Rent Supplement Program Admin Officer (Program Admin Officer 1-2)

About Us

The Department of Growth & Development drives economic growth and productivity by creating the conditions for communities, businesses and households to thrive. The Department works with key partners to foster a dynamic environment that supports housing innovation and sector development, providing the necessary solutions to grow our population and economy.

The Department is also responsible for ensuring the availability of safe, suitable, and affordable housing for all Nova Scotians. Our work involves making strategic investments, leveraging new funding, and building on critical partnerships to help further position ourselves to meet current and future housing challenges.

About Our Opportunity

The Rent Supplement Program Administration Officer is responsible for administering rent supplement and housing benefit programs that support individuals and families to access and maintain stable housing. Reporting to the Rent Supplement Supervisor, this role involves assessing eligibility, managing benefit adjustments and renewals, and ensuring decisions are accurate, timely, and aligned with legislation, policy, and available budgets.

This role balances detailed administrative work with meaningful client and stakeholder interaction. It requires sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex information while working respectfully with people who may be experiencing housing insecurity or financial stress. Effective case and workload management is central to success in this position.

Primary Accountabilities

Under the general supervision of the Rent Supplement Supervisor, the Rent Supplement Program Administration Officer is responsible for the effective delivery of rent supplement and housing benefit programs. Key responsibilities include:

• Gathering, verifying, and analyzing information to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for housing benefits in accordance with legislation, policies, procedures, and available budgets
• Assigning housing benefits across a range of rent supplement products and managing benefit calculations, abatements, transfers, renewals, and interim adjustments
• Completing new client and landlord set-up, including agreements, system entries, and maintenance of accurate electronic and physical records using the Integrated Case Management (ICM) system
• Managing a caseload of files, including tracking deadlines, requesting income documentation, issuing renewal reminders, and following up to ensure timely decision-making
• Interpreting income documentation and family composition to ensure accurate subsidy and benefit calculations
• Investigating discrepancies, non-declaration of income, or potential fraud, and taking appropriate action in accordance with policy
• Preparing clear, respectful written correspondence for clients and landlords related to eligibility decisions, benefit calculations, rent increases, appeals, and program requirements
• Responding to a wide range of client and landlord enquiries and complaints, escalating complex or unresolved matters to the Supervisor as required

Qualifications and Experience

You bring a combination of education and experience that prepares you to succeed in a structured, client-focused program environment. This includes a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Office Administration, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field, plus at least one (1) year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

You are:

• Experienced in administrative, program, or case management roles involving deadlines and competing priorities
• Comfortable working with clients in situations that may involve sensitive or confidential information
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and confident learning and using electronic case or file management systems
• Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple files and meet established timelines
• Comfortable performing routine mathematical calculations and applying them accurately to determine benefit amounts, adjustments, and overpayments
• Able to exercise tact, discretion, sound judgment, and initiative when responding to inquiries and requests
• A clear and respectful communicator, both written and verbal, who values collaboration and inclusive service delivery
• Open to new ideas and adaptable as program delivery models, processes, and tools continue to evolve.

The following would be considered assets, but are not required:

• Experience working with housing programs, rent supplements, or income-based benefits
• Knowledge of affordable housing systems or housing-related legislation
• Experience using YARDI Property Management, ICM, or similar case or property management software
• Experience working in government, public sector, or community-based service environments 

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

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:

• Completion of a related 2-year diploma and 3 years of related experience, or
• At least five (5) years of related experience.

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

Your typical work week is 35 hours, based on 7-hour workdays. Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with occasional site visits, meetings, or training-related travel. Duties are largely sedentary and involve extended periods of computer use, file review, and data entry. Work includes managing deadlines and responding to client or stakeholder inquiries, some of which may involve heightened emotions or time sensitivity.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of January 31, 2027.  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.