Receptionist (Clerk 2)

Competition # : 49894

Department: Opportunities and Social Development

Location: MIDDLETON

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: (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

As the Receptionist, you are the first point of contact for clients, service providers and the general public, requiring excellent customer service skills. You will use various computer software systems and be responsible for assisting in the delivery of programs by providing a range of general inquiry/administrative support services.

This position involves direct client service and working in partnership with Social Workers and Caseworkers for the effective and efficient delivery of services.

Primary Accountabilities

We count on your expertise and excellent customer service to provide various administrative support, including, but not limited to:

• Interacting with clients, service providers and staff in person or by phone
• Recording and relaying accurate information to appropriate staff
• Answering inquiries, assessing urgency of requests and determining the best course of action
• Filing and coordinating daily incoming and outgoing correspondence
• Maintaining a filing system in accordance with government records management policy
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

You will have at least three (3) years of experience in an administrative support/ reception role.

You have demonstrated excellent customer service skills and a proven ability to effectively assist and communicate both in person and by phone. You work well under pressure and independently in a fast-paced environment. You have accurate keyboarding skills along with a working knowledge of various software programs and databases to deliver effective administrative support.

Though not required, it is considered an asset if you:

• have completed a business course
• are knowledgeable of services and programs offered by the Department and other community agencies

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. 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 completed 2-year diploma and one (1) year of experience
• A completed 1-year diploma and two (2) years of experience

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

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting. Occasionally you may need to move or lift objects such as boxes or files. You will have daily contact with the public, various Government Departments as well as other local Agencies.

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

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: CL 13

Salary Range: $1,647.65 - $1,793.47 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, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons 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.

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.

If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more 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.