Social Worker 1-2 (SAFE Assessor)

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 seeking a career where you have endless opportunities to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children and families?

We are hiring Social Workers across Nova Scotia in our Adoption, Foster Care, Disclosure Program, Screening and Regional Resource programs. Under the provisions of the Children and Family Services Act (CFSA) and An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Children, Youth, and Families (FNIM), your role will actively work towards providing ongoing services to parents and children, and collaborate with program areas to assess families for the placement of children. You will join an interdisciplinary team and have an opportunity to positively bring about change.

Notice to Pending Social Work Graduates :  If you are a few months away from graduation of your BSW / MSW program, you are encouraged to apply.

Primary Accountabilities

Conducting Interviews and Home Visits

• Schedule and conduct in-depth interviews with applicants, individually and as a couple (if applicable).
• Conduct home visits to assess safety, physical environment, and suitability of the home for fostering or adoption.
• Engage with all household members and significant supports as part of the assessment process.

Completing Structured Analysis (SAFE) Tools

Documenting Findings

Primary Accountabilities Continued

Coordinating with Other Professionals

Managing Caseloads and Timelines

Providing Education and Support

Qualifications and Experience

A completed Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work is required as well as a valid drivers license. You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW).

You are also :

You are understanding of child development, family dynamics, trauma-informed care, counselling, community resources, and are well versed in effective intervention strategies. Your problem-solving skills and experience, combined with your creative thinking, work to strengthen, and improve support while working with children and families.

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.

Working Conditions

Most of your work involves meeting with clients in their homes or with service providers. This necessitates considerable driving time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. While present in the office, your time is spent a comfortable office environment.

You may be required to work beyond regular business hours on short notice.

Your resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be immersed in high-stress and crises, with plenty of support and resources accessible to you. You must be able to work under pressure and be personally and professionally committed to inclusively working with culturally diverse individuals.

Additional Information

This is a Term opportunity with an anticipated end date of February 14, 2028. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

We offer many perks and benefits, based on your employment status including :

Click  here  to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Pay Grade : PR 09 - PR 15 Salary Range :   $2,;- $3,;Bi-Weekly