Provincial Adjudicator (Deputy Superintendent) (Term)

About Us

The Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice is responsible for the administration and operation of community and custody-based programs and services for adults and young persons. Within the Correctional Services core business area there are two programs: community corrections & correctional facilities. Each of these program areas is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the programs target group. 

Community Corrections has 22 offices across the province from Yarmouth to Sydney and is responsible for the supervision of both adult and young persons serving community-based sentences. The sentences include probation, conditional sentence, custody and supervision, conditional supervision and Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision. Probation officers also supervise those released from custody on conditional releases and prepare pre-sentence investigations to assist the Courts in the sentencing process. Evidence based Program facilitation and supports to specialized courts in areas of domestic violence, mental health and wellness are also part of the role of a Probation Officer as well as Restorative Justice casework and collaboration with community justice agencies. 

Four (4) adult correctional facilities and one (1) youth centre provide the safety and security of person in custody while providing programs that address dynamic criminogenic factors to assist with their successful, reintegration back into the community. 

Nova Scotia Correctional Services utilizes an evidence-based approach in both Community Corrections and custodial facilities. Core Correctional Practices (CCP) is the foundational practice that drives  reintegration and rehabilitation practices deployed within Correctional Services. Utilizing CCP, Correctional Services staff can effectively interact, manage behavior, and help facilitate change, within target populations. 
 

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Superintendent, the Provincial Adjudicator is responsible for province-wide adjudication of persons in custody disciplinary infractions, determining responsible or not responsible, and assessing appropriate penalties or sanctions. The incumbent will adjudicate approximately 3800 cases or 15 per day for adult correctional facilities: predominantly (50%) from the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The position may also provide coverage at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre.  Hearings will be conducted remotely from the region you work in by video conference, although the incumbent will be required to conduct hearing in person on a bi-annual basis.  The incumbent will follow the requirements of the Correctional Services Act (CSA) and Regulations pursuant to the CSA Adjudications proceedings will employ principles of natural justice and administrative fairness that have been developed historically by case law.  It is important for the Provincial Adjudicator to establish independence from day-to-day operations where subjectivity or direct involvement could create actual or reasonable apprehension of bias.

The incumbent will also recommend, revise and/or develop related policy and procedures (P&P); prepare implementation plans for revised or new P&P and will conduct audit disciplinary processes to confirm compliance with P&P.

Qualifications and Experience

A University Degree in a related field and several years of experience in a Correctional facility at the management level is required. An acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience, such as work as a Senior Probation Officer, in the Policing or Courts fields or in other areas of Corrections or Criminal Justice may be considered.

Knowledge of facility operations, including safety/security, case management, adjudications, crisis management, human resource management and quality assurance and risk management would be an asset. Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Corrections Act, the Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Workers’ Compensation Act and the OH&S Act, and the ability to interpret Collective Agreements would be an asset.

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  for more information.

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.

Candidates who have successfully completed the initial interview will be issued a pre-employment questionnaire. If you are called for the next phase, the pre-employment interview, you will be asked to submit the completed questionnaire in advance. The questionnaire focuses on honesty and integrity and candidates must answer all questions accurately and truthfully. Dishonesty or non-disclosure will result in elimination of the candidate's application.

Candidates will also be asked to provide a copy of a valid driver’s license, a driver’s abstract, and proof of all stated education and training. Candidates are also asked to submit results from a vulnerable sector check with fingerprinting and a child abuse registry check.
 

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status, 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

Majority of time is spent in a comfortable office setting.

May be required to work overtime.

There may be occasional travel required.
 

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of September 4, 2027.

Candidates selected for an interview will be issued a pre-employment questionnaire. If contacted for the next phase of the process, you will be asked to bring the completed questionnaire with you. The questionnaire focuses on honesty and integrity and candidates must answer all questions accurately and truthfully. Dishonesty or non-disclosure will result in the elimination of the candidate's application.  

Candidates who reach the final stage of the process will be asked to provide a copy of a valid driver's license, a driver's abstract, and proof of all stated education and training. Candidates are also asked to submit results from a vulnerable sector check and child abuse registry check.
 

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
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus