Supervisor, Access and Privacy

About Us

At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support Program(DSP).

Through our services, we advocate and help vulnerable Nova Scotians be independent, self-reliant, and secure.  We work collaboratively across the province with a strong dedicated network of supports and staff, to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.

About Our Opportunity

We’re hiring for a Supervisor, Access and Privacy, to join our team. Reporting to the Manager, Information Services and Privacy, the Supervisor will have a key role in overseeing and managing all ongoing activities related to access to information requests and privacy under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Act. This position requires strong leadership skills, a thorough understanding of FOIPOP legislation, and a commitment to ensuring compliance and transparency in all information handling practices. The Supervisor will take a client centred approach in their work with both internal and external stakeholders. This position will work closely with the Information, Access and Privacy division at Service Nova Scotia (SNS).

Primary Accountabilities

As the Supervisor, you will be leading Access to information and Privacy (IAP) activities, ensuring that our team handles access to information requests with efficiency and consistency. You will collaborate closely with the Manager, Information Services and Privacy, negotiate and build consensus across program areas within OSD, and strive to harmonize conflicting priorities and uphold the department’s commitments under the FOIPOP Act. In addition you:

• Will proactively identify and address issues in the access to information process, identifying risks and devising mitigation strategies to safeguard the integrity the disclosed information.
• Meticulously review of all proposed responses to access to information requests by balancing the applicant’s right to information while maintaining the privacy rights of others.
• Engage with senior leadership and departmental staff within OSD; IAP Administrators and team leads at IAP Services, and other third parties, you will play a crucial role in the FOIPOP process.
• Assist in the creation and administration of departmental policies and procedures related to access and privacy, setting a standard of excellence.
• Negotiating priorities with program areas, offering expert guidance on FOIPOP legislation, and fostering a culture of excellence, diversity, and engagement.
• Provide strategic direction and training on access to information and privacy legislation, offering expert advice, guidance, and timely responses to inquiries and correspondence.
• Supervise the Access and Privacy Coordinator, effectively balancing workloads and nurturing the team's development through coaching and mentorship.
• Collaborate with the Manager, Information Services and Privacy, to ensure that our actions align with strategic goals, addressing operational issues and managing risks proactively.

Qualifications and Experience

This role is ideal for a strategic thinker with a passion for access to information and privacy, ready to lead and inspire a dedicated team. Your qualifications include a Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in a relevant field, along with at least three years of direct experience in access to information and/or legislative interpretation. 

Additional key qualities of yours include:

• Legislative Expertise: Interpret and apply the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and other relevant laws.
• Resilience Under Pressure: Thrive in high-stress situations, exercising sound judgment and decision-making.
• Analytical and Critical Thinking: Develop practical solutions to complex issues, ensuring compliance with the FOIPOP Act.
• Team Player: Work independently and collaboratively, valuing diverse perspectives.
• Research and Synthesis: Analyse and integrate information to create reports, guidelines, and presentations on access and privacy issues.
• Consultation and Negotiation: Work with multidisciplinary teams to meet departmental obligations under the Act.
• Relationship Building: Establish effective partnerships within DCS, IAP Services, and beyond. Achieve consensus and communicate effectively to challenge and improve existing processes.
• Time Management: Meet deadlines with exemplary organizational skills.
• Diplomacy and Confidentiality: Handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion.
• Ethical Commitment: Demonstrate excellent judgment and a strong adherence to ethical standards.

Assets include

• Supervisor experience
• Certification in information privacy or records management.

LEADS

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 behaviors and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains include Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS 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.

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. 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

You’ll work in a comfortable office environment, with the need for both desk and table space when reviewing large volumes of records. While the role involves sitting comfortably with frequent opportunities to move around, it may occasionally require handling large volumes of records. The position demands a significant amount of reading, research, and the articulation of positions in response to FOIPOP inquiries, including providing detailed responses and reports. Extensive research is often necessary, particularly in complex and sensitive cases, requiring a thorough understanding of FOIPOP legislation and related laws.

Additional Information

This is a full-time position based onsite in Halifax, with a standard 35-hour work week (7 hours per day). While the regular schedule follows typical business hours, occasional overtime may be required to meet deadlines.  

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
• Option for Earned Days Off (EDOs)