Workforce Development Coordinator (Program Admin Officer 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), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and the Disability Support Program (DSP).

The Disability Support Program (DSP) is committed to fostering innovative ways to empower individuals with disabilities to pursue their vision of a fulfilling life. We are on a journey to implement international best practices that uphold human rights and choice to enhance the way people engage with their communities. We envision Nova Scotia as a place where people with disabilities can choose the life they want to live, in communities that are welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. A life where individuals can build authentic relationships, explore their interests, and achieve their full potential as valued citizens in their community.

About Our Opportunity

As the Workforce Development Coordinator you will have a role in supporting the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy transformation, a five-year, legally binding agreement to build a more inclusive and equitable disability support system. You will assist with several critical Remedy Workforce projects that directly shape how services are delivered across the province. You’ll manage projects from start to finish, collaborate with third party organizations, post-secondary institutions and other government departments on workforce activities.   

As the coordinator you will be part of the team responsible for implementing the Disability Sector Workforce Strategy.  One of the primary activities include creating a disability sector-wide Competency Framework for front-line and supervisory levels to strengthen our workforce, support sector partners, and improve outcomes for the people we serve.  This work is closely aligned with the Disability Support Program’s efforts to develop allied health services for the sector requiring you to work closely with the Manager of Allied Health to ensure consistency across the sector. 

As part of the strategy implementation, you will project manage training opportunities for the disability sector ranging from professional development workshops to post-secondary credentials (i.e., micro credentials, certificate/diploma programs and master level programs). This will include research, engagement of partners, development and management of contracts, project management and evaluation of results to inform future planning.

Along with training related activities, you will be supporting efforts to deliver on Workplace Safety Initiative commitments made to create safe workplaces in the sector. This will include collaboration with the third-party safety council, AWARE-NS, Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, Labour Skills and Immigration as well Seniors and Long-term Care. 

Primary Accountabilities

In this role, you will:

• Deliver on Remedy Workforce projects by managing planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Lead the design and implementation of a Competency Framework to support professional growth across the sector for frontline disability support workers, specifically residential rehabilitation workers (RRWs) and residential care workers (RCWs).
• Coordinate the delivery of surveys and assessment of survey results to support workforce planning.
• Manage sector-wide training initiatives, ensuring programs meet identified needs and improve service delivery.
• Lead and implement workplace safety initiatives, fostering a safe and supportive environment across the workforce.
• Oversee budgets, contracts, and procurement, monitoring resources and recommending action when adjustments are required.
• Coordinate communications and prepare progress reports for internal and external partners.
• Ensure project management standards and best practices are followed.

Qualifications and Experience

You have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least 5 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Proven experience leading projects involving multiple stakeholders, with strong skills in planning, coordination, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of workforce development, training, or organizational planning.
• Experience managing contracts, budgets, and external partnerships.
• Strong research, analytical, and strategic planning abilities.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear reports and build productive working relationships.

While not required, assets include:

• Formal project management training or certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent).
• Experience with workforce planning, competency frameworks, or safety initiatives.
• Familiarity with government processes, change management, or large-scale program delivery.
• Bilingual ability (French/English).

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

Your typical work week is 35 hours weekly. You are primarily office-based. Work involves a balance of independent tasks and team collaboration.  Tight deadlines and multiple priorities are part of the role. This role involves working closely with individuals with disabilities, their families, service providers, and community organizations, requiring a high level of professionalism, empathy, and adaptability.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of August 20, 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