Probation Officer 1-3 (Youth Services)

Closing Date: 16-Apr-25 ( Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

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.

Community Corrections has 22 offices across the province from Yarmouth to Sydney and is responsible for the supervision of both adult and young persons serving community-based sentences. The sentences include probation, conditional sentence, custody and supervision, conditional supervision and Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision. Probation officers also supervise those released from custody on conditional releases and prepare pre-sentence investigations to assist the Courts in the sentencing process. Evidence based Program facilitation and supports to specialized courts in areas of domestic violence, mental health and wellness are also part of the role of a Probation Officer as well as Restorative Justice casework and collaboration with community justice agencies.

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

Halifax Integrated Youth Services (HIYS) is a collaborative, community-based initiative of Correctional Services, in cooperation with key partners. HIYS provides coordinated services and supervision to youth sentenced under the YCJA, by providing access to a range of evidence-based programs and services. HIYS provides services, programs, and supervision strategies for all Court sentenced youth in the Halifax Regional Municipality. HIYS also provides these services to select young persons on adult Court Orders. HIYS has multiple partnerships with agencies and departments to facilitate collaboration and implementation of responsive risk assessments/case management plans for individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

In addition, responsibilities include preparation of investigative reports for courts, court attendance, and supervision of young persons serving community-based dispositions, interagency committee representation, and engaging collateral contacts with employers, schools, family, and others to assist in the supervision process. This position is required to coordinate youth-focused programming and services at HIYS and in the HRM community corrections offices, liaising with the Nova Scotia Youth Centre.

Primary Accountabilities

What You Will be Doing:

• Complete Presentence Reports as requested by the Court as assisting in determining appropriate dispositions
• Supervise individuals on Court orders to ensure compliance with the Court ordered conditions
• Investigate violations when Conditional Sentence Orders are breached, prepare and serve applicable documents
• Record ongoing file documentation for case management
• Respond to crises of individuals on supervision and their families utilizing intervention techniques and suicide prevention
• Investigate and charge individuals on supervision with violations of Court Orders, make applications and provide supporting documentation for revocation of Suspended Sentence as required
• Facilitate and deliver operational programs such as:
• Adult Restorative Justice
• Fine Option
• Community Service Work
• Prisoner Release
• Electronic Supervision
• Student Placements
• Volunteers in Corrections

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate you would have a Bachelor’s degree plus 1 year of related experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience. The following are considered asset qualifications: a degree in the Social Sciences, previous experience employing an understanding of criminal/deviant behavior and family dynamics, and knowledge of pertinent federal and provincial legislation.

You will demonstrate sound judgement, impartiality and solid decision-making abilities. These abilities are essential, as daily decisions are made which directly affect the lives of individuals on supervision, their families and the community. You will also demonstrate excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to make accurate assessments related to the preparation of investigative reports and the overall supervision of individuals serving community-based sentences in the community. The Probation Officer is expected to possess a strong teamwork ethic, be able to function as a team member within the office and the division and cultivate a strong network of accessible community resources. You must be self-directed and able to accept supervision, adhere to policy, and seek direction when necessary.

Access to reliable transportation is required.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in a related field
• A two-year certificate/diploma in a related field plus three years of related experience

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

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week
• May be required to work overtime on occasion
• Excessive mental demands given extensive daily exposure to violence, problematic substance use, and other high-risk behaviours from those under your supervision
• Increased physical demands associated with uncertain behaviours by those under your supervision when conducting community visits and interviewing in correctional institutions
• Sitting at a computer for long periods of time
• Travel is required for community visits, court attendance and other obligations which could require driving in all types of adverse weather conditions
• Frequent travel is required within the Kentville office jurisdiction

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: PR 06- PR 13

Salary Range: $1,924.95- $3,107.16 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.