Outreach and Compliance Officer (Research & Stat Officer 2)

About Us

The Labour Standards Division is responsible for the Labour Standards Code (the Code) and related regulations, which establish the basic rights and responsibilities of provincially regulated employers and workers in Nova Scotia.  The legislation provides a dispute resolution mechanism and enforcement tools for addressing complaints under the Code and establishes licensing and registration requirements in relation to the recruitment and hiring of foreign workers.

We help people understand and comply with our legislation and provide a timely, fair, and responsive system for resolving Labour Standards complaints and processing recruiter licence and employer registration applications.

Our work can be challenging and often deals with people in difficult situations − we strive to create a safe, supportive, welcoming, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture.
 

About Our Opportunity

You will play an important role in the compliance and enforcement activities of the division, particularly as they relate to the foreign worker program.  Using a variety of tools, you will work directly with employers and recruiters to enhance their understanding of and compliance with the legislation.  You will contribute to the development and implementation of effective compliance strategies and process guidelines.

This position reports to the Manager, Foreign Worker Program.
 

Primary Accountabilities

In this role you will:

• Inspect employment and recruitment records to assess whether employers and licensed recruiters are complying with the legislation and prepare reports setting out inspection results.
• Enforce the Labour Standards Code and regulations by issuing orders to comply with the legislation when necessary.
• Conduct research, collect and analyze data, and prepare reports with recommendations in relation to the division’s foreign worker program activities.
• Facilitate early resolution of Labour Standards complaints.
• Assist with the recruiter licence and employer registration process.
• Assist with phone and email inquiries, ensuring clear, accurate and consistent information is provided about the application of the legislation.
• Deliver presentations to diverse groups.
   

Qualifications and Experience

You have a Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years related experience, or a Master’s degree plus 1 year related experience. 

You understand the unique vulnerability of foreign workers.

You have strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to build positive, productive relationships with others.  You are flexible and adaptable and take initiative to support the team in meeting its objectives.

You can explain complex information in a way that people can easily understand.  You have experience dealing with frustrated and upset individuals and are skilled at deescalating situations.  

You have excellent writing skills and proven critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You understand quantitative and qualitative research and have experience collecting and analyzing data.  You are conscientious about — and accurate with — your work. 

You have effective organizational and time management skills. You are comfortable using Microsoft applications including Excel and Outlook and use these tools to help you work more efficiently.

You demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. You consistently maintain a respectful, professional, and courteous manner with colleagues and clients.

Assets for this role include:

• In addition to English, you are fluent (verbal and written) in other languages such as Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi, Mandarin or Korean.
• Project management experience.
• Experience applying policy and/or legislation and regulations.
   

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.
 

Working Conditions

• This position will be required to travel to conduct inspections and do presentations.
• A valid driver’s licence and the ability to travel within the province is required.
   

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of March 31, 2026.  The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

You are encouraged to submit a cover letter with your application.  Failure to do so may result in your application being screened out.
 

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
• Department specific flexible working schedules