Team Lead, Family Support (Counsellor 3)

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), Supportive Housing and Homelessness, and the 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

Reporting to the Regional Manager of Service Delivery, the Team Lead, Family Support Program is a critical role in ensuring the effective and ongoing delivery of Family Support services. You will supervise a team of family support staff, providing coaching and mentoring to ensure client service excellence.

If you are looking to take the next step in evolving your career, this is your opportunity to inspire an engaged team who are dedicated to building positive connections and everlasting relationships within their communities.

Primary Accountabilities

As Team Lead, you actively coach and monitor team performance, and help develop performance objectives. You will provide direct supervision of staff and:

• Consult, monitor and review case plans and case progression
• Modelling effective practices as well as providing relevant training and guidance to your team
• Providing advice and helping problem solve complex cases
• Engage in program development, team meetings, and strengthen relationships with your team
• Promote an engaging, inclusive, and positive work environment
• Collaborate with fellow Supervisors, clients, families, and staff to ensure the effective delivery of our services and programs
• Support and guide team members through performance conversations, attendance management, and leave approvals, helping to build a supportive and accountable team culture.

You can also expect to assist Regional Service Delivery Managers with developing procedures and activities, monitoring and approving financial requests, and ensuring consistency in the delivery of programs.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a Child & Youth Care Worker diploma from a provincially approved post-secondary institution, along with three (3) years of related experience.

You demonstrate leadership qualities including the ability to motivate and ensure a strong, collaborative, team-working environment. You are knowledgeable in child development, family dynamics and community resources. You must have in-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, guidelines, occupational health and safety practices, and crisis intervention techniques.

Furthermore, you demonstrate:

• Passion for improving supports provided to children and families
• Experience developing and working toward the objects of case plans
• Effective communication skills (oral & written)
• Compassion, reliance, and resourcefulness
• Commitment to diversity and inclusivity
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, or equivalent)

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:

• A related bachelor’s in social science (such as Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or Community Studies) and one (1) year of related experience
• A completed diploma in Disability Supports or Social Services and three (3) years of related experience
• 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 normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. You may be required to work overtime on occasion. Work is performed in a busy office environment with repeated interruptions. Travel is required, as such You must have a valid driver’s licence and the ability to travel.

Your personal resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be immersed in high-stress and crisis situations, with plenty of support and resources accessible to you. You must be able to work under pressure and be personally and professionally committed to working with culturally diverse individuals in an inclusive manner.

Additional Information

This is a TERM opportunity with an anticipated end date of June 15, 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