Disability Support Program Specialists (Multiple Opportunities)

About Us

At the Department of Community Services (DCS), 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

We’re hiring four (4) Disability Support Program Specialists in multiple locations.

• One (1) in the Western Region- 4 year term position until August 18, 2028. 
• Two (2) in the Central Region – both are 18-month term positions until March 31, 2026. One (1) term position is designated for applicants who identify as Indigenous, African/Black Nova Scotian and other Racialized Persons, and Persons with a Disability. To be considered for the designated role, you must self-identity. See the Nova Scotia Government’s Employment Equity Policy for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.
• One (1) in the Northern Region – permanent position

The Disability Support Program Specialist has a key role in ensuring the quality and efficiency of DSP services in their region. This role is especially key as you support our new community-based framework and the Human Rights Remedy, addressing systemic discrimination against persons with disabilities.

Your expertise will guide the interpretation of legislation, policies, and procedures, and you will be instrumental in recommending policy changes, providing expert advice, and ensuring services are effectively managed within allocated resources. As a key liaison, you will facilitate communication between partners; helping shape the future of disability support services in the province.

Primary Accountabilities

As the DSP Specialist, you have a vital role in service delivery including the following key accountabilities:

• Ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of the program
• Recommending improvements to services and programs to support communities and persons with disabilities.
• Providing expert advice to the department staff, service providers, community partners, and clients.
• Offering advice, support, and resolutions to complex situations
• Facilitating effective communication and act as a liaison on all matters related to policy, program development, standards, quality assurance, and improvements.
• Representing the DSP in various initiatives and projects.
• and preparing critical documentation such as Information Notes and responses to ministerial inquiries.

Qualifications and Experience

Completed post-secondary education in Management, Social Sciences, Disability Supports, Human/ Social Services or Health Care Related fields, plus several years of related experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

You possess a genuine passion for people and human rights, fostering a positive, strengths-based, person-centered culture. You have several years of related experience in disability services and programs and a deep understanding of supports, programs and resources for persons with disabilities. In addition, you have experience with providing expert guidance and leadership across different organizational levels.

You demonstrate:

• Strong relationship management skills to partner with the department staff, service providers, and community
• Skills in interpreting information, particularly pertaining to the DSP remedy, related acts and regulations, and providing expert guidance for program delivery and compliance.
• Experience with ensuring quality assurance in a service delivery environment.
• Experience in program management and development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and empathy for conflict resolution and navigation in ambiguous situations.
• A strong background in community outreach and stakeholder engagement
• An understanding of the challenging circumstances faced by individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions, and an awareness of the compounded impact of intersectionality on their experiences.

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. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• Progressive leadership experience in disability supports or the social services sector.

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

Most of your work is in a central office environment with frequently required travel to various locations across the province, including government offices, DSP program sites, and healthcare facilities. This role places considerable mental pressure on the individual, requiring high personal resiliency to meet emotional demands. You will navigate complex situations, working with individuals through potentially emotional or stressful times in their lives. This dynamic working environment underscores the importance of adaptability and emotional resilience.

Additional Information

Please identify your preferred location in your application. Your worksite location, within the region, will be negotiated at the offer stage. For a list of office locations by region, please click here.

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 path.