Competition # : 41023
Department: Community Services
Location: Multiple Locations
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 14-May-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

We're hiring Social Workers across the province in our Child and Family Well being programs! Several Permanent, Term, Temporary, and Casual opportunities are available today!

If you are a soon-to-be 2024 graduate of your BSW/ MSW program, you are encouraged to apply!

Opportunities are available in any of our 30 offices. You can explore our office locations here.

As a Social Worker with DCS, you will have endless opportunities to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children and families. You will build everlasting relationships within your community, and work in an environment where you are supported to be creative and challenged. At the Department of Community Services (DCS) we are a large and diverse department where you have access to continued professional and personal growth and learning

What We Offer

• Reimbursement for registration fees to the NS College of Social Workers.
• Flexible working arrangements including modified work weeks
• Out-of-province applicants may be eligible to apply for moving expenses.
• Ability to earn overtime and shift premiums for weekend and after-hours work.
• Career possibilities, guidance and coaching, and ongoing training.
• Rewarding and versatile work where you will see the immediate impacts you make, in and around your communities.

Based on the employment status, we also offer a wide range of benefits such as:

• Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP)
• Travel and car allowance.
• Three (3) weeks vacation to start, and annual pay progression.
• Health, Dental, and Life Insurance.
• Pension.
• General Illness (Short and Long Term).

Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Primary Accountabilities

Social Workers ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children in the care of the Minister and those who remain in the care of their parents where concerns exist about their health and safety. Daily, you actively work to engage people and communities to build resilience, address challenges and trauma, and create change. Every day is different, and you will encounter unique challenges with responsibilities ranging from:

• Assessing child protection concerns and working with families and communities to address them
• Counselling individuals and families
• Planning and developing case plans with families
• Working closely with community and advocating for connections to community resources
• Participating in risk assessments, court testimonies, and evaluations
• Planning with and supervising children in care of the Minister
• Recruiting, preparing, assessing, and supporting foster and adoptive parents

Qualifications and Experience

A completed Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work and a valid driver's license are required. You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW).

You are also:

• A strong team player
• Empowered to impact change
• Compassionate, reliable, and resourceful.

You are understanding of child development, family dynamics, trauma-informed care, counselling, community resources, and are well versed in effective intervention strategies. Your problem-solving skills and experience, combined with your creative thinking, work to strengthen and improve support while working with children and families.

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.

Working Conditions

Most of your work involves meeting with clients in their homes or with service providers. This necessitates considerable driving time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. While present in the office, your time is spent a comfortable office environment with the possibility of flexible working options available.

On a rotating schedule, you may be required to provide child and family well being services for your designated area, after regular business hours. This will include working on weekends and reporting to the provincial after-hours response team. You may be required to work beyond regular business hours on short notice.

Your personal resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be immersed in high stress and crisis situations, with plenty of support and resources accessible to you. You must be able to work under pressure and be personally and professionally committed to working with culturally diverse individuals in an inclusive manner.

Pay Grade: PR 09 - PR 15
Salary Range: $2,162.96 - $3,348.16 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

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

NOTE TO CURRENT GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES: Do not apply to this posting. Please only apply via the internal career site here

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to [email protected].