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 The Opportunity

The Department of Opportunities and Social Development is recruiting Child and Family Wellbeing Social Workers for future permanent, term, temporary, and casual opportunities in several program areas. Opportunities are available in Halifax, Dartmouth, and Sackville locations. Specific responsibilities, work schedules, and client involvement will depend on the position.

Opportunities may include both designated and non-designated positions. We encourage applicants who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ People, African Nova Scotians, Indigenous People, People of African Descent, Persons with Disabilities, and Racialized People where they are underrepresented to apply and complete the voluntary self-identification questions on the application. Applicants will also have the opportunity to indicate their interest in being considered for designated positions.

As a Child and Family Wellbeing Social Worker, you will work with children, families, communities, and service partners to support child safety and wellbeing, strengthen families, and help connect children and families with appropriate resources.

Program Areas Where You Could Work

• Assessment: Assess child safety and wellbeing concerns and work with children, families, communities, and service partners to determine appropriate next steps. This program area encompasses assessment, information gathering, timely decision-making, and working with families during periods of immediate concern.
• Ongoing Support: Work with children and families on an ongoing basis to develop and support case plans, assess identified concerns, build on family strengths, and connect families with community resources.
• Children in Care: Plan with and support children in the care of the Minister, working with families, caregivers, communities, and service partners to help determine safe and appropriate living arrangements. This program encompasses coordinated planning and supporting children/ youth through important transitions.
• Consolidated Allegations Investigations Team (CAIT): Collaborate with children, families, communities, and other program areas to respond to child-safety concerns, advocate for children and families, and support decisions about safe and appropriate living arrangements. This program area encompasses assessment, information gathering, timely decision-making, and working with families during periods of immediate concern.
• Provincial After Hours Response Team (PART): Respond to child and family wellbeing and children-in-care matters outside regular business hours. PART shifts are typically between 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. and include weekends and holidays.
  
  

What You Will Do

You will use your knowledge of child development, family dynamics, trauma-informed practice, intervention approaches, and community resources to support children and families in complex circumstances. Depending on your program area, you may:

• Assess child safety and wellbeing concerns.
• Work with children and families to develop and support case plans.
• Help children and families connect with community resources.
• Collaborate with families, caregivers, communities, and service providers.
• Participate in risk assessments, evaluations, and court processes.
• Plan with and support children in the care of the Minister.
• Advocate for the safety and wellbeing of children, youth and families.

Your work will be guided by the Children and Family Services Act and An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered, you must have:

• A completed Master of Social Work degree; or
• A completed Bachelor of Social Work and at least two years of related experience.
• A valid Class 5 driver’s license.
• Eligibility for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers.

You will also need to demonstrate the ability to:

• Analyze information and make sound, timely decisions.
• Communicate clearly with children, families, communities, and service partners.
• Work collaboratively while managing your professional responsibilities.
• Apply inclusive, culturally responsive, and respectful practices.
• Work effectively in crisis and high-pressure situations.

If you are currently completing a Bachelor or Master of Social Work and anticipating graduating within the next 12 months, you are encouraged to apply. In your application, please identify the degree you are completing and the month and year you expect to complete all degree requirements.

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.

Related Experience

Related experience may be gained through professional employment, academic placements, volunteer or community involvement, and other settings where you developed experience relevant to social work practice. Examples include but are not limited to case management, risk assessment, crisis support, advocacy, family dynamics, trauma support, or connecting people with community resources.

Your application should clearly describe the setting, responsibilities, and experience you are relying on.

Working Conditions

Your typical work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. The work involves meeting with clients in their homes and meeting service providers in the community. Substantial driving may be required, including in adverse weather.

Some situations may require work beyond regular hours on short notice.

PART positions have a different schedule and respond outside regular business hours. PART shifts are typically between 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. and include weekends and holidays.

The work can involve crisis situations and significant physical and emotional demands.

Additional Information

An offer of employment is conditional upon satisfactory completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, including: Valid Driver's License, Education Verification, Registration with the NSCSW, Child Abuse Registry Check, and Criminal Background/ Vulnerable Sector Check.

This competition is open exclusively for the non-union portion of the competitive process. Current employees who wish to be considered for internal bargaining unit opportunities must apply through opportunities posted to the internal careers portal here. 

Click here for more information on Future Opportunity Streams. 

While this posting is for opportunities in Halifax, Dartmouth and Sackville, there may be opportunities to be considered for positions in other areas of the province. For a list of all OSD office locations, please click here. 

What We Offer

Depending on employment status and eligibility, we offer:

• Reimbursement of Nova Scotia College of Social Workers registration fees.
• A modified schedule of 7.75-hour workdays with an earned day off every 2nd week may be available, subject to eligibility and operational requirements.
• Overtime and shift premiums for eligible weekend and after-hours work.
• Travel and car allowance.
• Three weeks of vacation to start.
• Annual pay progression.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• Health, dental, life, illness, and disability benefits.
• A defined-benefit pension plan.
• Coaching, in-depth job-related training, and advancement opportunities.