Payment Counsellor/Collector (Collection Officer 1-2)
Competition # : 49109
Department: Growth and Development
Location: NEW GLASGOW
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 02-Jul-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
About Us
The Department of Growth & Development drives economic growth and productivity by creating the conditions for communities, businesses and households to thrive. The Department works with key partners to foster a dynamic environment that supports housing innovation and sector development, providing the necessary solutions to grow our population and economy.
The Department is also responsible for ensuring the availability of safe, suitable, and affordable housing for all Nova Scotians. Our work involves making strategic investments, leveraging new funding, and building on critical partnerships to help further position ourselves to meet current and future housing challenges.
About Our Opportunity
Under the supervision of the Program Manager or designate, the Payment Counsellor/Collector is responsible for the collection of past due loans, mortgages and forgivable loans in default in the portfolio of Housing Nova Scotia.
As the Payment Counsellor/Collector, you provide debt counselling and budgetary advice to clients in arrears with the aim of bringing accounts up to date, reducing overall arrears or recommending finalization of accounts.
Primary Accountabilities
You will contact clients, either by telephone, correspondence or in person, to determine the reason for non-payment and establish a repayment schedule to meet the requirements of the Department’s Collection Policy and the applicant’s ability to pay; engaging the assistance of other government departments or agencies when necessary. You will be required to provide appropriate follow up with private sector law firms, bankruptcy trustees, executors of estates, and probate court.
You will provide information to clients regarding their financial commitment and account status, complete income reviews, mortgage renewals, monitor payment arrangements, post-dated cheques, insurance renewals, daily cash balancing and deposits, electronic funds transfers and other related duties. You are also responsible for preparing formal submissions to senior management for legal action or write off requests and are accountable for providing reports outlining the value of mortgages/forgivable loans held by the region and arrears balances.
Qualifications and Experience
You have two (2) years of post-secondary training related to the position plus two (2) years of related experience or an equivalent combination.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required. Computer skills with a proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required. The following experience are considered assets including:
- Familiarity with Housing Nova Scotia’s policies on mortgage and loans, collection and foreclosure/judgement processes
- Knowledge of personal bankruptcy and estate claims procedures
- SAP and Integrated Case Management (ICM) is a definite asset
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
An equivalent combination of relevant training and experience will be considered. Related equivalencies include:
- Four (4) 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 Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office environment. Occasionally you may need to move or lift objects such as boxes or files. You may be exposed to emotionally charged situations during the collection process.
Additional Information
Some travel may be required.
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.
Pay Grade: TE 20
Salary Range: $2,218.10 - $2,826.01 Bi-Weekly
Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.
Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.
This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:
Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.
External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.
If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more information.
Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.
