Local Area Coordinator 1-2 (Multiple Opportunities/ Locations)

Designation Status

Multiple opportunities are available, in various locations across the province. Some of these opportunities may be designated to applicants who identify as Indigenous, African/Black Nova Scotian and other Racialized Persons, or Persons with a Disability. To be considered for designated positions, you must self-identify. 

See the Nova Scotia Government’s Employment Equity Policy for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.

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 several Local Area Coordinators (LAC), a new, key role which contributes to the Human Rights Remedy, addressing systemic discrimination against persons with disabilities. As a LAC you will work alongside people with disabilities, their families and support networks fostering inclusive collaboration with local communities, mainstream services, and clinical partners building relationships that are essential in ensuring that individuals with disabilities can live meaningful lives in welcoming, inclusive communities. LACs will be visible and active in community supporting them to grow in inclusion and resilience through supporting community connection and fostering collaboration.

You will support individuals with disabilities and their support networks to design and implement innovative strategies tailored to their unique needs and strengths. By actively listening and understanding what matters to individuals, you will support them in building capacity, resilience, and strong community ties. Your role involves individualized support planning and coordination, employing a rights-based approach, and working sensitively alongside people with consideration of to the effects of trauma.

Understanding and adapting to everyone’s communication style, you will create safe spaces where they can express themselves and make informed decisions about their future. You will navigate an environment that is not rules-based but outcome-driven, ensuring that the services provided are consistently engaging, supportive, and of the highest standard.

Local Area Coordinators will be located throughout the various regions (Eastern, Northern, Central, or Western). For a list of office locations, by region, please click here.

Primary Accountabilities

As a LAC, you work with community partners in a way that is integrated, person-centered, and inclusive. You'll facilitate relationships with services, organizations, and local people, sharing knowledge and raising awareness to build community capacity. In addition you will:

• Play a key role in individualized support and planning, coaching individuals through various life opportunities and strengthening their support networks.
• Enhance connections to community supports, advocate for access to services, and manage a discretionary budget for innovative solutions.
• Develop sustainable partnerships to enhance natural support networks and peer relationships and collaborate with Community Living Facilitators on broader community initiatives.
• Promote person-directed planning, supportive decision-making, and the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive workplace culture, uphold professional boundaries, and build positive relationships with staff, participants, service providers, and the community.

Qualifications and Experience

A completed Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Community Development, or other related field and two (2) years of experience in a relevant role supporting individuals with disabilities, community development, or social services. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

You must have strong existing connections within the local community, or demonstrate an ability to quickly build relationships and partnerships within the community. A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation are required (as an inclusive employer, we are committed to considering accommodations in accordance with the Human Rights Act). In addition you:

• Have expertise in person-centered, individualized planning and support coordination.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and maintain positive relationships.
• Proven ability to facilitate and advocate for community inclusivity and capacity building.
• Experience partnering with a variety of community stakeholders and members, including service providers.
• Ability to adapt approaches based on individuals' unique communication styles and needs.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in advocating for individuals' self-direction and inclusive citizenship.
• Proven track record in leading partnerships and collaborations to enhance community support networks.

Assets include:

• A completed related Master's degree
• Additional certifications or training in trauma-informed care, disability rights, or community engagement.

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 not limited to:

• A completed related 2-year diploma and four (4) years of related experience
• At least six (6) 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

The LAC will travel to various locations in their regional area having a presence in local communities. The role involves extensive driving, entering private residences, and occasional lifting. Travel is required throughout the region or province, under varying weather conditions. 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 environment underscores the importance of adaptability and emotional resilience.

Additional Information

Multiple positions are available. The office location you will be connected to will be determined at the offer negation stage. Please indicate on your application your preferred region.

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
• Department specific flexible working schedules