Social Services Associate

Competition # : 47868

Department : Opportunities and Social Development

Location : WINDSOR

Type of Employment : Casual

Union Status : Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date : 16-Feb-26 (Applications are accepted until 11 : 59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD), 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

Are you looking for an opportunity where you will have profound and positive impacts on the lives of children and families? Are you looking for an environment where you can establish positive connections and build everlasting relationships within your community? Do you want to work in an environment where you have access to continued professional and personal growth and learning?

The Social Services Associate (SSA) is a vital member of the professional team, working collaboratively with the Child and Family Wellbeing team to support and assist Social Workers engaging with children, youth, and families connected to the Department of OSD. The SSA adheres to the Child and Family Wellbeing Practice Framework, ensuring that the child and family are at the center of all discussions and actions. Daily, the SSA will play an active role in working with children, youth, and families to foster resilience and inspire change.

Primary Accountabilities

Working alongside the Social Worker, you will have a substantial impact on the lives of children and families and will be an integral part of the Child and Family Wellbeing team. Some of the key responsibilities include :

• Contributing to the case management functions of a file that will aid in the delivery of services (i.e., completing collateral contact, meeting notes, scheduling of appointments, and file closures)
• Assisting in the collection, organization and planning for the implementation of programs and services to meet the needs of children, youth and families.
• Contributing to the planning for programs and services that impact the safety and well-being of children.
• Participating in risk management conference meetings, case conferences, or other meetings, as required.
• Accompanying Social Workers, assisting with home / community visits and attending court as required.
• Supporting the development of case plans, access plans, and court documentation.
• Delivering services using a compassionate approach to connect children, youth and families.

Qualifications And Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have completed a diploma in Child and Youth Care and possess a minimum of two (2) years of related experience working with children, youth, and families. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. A bachelor’s degree in social sciences (e.g., Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related discipline) is considered an asset.

You bring a strong understanding of child and youth development, family dynamics, and the broader social systems that support wellbeing. You are also knowledgeable about the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of children and youth, both within family settings and while in care.

Key Competencies And Attributes We Are Seeking Include

Additional Assets Include

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

Equivalency

This is an excellent career opportunity for many, and we do consider an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience. Related equivalencies may include, but are not limited to :

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. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here : Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Your typical work week is 35 hours with 7-hour days. Most of your work involves accompanying the Social Worker and meeting with clients in their homes. This requires a significant amount of driving time, occasionally under challenging weather conditions.

While present in the office, your time is spent in a comfortable office environment.

Personal resilience is crucial to handling the physical and emotional requirements of this role. The position involves high-stress and crisis situations, with ample support and resources available. Candidates must be adept at working under pressure and demonstrate a commitment both personally and professionally to engaging with culturally diverse individuals in an inclusive manner.

Additional Information

A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle are required.

This is a CASUAL employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of April 22, 2026. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

Pay Grade : TE 21

Salary Range : $2,265.24 - $2,653.94 Hourly

The salary rates include an economic adjustment that has been approved. These rates are effective April 1, 2025. Implementation in our HR system will occur on March 5, 2026. Until then, the current rates will apply. Employees hired during this period will receive retroactive pay adjustments in accordance with the applicable policies.

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.

Accommodation Statement

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below :

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.

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