed, case-by-case decisions and provide policy interpretations that uphold program consistency and fairness.

You will be responsible for leading a team of unionized staff, providing guidance, setting performance expectations, delivering regular feedback, and managing labour relations, including participation in grievance processes. Promoting a respectful, inclusive, and high-performing work culture is a key priority of this role.

Budget oversight is a significant component of this position. You will manage program expenditures, monitor transactions, and ensure compliance with financial policies, procurement rules, and forecasting requirements. You will identify financial risks and develop mitigation strategies that ensure efficient and accountable use of public resources.

You will also lead efforts to develop and implement a SharePoint-based data management and evaluation system to track referrals, monitor outcomes, and support performance reporting. Data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement, and stakeholder collaboration will be key to the success of this role.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a degree or diploma in Public Administration, Health Administration, Business Administration, or a related field plus significant years of progressive experience in program delivery and administration, preferably within a government or public sector environment. A strong understanding of government-funded healthcare programs and public policy is essential, along with proficiency in strategic planning, operational management, and policy development. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required, as well as the ability to build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. The candidate should have proven experience in managing financial transactions, budgets, and procurement processes, and possess knowledge of quality assurance, compliance, and risk management practices. Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills are crucial, along with familiarity with human resources best practices in a unionized setting. Experience using data management and program evaluation tools, including SharePoint or similar platforms, is also necessary. Leadership capabilities with a demonstrated commitment to fostering a respectful, diverse, and healthy workplace are highly valued.  Experience working with the LEADS in a Caring Environment leadership framework is an asset.      

The candidate should have experience in developing and implementing operational procedures and service standards. Proven success in managing program budgets and resolving issues that impact financial projections is essential. A demonstrated track record in supervising staff, setting performance goals, and leading performance evaluations is required. Experience working with collective agreements, including participation in grievance processes, is important. The candidate should have a strong background in policy analysis, case review, and administrative decision-making. Experience in designing and implementing digital data systems or tools to improve service delivery and reporting is necessary. Project management experience in delivering small- to mid-scale initiatives within a structured plan is required. Familiarity with public sector governance, legislation, and the delivery of healthcare access programs is also essential.        

We will assess the above qualifications and capabilities using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interviews, and reference checks.

Equivalency

Include, but not limited to:

Relevant combinations of education, training, and work experience that demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.

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

• 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.