Policy Analyst - Income Assistance

About Us

At the Department of Community Services (DCS), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support & Income Assistance (ESIA), 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

As a Policy Analyst in Income Assistance, you will play an important role in shaping the future of the Employment Support Income Assistance (ESIA) program. Your quantitative analysis will directly influence policy development and program decisions, contributing to the planning and design of effective service delivery. This is an exciting chance to be part of a collaborative team, offering innovative solutions to support individuals in need while informing key changes in our programs. 

You'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects, including new information management systems and online applications, as well as participate in a research think tank to analyze trends in income assistance and welfare across Canada. 

If you are a problem solver with an eagerness to utilize your data-driven insights to shape the future of Income Assistance programs in Nova Scotia, we encourage you to apply!
 

Primary Accountabilities

As a Policy Analyst with Income Assistance, your direction, support and problem-solving approach will influence department’s program and services. You will collaborate closely with your policy analyst colleagues and will perform critical analysis of significant trends within the ESIA program and will identify changes & challenges that inform policy development.

You will work closely with senior level representatives, federal departments and other provincial/territorial governments on policy issues and development. As a key contributor to the development of policy standards, some of your accountabilities will include:
 

• conducting thorough research and providing actionable recommendations to support program and policy initiatives.
• consulting with key stakeholder’s groups to ensure sound policy development and manage broad range of department-wide policy initiatives. 
• conducting environmental scans and researching best practices on policy initiatives in other jurisdictions to stay informed about current issues, emerging trends and new policies impacting work. 
• ensuring compliance with legislation and established program standards, while keeping updated on trends.  
• coordinating the provincial ESIA supervisor meetings, facilitating agenda setting and follow-up on action items.
• participating in special projects and initiatives, contributing to impactful outcomes in income assistance.
• co-developing Core Training Modules, preparing essential communication materials such as briefing notes, presentations and annual reports, while ensuring quality control.
   

Qualifications and Experience

You possess a Bachelor's degree in a related field (such as Business Administration, Policy, Law) with several years of related experience including (but not limited to): policy development, implementation and evaluation of policies, data analysis, interpreting complex data and legal information, understanding of budgets and internal processes, conducting research and developing communication plans and briefing notes for executive releases.

An equivalent combination of direct and relevant experience and training will also be considered.

You must also demonstrate the following competencies/capabilities:

• A passion of working with numbers, data analysis (ensuring accuracy), report writing and written communication, contributing to the advancement of income assistance initiatives.
• Strong collaboration skills to work with various government departments and jurisdictions to develop comprehensive policy solutions. 
• High level of problem-solving skills, to analyze complex cases, break down complex problems and assess data to derive meaningful insights.
• Effective interactive communication and the ability to gather & deliver information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• A focus on continuous improvement and an ability to navigate changing priorities and evolving policy landscapes with resilience.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, enabling you to foster collaborations/positive relationships and working effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking to proactively identify issues and propose innovative solutions to enhance program effectiveness.
• An understanding and experience of change management and an ability to adapt to change, to improve performance and service delivery. 
• Ability to make good judgements and make sound decisions within a complex multi-system environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office, as well as the ability to create presentations for executive audiences.
   

Assets

Following are the assets for this role:

• Experience with ESIA program including ESIA regulations, policies, and program standards within the province
• Experience working or partnering with other provincial/federal government departments.
• Experience with Memorandums to Executive Council (MEC) and Reports and Recommendations (RR). 
• Experience working with a case management software. 

Please ensure your application demonstrates how you meet the required qualifications and experiences outlined for this position (if you also have any of the assets listed above, please include that in your resume/cover letter).

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests/assessments, presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.
 

LEADS

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 behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information.
 

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: 
 

• A related Master's degree with a few of years of related policy experience (as listed above)

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

Work is primarily within a comfortable office environment. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. Due to the multiple spheres of action and scope of responsibilities that this position requires, there is significant mental pressure, requiring your resilience. Your ability to work independently and under pressure is necessary as there is sustained pressure from deadlines and conflicting demands.
 

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