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

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 (Program Admin Officer 3) administers and delivers a broad range of court support services within the Supreme Court (Family Division), in accordance with Legislative and court directives.  This includes assisting court users: to initiate legal proceedings by providing legal information and court forms; by discussing assisted dispute resolution options to resolve conflicts; by offering appropriate legal information and assistance; and, by operating special programs in the Court such as the Parenting Information Program.  Daily, the incumbent liaises with the judiciary, members of the public and the legal profession responding to requests for information and assisting clients coming into the courthouse.

The Justice Officer 4 (PAO3) case manages a high-volume caseload, often high conflict cases, offering assisted dispute resolution services to facilitate agreements on issues between the parties in appropriate cases.  They prepare court orders, interpret and analyze financial information provided by clients and perform the quasi-judicial functions of a Court Officer and Deputy Prothonotary. 
 

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 applying Rules, Statutes and Legislation and experience with legal documents and legal terminology.  You must have demonstrated exceptional communication skills both in person and in an automated environment.  You must possess knowledge of the justice system, court support programs and government services and a demonstrated ability to independently make complex decisions.
Training and demonstrated experience in mediation, non-conflict resolution, domestic violence issues and interviewing/client assessment is required.

You must possess a high level of diplomacy, tact and professionalism and have 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 high-volume case management; a sound working knowledge of the justice system, court procedures, 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 mentorship to other support staff is essential.  Self-directed behavior, analytical and conceptual thinking and creative approaches to problem solving are required.  The incumbent must be and appear to be, fair and impartial, be sensitive to the diverse needs of the client group and is responsible for maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

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

Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.  

Experience in a Family Law environment and fluency (both oral and written) in the French Language will be considered assets.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

•    9 years combination of relevant education and experience in a legal/justice environment.

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

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day (typically the hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, this may vary depending on operational needs)
• You will be exposed to emotional and sensitive issues. Dealing with difficult or distraught individuals creates a stressful environment
• There is a high demand for accuracy and attention to detail while working in a high volume and complex service area
• Regardless of the situation, you must be able to 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.

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.