Correctional Program Officer (Temporary)

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.

About Our Opportunity

As a Correctional Programmer, you will identify, assess, and respond to the needs of individuals in custody through the development, delivery, and evaluation of responsive and evidence-based programs and services to improve outcomes for individuals in custody and community. Working under the supervision of the Manager of Education and Programs, you will collaborate with other government departments and service providers to create a culturally based continuum of support, including program development, facilitating connections to existing programs and services, and review of existing Correctional Services programs to ensure inclusion of cultural content. Working directly with individuals in custody, you will assist them by better understanding their needs and concerns and providing education and information.

In this role, you will interact daily with individuals in custody while carrying out your duties, which include developing and delivering a variety of services and programs. As a Correctional Programmer, you will prepare program plans and maintain files and records in our electronic case management system (JEIN).

In addition, you will also work with community partners to facilitate culturally responsive programming and establish supports that assist with community reintegration. In collaboration with other Case Management Team (CMT) members and operational staff, you support individuals in custody with their correctional case plan goals.

Primary Accountabilities

• Interact daily with the individuals in custody through program engagement and facilitation
• Collaborate with Case Management Team members to review program referrals, inform case planning, coordinate supports and services, and inform release planning
• Facilitate and invigilate the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC).
• Collaborate with community partners to provide culturally responsive programs and services for individuals in custody and establish a continuum of programs / services post-release

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you possess a university degree, preferably in education or social sciences and have experience teaching at-risk populations in a formalized educational setting. Experience working in correctional settings, transition planning and awareness of community education and employment supports would be an asset.

As the successful candidate, you will demonstrate the ability to engage and communicate ideas and information to learners who have learning difficulties and are not highly motivated. You will display knowledge of teaching methodology, adult education curriculum, risks and needs of persons in conflict with the law, assessment practices, differentiated instruction, and classroom management strategies. You are flexible, organized, able to work as a team member and in an independent and self-directed manner.

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

Equivalency

Include, but 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

You will work within a 24-hour operation and while there is no shift work associated with this position, there is potential for travel, overtime, and disruptions to personal and family life due to position responsibilities, workload, and other unplanned activities (typically the hours are between 8 : 30 AM to 4 : 30 PM, this may vary depending on operational needs).

Most of your work involves meeting with individuals in custody in your office or their living unit. While present in the office, there are multiple demands on your time that require you to prioritize your daily tasks and additional requests. You will also be expected to host community partners within the facility, attend community-based meetings, and build relationships with support organizations.

Your personal resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be immersed in high stress and crisis situations. You must be able to work under pressure and be personally and professionally committed to working with culturally diverse individuals in a respectful, inclusive, and racism-free manner.

Additional Information

This is a Temporary employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of May 31, 2026, located at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Dartmouth, NS. The appointment status (‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

The facility is a 24-hour operation and is a tobacco-free environment.

What We Offer

Pay Grade : PR 08 - PR 11 Salary Range :   $;- $;Hourly Note : The salary rates shown reflect the new Civil Service Agreement, effective April 1, 2025. Implementation in our HR system will occur on February 5, 2026. Until then, the current rates will apply. Employees hired during this period will receive retroactive pay adjustments in accordance with the new agreement and applicable policies.