Program Coordinator- Independent Legal Advice Program (Program Admin Officer 1-2)

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 Independent Legal Advice Program Coordinator you are responsible for the coordination/administration, interpretation, investigation, promotion, and provision of information of various government sponsored programs throughout the province.  This includes assisting in the delivery and administration of new and existing programs, assisting in the investigation and resolution of complaints, assisting applicants regarding eligibility for existing programs.
 

Primary Accountabilities

Outreach and Education

• Preparation and delivery of public presentations
• Increase awareness of victimization and promote program/services offered
• Identify and organize program specific training and continuing education for program delivery partners

Program and Service Delivery

• Prepare written and statistical program reports on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis
• Administers, promotes, and interprets a variety of new and existing programs
• Assist with preparation of funding proposals and budgets
• Assist in improving processes to support effective program delivery and implementation
• Interview, counsel, and assess applicant eligibility for various government programs
• Advise and mediate complaints related to service for vulnerable victims of crime
• Identifies needs and responds to questions and concerns from program users
• Enforce provisions of various government legislation
• Develop information materials (guides, manuals, etc.) related to program requirements and procedures for both public and internal use
• Identify and collaborate with program partners to ensure efficient coordination of programs
• Collect, update, and assess program feedback for the proposes of program evaluation
   

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate you will have bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least one year of experience in client services in the community, with specialized exposure to the criminal justice and/or counseling fields (or an acceptable equivalent).

You are capable of managing and prioritizing a heavy workload effectively with excellent case management skills.  As well you have strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to undertake delegated tasks and work independently.  The competency you have developed in mediating complaints and proactively identifying and addressing the needs and concerns of the program users will be important in this role.

In addition to your strong communication skills, you will be able to actively listen and understand the unspoken or partly expressed thoughts, feelings, and concerns of others.  You will put to use your experience in working with various stakeholders, including the development of program plans, reviewing and updating programs, and assisting with program evaluation.

Experience working with victims of crime is considered an asset. Understanding of first-voice, trauma-informed and intersectional service delivery approaches is also considered an asset. Previous program coordination experience considered an asset.  Knowledge of applicable government legislation (i.e. Victim’s Rights and Services Act, Criminal Code of Canada, and the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights) is 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

• May be required to work overtime on occasion
• Majority of time is spent in a comfortable office setting with frequent opportunity to move about at will
• Some site visits as required
• Work activities involve the need to concentrate on a variety of sensory inputs for intermediate durations at a time
   

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.