Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Professional Development Consultant to join our team. This role is pivotal in developing, implementing, and overseeing professional development opportunities, supervision and mentorship support, community development, and promoting the profession of social work.

Employment Equity

NSCSW is committed to the value of equity and strives to create an organization that represents the intersectional identities of Nova Scotians. Applicants from groups who have historically faced barriers to employment are encouraged to self-identify in their application.

Compensation

• This is a FTE permanent position; the salary range is between $75,161 - $92,279 depending on experience.
• The NSCSW offers a defined pension plan through the NSHEPP.
• The NSCSW offers competitive extended health benefits.

Job Accountabilities

Professional Development Services:

• Support the Professional Development Committee to develop and implement ongoing professional development opportunities across Nova Scotia.
• Develop and implement a professional development program adhering to the Professional Development Policy Manual, focusing on Indigenous social work practices, Afrocentric social work, anti-discrimination, and Ethical Social Work Practice.
• Perform ongoing evaluations of professional development opportunities to ensure alignment with members' professional development requirements and highest standards of competency.
• Administer the professional development quality assurance program to ensure registrants integrate learning and growth as professionals.

Supervision and Mentorship Support:

• Support the professional development of social work supervisors and mentors.
• Provide support to mentors and candidates in the Candidacy Mentorship Program.
• Develop supports and guidelines for NSCSW mentors and clinical supervisors.
• Work with social educators to ensure alignment between practicum opportunities, candidacy, and clinical supervision.
• Foster an environment that encourages members to provide clinical supervision and mentorship in alignment with employer engagement strategy.
• Promote peer support and supervision to enable social workers to discuss challenges, gain feedback, and learn from each other's experiences.

Community Development:

• Support NSCSW committees to achieve the NSCSW strategic goels.
• Serve as a bridge between staff and the Committee; advise the chair and committee members, provide strategic advice, and facilitate communications, action, and cooperation.
• Write research statements, including policy papers, press releases, backgrounders, and campaign content.
• Monitor media, government legislation, ministerial programs, and provincial budget estimates to respond publicly to emerging issues.
• Apply knowledge of practice consultation issues and trends to influence policy development and outcomes for the betterment of social work practice.
• Determine projects that can be supported by the College to enhance partnerships with organizations to develop statements and policy aligned with the NSCSW positions.

Promotion of the Profession:

• Coordinate the presentation of various social worker awards and scholarships, including organizing events for award or scholarship presentations.
• Organize the annual awards and gala event, presenting an award annually to an African Nova Scotian social work practitioner who has made significant contributions to the profession in Canada.
• Provide input and direction to multi-dimensional communication efforts with members and the public.
• Develop internal and external communication strategies with the Communication Coordinator for the College's members.
• Create awareness of activities across the province by identifying content for the College's website, paper communications, and industry mail-outs.
• Develop the Connection Blog to disseminate best practices and spotlight stories of social workers who have effectively managed challenging situations, and establish a methodology for evaluation.
• Support employer outreach to educate employers about the profession and regulation.

Resilience-Building Activities:

• Encourage social workers to participate regularly in activities that build resilience to manage stress and ward off burnout, including mindfulness exercises, boundary setting, mental health focus, and ample rest.

Knowledge/Experience

• A master's degree in social work. (A specialization in community development is an asset.)
• Excellent knowledge of social work professional development standards, standards of practice, and code of ethics.
• Knowledge of adult education theory and practice.
• Demonstrated experience in policy analysis and development.
• Demonstrated experience organizing and implementing professional development offerings utilizing all social media platforms.
• Demonstrated research and evaluation skills.
• Must be an RSW in Nova Scotia or be eligible for registration.
• Minimum of five (5) year's experience as a social worker is required.
• Must hold a current driver's license that is valid in Nova Scotia, have access to a motor vehicle and be willing to travel.

Competencies

• Outstanding writing and communication skills
• Create social media content, including text, image, and videos
• Excellent community development skills
• Proficient macro practice advocacy skills
• Sound project management skills
• Requires strong organizational skills.
• Excellent facilitation skills.
• This position must have a solid understanding of the NS Social Workers Act, Regulations and By-laws.

Application

Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Alec Stratford, Executive Director/ Registrar at [email protected] by June 28th, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.