Nutritional Services Manager

About Us

The Correctional Services Division of the Department of Justice is responsible for the administration and operation of community and custody-based programs and services for incarcerated adults and youth. Within the Correctional Services’ core business area there are two programs: Community Corrections and correctional facilities. Each of these program areas is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the program's target group.
 

About Our Opportunity

The Nutritional Services Manager will be a Registered Dietician, responsible for the coordination of the nutritional needs of Correctional Services and IWK/NS Health Forensics populations by establishing priorities, menus, and policies which meet the nutritional needs of individuals in custody. Accountable for procurement, nutritional support, maintenance, and security of fixed and consumable inventory. Responsible for attendance and performance management of employees.  The Nutritional Services Manager is responsible for kitchen operations at both the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Dartmouth and the Nova Scotia Youth Centre in Waterville.  The incumbent will flex their time between the two facilities.
 

Primary Accountabilities

• Ensuring a comprehensive menu plan that provides healthy eating for persons in custody, forensic patients, outside agencies within Justice, and staff.  Meals will have variety, be nutritious, properly proportioned, appetizing and delivered in a timely manner.
• Accountable for the efficient fiscal operation of nutritional services including all purchasing, budget preparation, forecasting, and inventory control.  The Nutritional Services Manager ensures all supplies including foodstuffs, maintenance material, and fixed inventory equipment are received in a safe and secure manner.
• Hiring and training staff, preparation of performance appraisals, succession planning, interpreting the Collective Agreement, assists in resolving employee complaints and or grievances, and attendance management.
• Ensures that nutrition services are kept in a clean, orderly manner and that all government equipment is in good repair.  Interfaces with building maintenance in both facilities in the adherence of the maintenance and cleaning schedules.
• The Nutritional Services Manager is a provincial resource for other facilities when advice is sought regarding equipment, menus, hiring and processes. 
• Create and maintain the schedule of full time and relief staff as well as Return to Work and Absence Management.
   

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you must be a Registered Dietician and hold post-secondary studies in a related field in addition to several years of directly related experience. 

This position requires an overall knowledge of the dietary/nutritional needs of a diverse adult and youth population. Extensive training and leadership experience are essential requirements to ensure meals are provided in a cost effective and timely manner.  Also important to this position is strong communication skills, as the candidate is required to deal with a variety of staff and outside agencies. Therefore, a high degree of professionalism is essential. 

The successful candidate will also demonstrate:
 

• You are a highly motivated self-starter with the ability to build strong team dynamics and look forward strategically on issues. 
• You have the ability to develop human centred solutions to administrative process problems.
• You possess exceptional communication skills (written and verbal) with a proven ability to build and maintain relationships.
• You have a strong attention to detail, with a demonstrated history of providing accurate information and sound advice.
• You balance priorities, meet deadlines, balance conflicting views, and achieve specific and accurate outcomes often within a very tight time frame and competing deadlines.
• The ability to manage challenging/emotional situations and/or emergencies that arise in the context of a correctional environment.

Competencies required for this vacancy: Analytical Thinking, Action Management, Team Leadership, Initiative, Effective Interactive Communication, Partnering & Relationship Building, Intercultural & Diversity Proficiency.
 

Equivalency

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 position is responsible for kitchen operations at both the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Dartmouth and the Nova Scotia Youth Centre in Waterville. Therefore, will be required to spend time at both locations on a  regular basis.
 

Additional Information

The facilities are a 24-hour operation and is a tobacco-free environment. Due to the dynamic nature and demands of a busy correctional facility, overtime may be required.

Employment is contingent on successful completion of appropriate background checks, which include child abuse registry, vulnerable sector check with fingerprints and employment references.
 

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