Manager - Health Services Navigation

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 continual improvements within the Health System, the department is thinking differently about how to plan, fund, legislate and monitor to improve access and service delivery.

DHW is responsible for setting standards, developing policies, funding, and regulatory oversight for health services navigation, including the Centralized Navigation/811 service and Virtual Care. 

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Emergency Care and Health System Navigation, the Manager, Health Services Navigation is responsible for the management, coordination, and continuous improvement of assigned Health System Navigation programs—primarily the expanding Centralized Navigation / 811 Service and related initiatives such as Virtual Care. The Manager will provide leadership, subject matter expertise, oversee program delivery and quality improvement processes, support program planning, and ensure services are delivered in alignment with departmental policies, applicable legislation, contracts, and operational standards.

The Manager builds and maintains strong working relationships with program operators, partners, and internal stakeholders to support effective service delivery. This role contributes to departmental planning by providing evidence informed analysis, operational insights, and recommendations.

Primary Accountabilities

The key responsibilities of this role include:

• Program Management & Operational Oversight - Oversee day to day implementation, coordination, and monitoring of the Centralized Navigation / 811 Service and related navigation support programs. Develops and maintains knowledge of current best practices and evidence and applies this to support program and strategic planning.

• Quality Improvement & Risk Monitoring - Support the development and application of quality management processes related to assigned programs. Identify emerging risks or service gaps and recommend mitigation strategies within defined authority.

• Partner Coordination - Maintain effective working relationships with contracted operators, DHW branches, NSHA/IWK teams, and other health and social system partners. Support cross government and cross sector collaboration by contributing program expertise and operational insight.

• Policy, Contract & Compliance Support - Interpret and apply relevant legislation, regulations, and departmental policies in the context of daily program operations. Provide input into policy, contract, or program changes. Support contract monitoring activities, including reviewing deliverables and participating in performance discussions with vendors.

• Budget & Resource Monitoring - Track program expenditures, monitor variances, and prepare financial information for senior leadership. Support annual budget planning by providing operational data and justifications. Assist with procurement activities.

• Reporting & Analysis - Prepare clear, evidence informed operational reports, briefing materials, business cases, and presentations. Conduct jurisdictional scans, literature reviews, and data analysis related to program operations and provide recommendations.

• Team Leadership & Oversight - Provide functional guidance, mentorship, and coaching to indirect reports, project staff, consultants, or students supporting program activities. Contribute to effective teamwork and foster a positive and inclusive workplace. 
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study and several years progressive management experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

As the successful candidate you have:

• Demonstrated experience working in the health system, provincial government or related field.  

• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships with internal and external partners with very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.

• Demonstrated ability to understand data and evidence and lead strategy and planning.

• Experience in contract management and budgeting. 

• Strong computer skills, including competency in Microsoft Office products.

• Superior organizational and time management skills with demonstrated decisiveness, ability to manage competing priorities with tight and conflicting deadlines.

• A Master's degree is an asset.

Leadership competencies required at this level of work are: 

• Decisiveness

• Strategic Orientation

• Developing Others

• Team Leadership

• Self-Awareness and Personal Impact

• Effective Interactive Communication

• Partnering and Relationship Building, and 

• Intercultural and Diversity Proficiency.
  
  

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

Include, but not limited to Masters Degree plus several years experience. 

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

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

• May be required to work overtime on occasion
• Typically located in comfortable office environment; however, work environment may occasionally include manufacturing, fleet and other facilities, long distance travel via road vehicles and airplanes
• Regularly reads and interprets multiple sources of information, regular requirement to type, read and work on a computer
  
  

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of March 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.
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.