Position Title: Director
Type of Employment: Full-time, 35 hours/week
Salary: 65,000 - 70,000
Location: Halifax

About John Howard Society of Nova Scotia

The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia (JHSNS) has been actively serving our communities
since 1950. Our mission is effective, just and humane responses to the causes and
consequences of crime. We work collaboratively with clients, the government and community
agencies to support individuals and families who have come into conflict with the law or who
are at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Our core activities include
direct service provision, community education, research and resource development and
advocacy. We seek capable, dedicated people to join our team and engage in this exciting and
rewarding work.

JHSNS recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in creating a strong and capable
workforce. JHSNS works towards improving representation of designated groups at all levels.
This approach reflects our values of respect, integrity, fairness, diversity, and accountability.
We believe such values must be demonstrated in our relationships with participants, students,
volunteers and community partners.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director of JHSNS, the Director, Restorative Justice - Halifax
Region will be responsible for leading a new team of 12 staff in administering the Nova Scotia
Restorative Justice Program (NSRJP) for youth and adults in the Halifax region. The successful
candidate will also be accountable for working alongside justice sector and community partners
to advance initiatives focused on justice transformation and the integration of a restorative
approach within and beyond the criminal justice system.

We are seeking a collaborative leader whose values align with the NSRJP principles and who has
a reputation as a strategic thinker, trusted partner, and consensus builder. Individuals who have a
strong understanding of justice-related issues, are committed to systems transformation, and who
are passionate about leading and empowering teams to make change for individuals and
communities, are encouraged to apply.

For more information on the NSRJP and the NSRJP Protocols, please visit the following links:

• Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program: https://novascotia.ca/just/rj/
• Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program Protocols: https://novascotia.ca/restorative-justice-protocols/

Core Responsibilities

• NSRJP administration: Oversee the delivery of the NSRJP in the Halifax region inaccordance with the NSRJP Protocols, RJ principles, and established practice standards. Aspart of the RJ Lead Team for the Halifax region, partner with Community Corrections staff to assess and assign all NSRJP referrals and provide program leadership, oversight, and support. Working closely with the Team Lead, support a team of caseworkers and administrative staff to design and deliver principle-based RJ processes, through the provision of strategic guidance, mentorship, and practice-focused advice, and by participating in case conferences and process design sessions. Partner with other community-based RJ Directors provincewide, staff in the Restorative Initiatives Unit, Department of Justice, and the NSRJP Governance Committee, to uphold a standard of excellence in NSRJP delivery and to identify and advance shared priorities and opportunities for growth.

• Justice sector collaboration: Liaise and develop effective working relationships with NSRJP referral sources (police, Public Prosecution Service, judiciary, Correctional Services, and victim-serving agencies) and other justice system actors (Nova Scotia Legal Aid, private defence counsel, etc.) to uphold and strengthen the restorative justice pathway in the Halifax region.

• Community sector collaboration: Liase and develop effective working relationships with community partners such as the Restorative Lab, the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI), the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia (EFMNS), The Mi'kmaq Legal Support Network (MLSN), the Friendship Centre, and other organizations that support justice involved individuals who are facing specific experiences of marginalization and oppression. Foster and maintain relationships of trust with community organizations and services in HRM to support the design of inclusive and responsive RJ processes and to ensure referrals to supports and programming that meet participant needs.

• Justice transformation: Work collaboratively with justice system actors, community-based partners, and other experts to champion a restorative approach to justice, as well as other initiatives focused on justice transformation, both in the Halifax region and across Nova Scotia.

• Human resources: Oversee recruitment, hiring, supervision, training, development, and performance management of all staff.

Key Skills, Knowledge, and Competencies

• Ability to foster staff development, empower teams, and build a culture of collaboration, integrity, and respect.
• Capable of meaningfully integrating a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and relational approach across all aspects of work.
• Strong collaboration, community engagement, and consensus-building skills, as well as the capacity to build authentic relationships with diverse partners and amid challenges.
• Excellent decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to balance competing priorities and function amid uncertainty and under pressure.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with and convey complex concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Knowledge of access to justice and other justice-related issues, including an understanding of the intersection of poverty, marginalization, and criminalization.
• Knowledge of social supports and services, community-based resources and programs, and the non-profit sector in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Education and Experience

• A post-secondary degree in a relevant social sciences or humanities discipline.
• A minimum of five years' experience leading a team, managing a program, and/or supervising, mentoring, and coaching staff, volunteers, or participants.
• Past involvement in, as well as a demonstrable commitment to, advancing restorative justice, restorative approaches, justice transformation, and/or systems change initiatives.
• Proven track record in establishing effective working relationships with diverse populations, justice system actors, government agencies, and/or community organizations.
• Working knowledge of and experience in applying anti-oppressive, human-centered, and trauma-informed practices.

Employment and Working Conditions

• This position is subject to the personnel policies of The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia.
• Flexibility to travel throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality and greater Nova Scotia, as required.
• The position requires the use of a private vehicle.

If you would like to make an application for this position, please forward your cover letter and
resume to Carolyn O'Malley, Chief of Staff at [email protected]