Program Coordinator, Disability Support

Designation Status

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 Services(ESS), Income Assistance (IA), 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 the Disability Support Program Coordinator, you will be responsible for the delivery of project and policy goals and outcomes at a strategic level within the department, and horizontal delivery between other government departments and external stakeholders including service providers and advocacy groups.

With your expertise, you will enhance the effectiveness of our policies as you formulate, implement, and administer new DSP policies and programs related to an expanded array of supports for families who are caring for a child with a disability.

Primary Accountabilities

You will work closely and collaboratively with senior colleagues across the provincial government to support advancements in policy and programming related to DSP. You will support key initiatives and programs including those emanating from the Human Rights Remedy. You will achieve this by:

• developing effective and efficient regulations, policies, programs, standards, procedures
• conducting comprehensive research, analysis, and evaluation of complex policy issues
• facilitating trend analysis and environmental scans to inform strategic decisions
• assisting in the achievement of the short- and long-term objectives of the Department
• providing expert advice to senior leaders and various working committees
• designing, implementing, and communicating related initiatives, programs and services
• representing the Department and the Division locally and provincially
• acting as subject matter expert on related projects

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a related bachelor’s or master’s degree in Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Nutritional Studies. You must be currently registered, or eligible for registration, with your applicable professional association.  You also have experience and an understanding in the design, development, and coordination of policies and programs, a sound understanding of the diverse and basic needs of Nova Scotians, as well as the impact of program/policy development on their lives and futures. 

Delivering this work will require your strong leadership abilities including your experience in risk management, accountability frameworks, and process documentation to ensure factual and evidence-based decisions are made. This position also requires your significant understanding and experience in research methods and key performance indicators.  

You are known as an innovator, creative in your thinking, and are up to date on industry trends and best practices. You are highly analytical and your ability to think strategically and coordinate projects is essential. You must have excellent communications and presentation skills, along with project management skills. You promote a positive teamwork and collaborative atmosphere and ensure an inclusion and diversity lens is applied on the development and management of strategies, policies, standards, program design, and initiatives. 

You must be proficient with Microsoft office suite including Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook (or equivalent). Knowledge of government’s business planning process, as well as an understanding of the challenges, barriers and opportunities facing Nova Scotians with disabilities is an asset. Experience working within the disability sector is considered assets.

Leadership competencies required at this level of work are: Conceptual Thinking, Strategic Orientation, Outcome Focus, Initiative, 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

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application

Salary Information

EC 11 -  

$3,238.10 - $4,047.67 

Benefits

Based on the employment status, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily within a comfortable office. There is occasional travel involved within the Province.

Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. This role does entail a high volume of work which may require longer than normal working hours and some overtime. Your ability to work independently and under pressure is necessary as there is sustained pressure from deadlines and conflicting demands.

Additional Information

This is a term opportunity with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2024. 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