Correctional Officer (Casual Relief)

The Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice is responsible for the administration and operation of community and custody-based programs and services for adults and young persons. Within the Correctional Services core business area, there are two programs: community corrections & correctional facilities. Each of these program areas is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the program’s target group.

Four (4) adult correctional facilities and one (1) youth centre provide the safety and security of persons in custody while providing programs that address dynamic criminogenic factors to assist with their successful reintegration back into the community.

Nova Scotia Correctional Services utilizes an evidence-based approach in both Community Corrections and custodial facilities. Core Correctional Practices (CCP) is the foundational practice that drives reintegration and rehabilitation practices deployed within Correctional Services. Utilizing CCP, Correctional Services staff can effectively interact, manage behavior, and help facilitate change within target populations.

About Our Opportunity

As a Correctional Officer, you are responsible for the safe custody, control, and supervision of sentenced and remanded persons in custody in an adult correctional facility on a rotating shift basis. Our Correctional Officers undertake duties associated with their shift assignment in various areas of the facility. These areas include Living Units, Admission and Discharge, Reception/Visitation, Recreation, Laundry, and Canteen Services. In this role, you will have regular and ongoing interaction with persons in custody while encouraging pro-social behavior. You are also responsible for administrative functions related to the case management database (JEIN) and the Offender Behavioural Management System.

Correctional Officers work with a diverse population of persons in custody and are accountable for promoting and adhering to policy and procedures, standard operating procedures, post orders, and directives. As part of this role, you will be involved with conducting counts and searches, writing reports, ensuring security and safety, and compiling tasks related to physical plant cleanliness and maintenance requirements.

Primary Accountabilities

Responsibilities include:

• Facility Security: Provides dynamic supervision of persons in custody and ensures safe custody, control, and supervision.
• Persons in Custody Supervision: Participate in the case management of persons in custody; approve and arrange visits and phone calls; escort persons in custody within the facility; respond to complaints and requests; assist in the completion of forms; supervise work activity inside and outside the facility.
• Physical Plant Maintenance: Supervise facility cleaning by persons in custody, supervise trustees on outside work detail, and submit maintenance work orders when required.
• Programs: Advise persons in custody of available programs and adhere to the posted program schedule.
• Administration & Communication: Record and communicate information through reports, forms, logbooks, email, and JEIN documentation; participate in committees or meetings as requested; promote teamwork, leadership, diversity, and a healthy workplace.

Qualifications and Experience

You possess a High School diploma and 2 years of related experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered. Typical equivalencies include a certificate/diploma from an accredited Correctional Officer program or a University degree in a related field of study.

Your experience and knowledge in the following areas are considered assets in this role:

• Experience in law enforcement, security, or the military.
• Knowledge or experience in a computerized/automated environment.
• Leadership experience (leading youth programs, groups, or committees).

Equivalency

Include, but not limited to:

• A related 2-year post-secondary diploma.
• A related 1-year post-secondary diploma and 1 year of related experience.
• 5 years of continuous employment in an unrelated field.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

The Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation, and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.

Additional Information

Candidates selected for an interview will be provided a medical form to be completed by a doctor. The facility is a 24-hour operation and is a tobacco-free environment. This position requires a valid Driver’s License, a Driver’s Abstract, Standard First Aid/CPR Certificate, and proof of all stated education and training, which shall be provided at the time of the interview.

Relief employees fill gaps in the schedule and replace full-time employees when operational requirements demand. Candidates must identify the geographic location(s) in their cover letter where they prefer to work when applying. The location(s) of the vacancies are Dartmouth, Pictou, Yarmouth, and Sydney.

Assessment and Interview Process

Qualified applicants will be invited to a competency-based job interview. During the interview, applicants must demonstrate well-developed communication, interpersonal, interviewing, counseling, and conflict resolution skills. Correctional Officers serve as role models to adults in custody and must possess sound observation, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to respond effectively to crisis situations.

If you are selected for an interview, you are required to bring copies of a valid driver’s license, proof of all stated education and training, and references.

An in-depth medical form must be completed by a doctor confirming your ability to work as a Correctional Officer.

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.

Pay Grade: ACC 04 - Hourly Salary Range: $;- $;Hourly