Assistance jobs in United States

Competition # : 44996

Department: Opportunities and Social Development

Location: AMHERST

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 30-Jan-25 ( Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

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 achieve independence and security.

We’re hiring dedicated Caseworkers to join our Employment Support Services and Income Assistance (ESIA) team. In this role, you will evaluate the eligibility of individuals seeking financial assistance and support, ensuring both initial and ongoing eligibility. You will also deliver comprehensive employment support services to Income Assistance recipients and individuals with disabilities, guiding them towards achieving financial independence.

As the Caseworker, you will deliver employment support services and income assistance activities for clients such as:

• Employability assessments and counselling/case management;
• Workshop facilitation, job development/job search services, and referrals;
• Intakes, assessments, and records maintenance;
• General and/or specialized case management and consultation;
• Communication of outcomes to applicants and referrals to appropriate programs and community resources.

In a team environment, you will work collaboratively with colleagues, community, and clients to mobilize the client’s personal resources toward self-sufficiency, using appropriate supporting interventions. You’ll facilitate access to training and develop workshops with external service providers to enable clients' movement into employment.

You have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Business, or a related field, combined with a passion for making a difference. You excel in interviewing techniques and communication (both written and verbal) and possess strong planning, organizational, and crisis intervention abilities. Familiarity with workshop facilitation, job development, job search services, intakes, and assessments is beneficial, along with a solid network of community resources.

You understand budgetary and case management concepts and demonstrate initiative and sound judgment. A client service focus and awareness of how factors like culture, socioeconomic status, gender, age, and sexual orientation influence client experiences are necessary. The ability to meet deadlines and handle challenging situations with poise is essential.

Fluency in multiple languages is a significant asset. Other assets include experience with Employment Support and Income Assistance (ESIA) policies and legislation, and Occupational Health and Safety responsibilities.

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

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• A completed related 2-year diploma along with two (2) years of related experience;
• Four (4) years of related experience.

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

A typical work week is 35 hours, with 7-hour days. While your primary work environment will be an office, we offer flexible work options to enhance your work-life balance, and you may have the opportunity to work from home one day per week.

Occasional travel may be required. The role is dynamic and involves navigating time pressures and managing a diverse caseload. You’ll need to thrive in a fast-paced environment while balancing competing priorities.

• Career Development with access to guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training.
• Engaging workplace where employees feel valued and respected.
• Countless career paths.

Pay Grade: PR 04- PR 11

Salary Range: $1,773.75- $2,867.11 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that represents the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia welcomes applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Women in under-represented occupations.

This is a bargaining unit position restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.