Summer Student - Victim Services

About Us

The Maintenance Enforcement and Victim Services Division of the Department of Justice is responsible for providing support to victims of crime, including their families and children, including assistance with benefits owed to them through a maintenance support order and ensuring that there is improved access to these critical programs for vulnerable groups who need them. 

We offer a range of services to help victims of crime, 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 the following programs: Provincial Victim Services Program, Child Victim/Witness Program, Criminal Injuries Counselling Program, Victim Impact Statement Program, Restitution Program, and the Sexual Offense Legal Representation 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 Student Program Coordinator, you will have the opportunity to gain relevant experience in the coordination/administration of programs/project processes and/or activities that require innovative approaches, that have an impact on multiple functions and/or overall business results with the division or department.  Duties may include promotion, interpretation of a variety of programs, assessment of applications, monitoring of client files and program status, promoting and/or provision of information related to program management. Program areas supported includes the Criminal Injuries Counselling Program, Occupational Health and Safety Counselling, Restitution, Independent Legal Advice for Adult Survivors of Sexual Assault, and the Victim Impact Statement Travel Fund Project.
 

Primary Accountabilities

• Assist in coordinating projects and initiatives based on program needs.
• Use case management systems and other established management processes, procedures, and protocols. 
• Assist in the review and assessment of applications, preparation, evaluation, and award of counselling grants to clients. 
• Follow existing procedures to support the operation of the programs.
• Coordinate and prepare documentation, communications, and reports for review and approval. 
• Produce accurate reports for others by collecting data from a variety of sources and inputting the data into standardized formats.
• Review program material to ensure all information required, as per policies and standards.
• Track and report status of applicant and client files, projects, and programs. 
• Coordinate Victim Impact Statement Travel Fund agreements; makes travel arrangements if necessary.
• Support internal/external communication in responding to queries and issues from clients and counsellors.
• Other duties as required.
   

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate, you must be enrolled in a full time post-secondary program in a related field (i.e. social sciences, criminology, social work, psychology, or similar) in Nova Scotia. And be returning to full-time studies in the fall of 2024.

You are capable of managing and prioritizing a heavy workload effectively with case management skills.  As well you have strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to undertake delegated tasks and work independently.  

Competency 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.

Experience working with vulnerable populations is considered an asset. Understanding of first-voice, trauma-informed and intersectional service delivery approaches is also considered an asset.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), pre-employment questionnaires and reference checks.
 

Additional Information

This position has an expected end date of August 28, 2024. The duration of the position is anticipated to be 16 weeks.
 

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