Program Manager (New Heights/New Connections)

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), Supportive Housing and Homelessness, and the 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 Our Opportunity

 
As the Program Manager, reporting to the Director, Child and Youth Caring Programs, you are accountable for the recruitment, supervision, and leadership of staff who all work together to provide youth services, programming, and case management for children with complex emotional and/or behavioural issues in the care of the Minister of Opportunities and Social Development.

We are hiring a Program Manager for New Heights/New Connections in Sydney, NS. We are a community-based child and youth-caring program. who are passionate about supporting children and their development in pursuance of experiencing success in all areas of their lives. Fostering positive outcomes for children is very rewarding and requires a highly motivated and energetic individual!

About You

You are a highly motivated, energetic, and collaborative individual whose passion is making connections and positively contributing to experiences for children in care. Through your leadership, you aspire to shape the future of children and work in partnership with other organizations to ensure best practices in service delivery. If this is you, this is your team!

Primary Accountabilities

You will oversee the program and human resource management, including education, programming, and ensuring a safe environment for everyone. Your key responsibilities include:

• Interpreting and administering the Children and Family Service Act
• Collaborating with the team to ensure the effective delivery of services, youth programming, and case management
• Quality management through monitoring, assessing, and reviewing incidents and intervention plans
• Leading the enhancement and development of various approaches, committees, and initiatives when required
• Ensuring the effective management of human resources and supervising a team of employees
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

As the Program Manager, you have completed your Bachelor's degree, or an acceptable equivalent, combined with several years of progressive experience supervising and/or managing a child and youth caring program. A valid driver's license, ability to travel, and access to a reliable vehicle are required.

Knowledge of human behaviour, trauma-informed care, and considerable insight into the motivation of young people to implement change in their lives is required. You also understand child and youth caring treatment programs and demonstrated knowledge of safety and staffing issues in a child and youth care setting. Strong organizational skills, experience in program development, and a proven ability to provide effective problem-solving techniques in a similar environment are required.

You possess strong leadership abilities and communication skills, both verbal and in writing. You are a collaborative leader and can foster partnerships and strong working relationships with a variety of professionals and community partners. You have a proven ability to provide inspirational leadership, individual and group supervision of staff, as well as direction, guidance, coaching, and modelling on effective intervention strategies for children. Proven ability to prepare and maintain staff shift schedules, and recruit, motivate and train staff within a 24/7 program is essential. Working knowledge of Department of Opportunities and Social Development child and family well-being policies and procedures, as well as relevant acts and legislation, such as the Children and Family Services Act and the Occupational Health & Safety Act, 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

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. 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

New Heights/New Connections operates twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days per week to provide services to eight children and youth residing in the programs. If required, your hours of work may include evenings and weekends to ensure safe and effective operations. 

Additional Information

 
This is a term position with an anticipated end date of April 2028. 

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.
• Supportive provincial Program Manager team