Justice Officer 4, Family Division (Program Admin Officer 3)

About Us

The Court Services Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice is dedicated to excellent service and the provision of fair and accessible administration of justice, including court administration and security.

The Division provides administrative support to the courts listed: Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (including Family Division), Provincial Court, Family Court, Small Claims Court, Probate Court and Bankruptcy Court. The courts act independently from the government to address individual cases.

For more information on the Department of Justice Court Services please visit our website: https://novascotia.ca/just/Court_Services
 

About Our Opportunity

The Justice Officer 4 administers and delivers a broad range of court support services within the Supreme Court (Family Division), including directing document preparation to initiate legal proceedings, assisting court users to consider and initiate appropriate options to resolve conflicts, offering appropriate legal information and assistance and operating special programs in the court such as Parent Information.

The Justice Officer 4 case manage high-volume and often high conflict cases, offer assisted dispute resolution services to facilitate an agreement on issues between parties in appropriate cases, prepare court orders, interpret and analyse financial information provided by clients and perform the judicial functions and duties of a Court Officer and Deputy Prothonotary. The Justice Officer 4 liaises with the Judiciary, members of the legal profession and the general public, responding to requests for information and assistance daily. 
 

Qualifications and Experience

A Bachelor’s degree plus five years of related experience in a legal/justice environment or an acceptable equivalent of education, experience and training.

As the successful candidate you have knowledge and experience providing client-based services as required. Previous experience and formal training in domestic violence issues, assisted dispute resolution, interviewing and client assessment are considered assets. You will analyze, interpret and demonstrate an understanding of the Rules & Statutes that govern court actions and apply them to the court process.

You must possess a high level of diplomacy, tact and professionalism and the ability to deal with difficult people and demanding situations communicating with tact and discretion in a clear, concise manner. Time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines for a high volume of case management; a sound working knowledge of the Justice System, Family Division, court support programs, community referral agencies, and proficiency in automated computer software programs are key in this role.

The ability to work within a team and provide direction to support staff is essential. Self-directed behavior, analytical and conceptual thinking and creative approaches to problem solving are required.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks. 
 

Equivalency

Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• A two year diploma in a related field plus 7 years of related experience in a legal/justice environment
• 9 years of related experience in a legal/justice environment

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

• Exposure to emotional and sensitive issues, dealing with difficult or distraught individuals
• High demand for accuracy and attention to detail while working in a high-volume service environment
• Urgent deadlines and constantly changing priorities
• Potential for violence/verbal abuse by aggressive persons since court related issues can be highly emotionally charged, especially in relation to domestic and criminal situations
• Must display a completely impartial attitude at all times
  
  

Additional Information

This is a permanent employment opportunity, located in Truro, NS.

A test will be administered as part of the screening and selection process.

Some travel and overtime may be required.

Fluency (both oral and written) in the French Language will be considered an asset.

This position will require an enhanced level of security screening for external applicants.

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.