Casework Supervisor (Social Worker 3)

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 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

Are you looking to advance your career as a Social Worker?

We’re hiring for a Casework Supervisor to provide direct and clinical supervision to a collaborative, passionate team. With your industry expertise, you will lead, coach, and provide guidance, support, and advice to your dedicated team of professionals consisting of Social Workers, Counsellors, and your administrative supports.  

Primary Accountabilities

As the Casework Supervisor, you will provide clinical supervision to your staff on matters relating to:

• Investigations of child protection concerns
• Protection services to families and children
• Risk assessments, matters before the court, and clinical evaluation
• Planning for, and supervision of, children in the care of the Minister
• Recruitment, pre-service, assessment, and ongoing evaluation and support for foster and adoptive parents/ families
• Individual and family counselling to child welfare clients in offices which employ Family Support Workers or Clinical Therapists.

You inspire, motivate, and ensure engagement of your team; investing in their professional development. Using your expertise and social work techniques you will support your team with difficult, complex cases.  

Qualifications and Experience

Completion of a Bachelor of Social Worker and at least five (5) years social work experience, is required; or completion of a Master of Social Work, along with three (3) years of social work experience. You have a valid driver’s licence, the ability to travel, and must be registered (or be eligible for registration) with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW)

Previous supervisory experience is considered an asset; however, you must demonstrate leadership competencies and an ability to manage challenging situations under stressful circumstances.

Furthermore, you demonstrate:

• Confidence in your ability to make decisions regarding risk to youth, children, and families, and support fellow social workers in doing the same.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of social worker practices and strategies, family functioning and child development, along with services for persons with disabilities
• Ability to respond and prioritize crisis and emergency situations
• Understanding of CFSA legislation, related acts, and other program policy, regulations, and procedures
• Knowledge of services offered by the department, and other community agencies

Essential is strong communication (oral and written), ability to work independently, strong attention to detail and organization skills, and the ability to work with limited supervision is critical.

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.

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

Much of your work involves meeting with your staff in the workplace. There is occasional travel involved in this position when attending regional/ provincial meetings, training, and working groups. While present in the office, time is spent sitting in a comfortable position with frequent opportunity to move about.

You may often be required to work beyond regular business hours, and often on short notice.   Personal resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. This position is subject to a high degree of stress; you must be able to work under pressure and in crisis situations.

Additional Information

This position has an anticipated start date of August 1, 2024

What We Offer

• Reimbursement for registration fees to the NS College of Social Workers.
• Flexible working arrangements (where operational needs allow)
• Career possibilities and progression, career guidance and coaching, and ongoing training for every stage of your journey.
• Rewarding and versatile work where you will see the impacts you make, in and around your communities.
• Engaging workplace; you are respected, supported, listened to, and valued.