Research and Awareness Officer (Research & Stat Officer 2)

About Us

The Labour Standards Division is responsible for the Labour Standards Code (the Code) and related regulations, which establish the basic rights and responsibilities of provincially regulated employers and workers in Nova Scotia.  The legislation provides a dispute resolution mechanism and enforcement tools for addressing complaints under the Code and establishes licensing and registration requirements in relation to the recruitment of foreign workers for employment in Nova Scotia.

We help people understand and comply with our legislation and provide a timely, fair, and responsive system for resolving Labour Standards complaints and processing recruiter licence and employer registration applications.

Our work can be challenging and often deals with people in difficult situations − we strive to create a safe, supportive, welcoming, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture.

About Our Opportunity

You will be responsible for conducting research and analysis to support the policy, investigation and adjudication work of the division. You will collect and analyze data to support program evaluation and operational planning activities. As well, you will be responsible for outreach and awareness activities to promote an understanding of and compliance with labour standards.

This position reports to the Director. 

Primary Accountabilities

In this role you will:

• Develop and implement data collection tools such as surveys and Excel spreadsheets, analyze data for trends and prepare reports with recommendations to support program evaluation, operational planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct research (e.g. literature reviews, caselaw reviews and jurisdictional scans), develop tools to track the information collected, and prepare clear and concise written materials with analysis that is based on the research.  
• Plan and implement targeted outreach and awareness activities to enhance understanding and compliance with labour standards, and develop accessible awareness content.
• Deliver presentations to diverse groups.
• Facilitate early resolution of labour standards complaints and assist with enforcement activities to recover pay owed to employees under the legislation.
• Assist with phone and email inquiries, ensuring clear, accurate and consistent information is provided in relation to the application of the legislation.  
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

You have a Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years related experience, or a Master’s degree plus 1 year related experience. 

You have excellent writing skills and proven critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You understand quantitative and qualitative research and have relevant experience collecting and analyzing data.  You are conscientious about — and accurate with — your work. 

You have experience relevant to managing projects.  You are self-directed, can work with minimal supervision and have effective organizational and time management skills.

You are comfortable using Microsoft applications including Excel, OneNote and Outlook and use these tools to help you work more efficiently. 

You have strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to build positive, productive relationships with others. You have experience dealing with frustrated and upset individuals and can deescalate situations by seeking to understand others’ perspectives, showing empathy, and remaining calm and respectful.    

You demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. You consistently maintain a respectful, professional, and courteous manner with colleagues and clients. 

You are flexible and adaptable and demonstrate a willingness to take on any task required to help the team provide timely quality service to the public.

Assets for this role include:

• Experience working with legislation and regulations.
• In addition to English, you are fluent (verbal and written) in other languages such as Spanish, French, Arabic, Punjabi, Mandarin or Korean.
  
  

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

1.    This position will be required to travel occasionally to do presentations and engage in other outreach activities
2.    A valid driver’s licence and the ability to travel within the province is required.
 

Additional Information

You are encouraged to submit a cover letter with your application.  Failure to do so may result in your application being screened out.

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