Child Protection Social Worker 1-2 (Designated)

Child Protection Social Worker 1-2 (Designated)

Competition # : 45669

Department: Opportunities and Social Development

Location: DARTMOUTH

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 09-Apr-25 ( Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

Designation Status

This opportunity is designated to applicants who identify as Indigenous, African/Black Nova Scotian and other Racialized Persons.

At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD), we provide a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support Program (DSP). Through our services, we advocate and help vulnerable Nova Scotians be independent, self-reliant, and secure.

About Our Opportunity

We're hiring dedicated Child Protection Social Workers to join our team in the following program areas including Assessment, Ongoing Support, Children in Care, Consolidated Allegations Investigations Team (CAIT), and the Provincial After Hours Response Team (PART). In this vital role, you will provide a wide array of professional child and family wellbeing services, planning for and supervising children in care, liaising with various partners and communities, and advocating on behalf of children and families.

As a role model, you will support and demonstrate a workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, safe, and supportive. Your role will actively work towards ensuring children's safety and wellbeing, providing ongoing supports to parents and children, and collaborating with program areas to determine appropriate and safe places for children to live.

Primary Accountabilities

Daily, you actively engage people and communities to build resilience, address challenges and trauma, and create change. Responsibilities include:

• Assessing child safety and wellbeing concerns and working with families and communities to address them
• Collaborating with and supporting individuals and families
• Planning and developing case plans with families
• Working closely with the 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

Qualifications and Experience

A completed Master of Social Work, or a Bachelor of Social Work with at least two (2) years of related experience, along with a driver's license are required. You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW). If you are a current social work student with anticipated graduation this year, with at least two (2) years of related experience, we encourage you to apply!

You are:

• A strong team player
• Empowered to drive positive change
• Compassionate, reliable, and resourceful

You possess a deep understanding of child development, family dynamics, trauma-informed care, and community resources. Your excellent problem-solving skills and creative thinking enhance the support provided to children and families, contributing to their overall well-being and growth.

Working Conditions

A typical workday is between 8am - 5pm, involving meeting clients in their homes or with service providers, requiring substantial driving time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. Positions that support the Provincial After-Hours Response Team (PART) respond to both child protection and children in care issues outside of regular business hours. PART shifts are typically between 4:30pm - 8:30am and include weekends and holidays.

Personal resilience is crucial to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be immersed in high-stress and crisis situations, with extensive support and resources at your disposal. You must be able to work under pressure and be committed to working inclusively with culturally diverse individuals.

What We Offer

We offer many perks and benefits, based on your employment status including:

• A social work career without limits; endless opportunities to grow and develop within the Province of Nova Scotia through coaching, training, and advancement opportunities
• Reimbursement for your 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.
• Travel and car allowance.
• Three (3) weeks vacation to start, and annual pay progression.
• Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP)
• Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability

Pay Grade: PR 13- PR 16

Salary Range: $2,556.10- $3,507.08 Bi-Weekly (Plus a temporary wage adjustment, as described above)

Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia welcomes 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.

This is a bargaining unit position restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or missing information.

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 their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.