Program Admin Officer 1-2 (Program Coordinator ILA/Restitution)

About Us

The Maintenance Enforcement and Victim Services Division of the Department of Justice helps facilitate court ordered child and spousal support and offers a range of services to help victims of crime.

Within Victim Services promote victims’ rights and interests and advise government on issues relating to victims of crime; and work with justice partners and the community to develop policies and programs that address the needs of crime victims. We can help provide the victim, spouse, or relative, with information, support and assistance as their case moves through the criminal justice system. When criminal charges are laid, victims and family members can contact us directly for help. We provide a range of services including the following programs: Provincial Victim Services Program, Child Victim/Witness Program, Criminal Injuries Counselling Program, Victim Impact Statement Program, Restitution Program, Sexual Offense Legal Representation Program, and Independent Legal Advice (ILA) Program.

For more information on the Department of Justice Victim Services please visit the following link: https://novascotia.ca/just/Victim_Services/
 

About Our Opportunity

As the Restitution / Independent Legal Advice Coordinator, you support the development of the provincial Restitution Payment and Independent Legal Advice Program. These programs increase support for victims of crime through the provision of information, assistance and referrals.  In this role, you ensure restitution is requested in all appropriate cases, with enforcement being carried out where possible. You will also assist in delivering and administrating the Independent Legal Advice program.  This position reports to the Manager of Special Initiatives and will coordinate contact with the Department of Justice Restitution and Independent Legal Advice Committees, which includes membership from senior members of the Public Prosecution Service, Public Safety, Court Services, Corrections, Community Partners, and Policy Planning & Research Divisions.

Primary Accountabilities

• establish, implement, and coordinate a Provincial Restitution Payment Program.
• utilize electronic reporting to oversee all Court orders involving restitution to victims.
• ensure accurate and timely data collection and reporting. 
• coordinate research relating to restitution using internet and academic sources, as well as cross-jurisdictional review and consultation.  This research is used to develop best practices for enforcing restitution orders and increasing payment. 
• identify and organize program specific training and continuing education.
• preparation and delivery of public presentations.
• provide effective advice concerns raised by victims and offenders.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you have a Bachelors degree in a relevant discipline and one year of related experience. Related experience includes experience in program development and client case management, along with demonstrated experience interpreting and applying legislation, guidelines, policy and program directives. An acceptable equivalent of training and experience may be accepted. 

Your provide creative, ethical and workable solutions to politically sensitive issues in specific policy and program areas will be required.  This includes recommending strategies to improve the departments response to issues, research or program operation, and how to implement strategies that maintain or improve operational efficiency. You also exercise a high level of confidentiality in dealing with sensitive and private information of victims, offenders and government. 

Your previous experience working with victims of crime, the criminal justice system and government is an asset.  Knowledge of computer software such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and JEIN would also be an asset.

We will assess the above qualifications 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 in a related field
• Two year diploma and three years of related work experience
• Five years of related experience without any post secondary education
   

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

Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day

May be required to work overtime on occasion

Stress level may be higher than normal due to the nature of the work and type of confidential information exposed to, often dealing with difficult situations, persons under considerable stress, and experiencing traumatic events

Additional Information

This is a Term employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2026. 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. 
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.