Justice Officer 4 - Registrar of Probate (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/https://novascotia.ca/just/Court_Services/Court_Services/

About Our Opportunity

As the Justice Officer 4 (Register of Probate), you will administer and deliver a wide range of court-related services in accordance with legislation such as the Probate Act, Civil Procedure Rules, and other relevant statues. 

You will case manage complex judicial, administrative, and public service responsibilities, often requiring the interpretation of law, court rules, and the provision of guidance to lawyers, litigants, and other court users. Your work ensures fair, timely and legally compliant probate proceedings. 

Primary Accountabilities

Responsibilities include:

• Carry out judicial and quasi-judicial responsibilities including conducting hearings, issuing grants, and preparing legal decisions in accordance with relevant legislation and court rules. 
• Manage the custody and integrity of all probate-related records including wills, codicils, exhibits, and court documents. 
• Provide expert guidance and accessible legal information to the public, legal professionals, and self-represented litigants on the probate process and court procedures. 
• Review, assess, and process court filings to ensure compliance with legislative and procedural requirements, resolving deficiencies and referring complex matters as needed. 
• Serve as a Commissioner of Oaths and support related functions of the Justice of the Peace, contributing to consistent and accessible justice services.
• Support overall court operations, provide procedural advice to staff, and assist with related financial, administrative, and policy matters. 

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. You will have previous experience and formal training in domestic violence issues, assisted dispute resolution, interviewing and client assessment.  You will analyze, interpret and demonstrate an understanding of the Rules & Statutes that govern court actions and applying 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.

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

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

Include, but 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 position requires the successful candidate to work on-site.

An enhanced level of security screening is required for external applicants.

Some travel may be required.

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.