Training Consultant (3 opportunities)(Program Admin Officer 3)

Department: Community Services

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 22-Nov-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At the Department of Community Services (DCS), we are a large and diverse department providing 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. We work collaboratively across the province with a strong dedicated network of supports and staff to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.

About Our Opportunity

As a Training Consultant, you will be responsible for creating training curriculum and delivering trainings through a variety of methods, all while working with subject matter experts across the department. This work will have a direct impact on the on-going learning needs of our employees, ensuring staff at DCS are equipped with the skills and knowledge they require to perform their jobs.

In this role, you will work in a highly collaborative environment while creating training programs to develop and enhance our employees' skills and provide excellent, culturally attentive client services to Nova Scotians.

If you are results-driven, creative, innovative and interested in contributing to this exciting role, we welcome you to apply!

Primary Accountabilities

As the Consultant, you will leverage your expertise in learning and development to:

• Conduct training needs assessments to identify knowledge gaps, create curriculum and training requirements, while consulting with a wide variety of subject matter experts.
• Facilitate and deliver training through in-person and varied online channels.
• Administer feedback for all trainings and utilizing other evaluation mechanisms to ensure efficient and timely delivery.
• Manage several complex training projects, prioritize tasks and mitigate risks under tight timelines, ensuring efficient project management.
• Collaborate and build relationships with other government departments, service providers and community partners to identify & prioritize learning needs and exchange relevant training resources.
• Provide logistical oversight for large audiences to plan and execute in-person and online training events.
• Use various forms of technology to support training delivery (virtual classroom, learning management systems, webinar platforms, Zoom, Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word, Excel, Teams)).
• Uphold DCS values by integrating a social lens and a human-centred, culturally attentive approach to training programs.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a related bachelor’s degree and have at least five (5) years of related experience with training development and facilitation while using varied training methods/modalities. An equivalent combination of training and experience would be acceptable.

An education degree or Adult Education Certificate is highly desirable.

You are client focussed and result-oriented and must demonstrate:

• Experience conducting training needs assessment, identifying gaps, developing training curriculum and in development/implementation of training programs.
• Comprehensive understanding of learning and development principles, learning objectives, creating content outlines, adult education and organizational culture.
• Ability to take initiative, conduct client consultations, mitigate risks and make decisions while identifying diverse learning requirements, selecting training modalities (in-person/virtual/e-learning) and defining priorities for clients.
• Experience overseeing logistics, coordination and the development & implementation of training plans considering diverse needs and audiences.
• Knowledge and experience of using varied technology to support training development & delivery.
• Experience with group facilitation and working in a collaborative team environment under tight deadlines.
• Experience providing post-training supports like collecting & evaluating feedback and reporting on training outcomes.
• Effective interactive communication skills (written and verbal), enabling you to foster relationships and collaborations, and navigate diverse client environments with tact and empathy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and working knowledge of other online platforms like Zoom.
• Commitment to understanding cultural differences and actively engaging with historically underserved communities.

Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a genuine interest in building partnerships/connections and addressing the diverse needs of others.

Following are the assets for this role:

• Experience with Learning management systems, design software's (such as Articulate, Camtasia or equivalent) and using various forms of technology (virtual classroom management techniques, e-learning, webinar platforms, power point etc.)
• Experience in developing employee communications and resources aimed at increasing employee skills and changing behaviour.
• Experience developing/implementing innovative solutions based on your knowledge of best practices in facilitation/delivery and emerging trends in training and development.
• Experience having a social lens to developing training curriculum and training programs.

Please ensure your application demonstrates how you meet the required qualifications and experiences outlined for this position.

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

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• A related master’s degree and three (3) years related experience with training development and facilitation while using varied training methods/modalities.
• A related 2-year diploma and seven (7) years related experience with training development and facilitation while using varied training methods/modalities.

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

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.

Working Conditions

You will mostly work in a comfortable office setting, however, periodic travel to other locations within the province to consult with staff and/or deliver training may be required. You should have a valid Driver’s license and access to a vehicle.

You will get numerous requests and frequent pressure to develop and implement training to support the achievement of training goals. Requests must be prioritized and balanced to ensure outcomes align with the deadlines and the overall Departmental objectives.

Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

Additional Information

This competition is to fill three Permanent positions.

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 13

Salary Range: $2,556.10 - $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.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are 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 the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.