Local Area Coordinator 1-2 (Designated)

Designation Status

This opportunity is designated to applicants who identify as Persons with a Disability.

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 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

We're seeking passionate and community-driven individuals to join us as Local Area Coordinators (LACs), a newly created and pivotal role at the heart of our mission to deliver meaningful action towards the Human Rights Remedy at the local level.

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy is a transformative, five-year initiative that is aimed at addressing systemic discrimination against people with disabilities in the province. As a Local Area Coordinator, you'll work alongside people with disabilities, their families, and support networks, helping to build strong, inclusive connections with local communities, mainstream services, and clinical partners. Your role will focus on creating trusting relationships that open opportunities for people with disabilities to live full, meaningful lives in welcoming and inclusive communities. LACs will be visible and active in communities, supporting them to grow in inclusion and resilience through ongoing community connection and fostering collaboration.

You’ll support people with disabilities and those in their support networks to create and carry out strategies that reflect their unique strengths, needs, and goals. By truly listening and understanding what matters most to each person, you’ll help build their confidence, resilience, and connection to community. This role is all about walking alongside people with empathy and care, using a rights-based approach and being mindful of the impacts of trauma while offering thoughtful, tailored support and coordination.

Understanding and adapting to everyone’s communication style, you will create safe spaces where individuals 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 and supportive.

Primary Accountabilities

As a LAC, you’ll be part of a transformative shift in Nova Scotia - helping bring the Human Rights Remedy to life by supporting people with disabilities to live full, self-directed lives in welcoming communities. You’ll work in a way that’s integrated, person-centered, and inclusive, building relationships with individuals, families, services, and local organizations. By sharing knowledge and raising awareness, you’ll help strengthen communities and create more opportunities for connection and belonging.

 

In your day-to-day work, you’ll work alongside individuals as they plan for the life they want, coaching them through opportunities and supporting them in building strong, lasting support networks. You’ll also advocate for access to services and enhance connections to community supports.

Local Area Coordinators work collaboratively, developing sustainable partnerships, enhancing natural support networks and working closely with their Regional Hub colleagues to support individuals with disabilities. Through everything you do, you’ll promote the values of person-directed planning, supportive decision-making, and the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Above all, you’ll help foster a respectful and inclusive culture, while building positive relationships with people with disabilities, families, service providers, and the wider Nova Scotian 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.

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 driving, entering private residences, and occasional lifting. Travel is required throughout the region, 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 alongside individuals through potentially emotional or stressful times in their lives. This environment underscores the importance of adaptability and emotional resilience.

Additional Information

This posting may be used to fill additional LAC roles within 4 months of the closing date of the competition. 

What We Offer

LACs will be empowered to work at the speed of trust and align with the individual’s pace. Additionally, there is increased flexibility in how you structure your workday to accommodate the needs of the individuals you are working alongside. As a Local Area Coordinator, you will have the autonomy to make decisions in a supportive work environment. 

In addition to flexibility, there is a strong emphasis on growth and development. LACs are supported through continuous learning opportunities and training, mentorship from Team Leads, as well as the Local Area Coordination Network that is being built globally. We believe that when individuals are given the tools and encouragement to grow, they are better equipped to work meaningfully alongside individuals in community.

• 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