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- Tasks: Support children and families, ensuring safety and wellbeing through professional services.
- Company: Join the Department of Opportunities and Social Development, making a difference in Nova Scotia.
- Benefits: Flexible work arrangements, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a change-maker in children's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Master's or Bachelor's in Social Work with relevant experience; students encouraged to apply!
- Other info: Temporary position with excellent career advancement opportunities and a focus on diversity.
The predicted salary is between 30 - 40 £ per hour.
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
We are hiring dedicated Child Protection Social Workers to join our team in the following program areas including Assessment, Ongoing Support, and Children in Care. In this vital role, you will provide a wide array of professional child and family wellbeing services. You will be involved in planning for and supervising children in the care of the Minister, liaising with various partners and communities, and advocating on behalf of children and families. As a role model, you will support and demonstrate a workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, safe, and supportive. 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 ensuring children's safety and wellbeing, provide ongoing supports to parents and children, and collaborate with program areas to determine appropriate and safe places for children to live.
Primary Accountabilities
- Daily, you actively work to engage people and communities to build resilience, address challenges and trauma, and create change.
- Assessing child safety and wellbeing concerns and working with families and communities to address them.
- Collaborating with and supporting individuals and families.
- Planning and developing case plans with families.
- Working closely with the community and advocating for connections to community resources.
- Participating in risk assessments, court testimonies, and evaluations.
- Planning with and supervising children in care of the Minister.
Qualifications and Experience
A completed Master of Social Work, or a Bachelor of Social Work with at least two (2) years of related experience, along with a driver's license are required. You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW). If you are a current social work student with anticipated graduation this year, with at least two (2) years of related experience, we encourage you to apply!
You are:
- A strong team player.
- Empowered to drive positive change.
- Compassionate, reliable, and resourceful.
You possess a deep understanding of child development, family dynamics, trauma-informed care, and community resources. You are well‑versed in effective intervention strategies. Your excellent problem‑solving skills, combined with creative thinking, enhance the support provided to children and families, contributing to their overall well‑being and growth.
Working Conditions
A typical workday is between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Most of your work will involve meeting with clients in their homes or with service providers, requiring substantial driving time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. While in the office, you will benefit from a comfortable work environment with flexible working options available. On a rotating schedule, you may be required to provide child and family wellbeing services for your designated area, after regular business hours. This will include working on weekends and reporting to the provincial after‑hours response team. You may also be called upon to work beyond regular business hours on short notice. Personal resilience is crucial to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be immersed in high‑stress and crisis situations, with extensive support and resources at your disposal. You must be able to work under pressure and be both personally and professionally committed to working inclusively with culturally diverse individuals.
Additional Information
This is a temporary employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2026. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.
What We Offer
- A social work career without limits; endless opportunities to grow and develop within the Province of Nova Scotia through coaching, training, and advancement opportunities.
- Reimbursement for your registration fees to the NS College of Social Workers.
- Flexible working arrangements including modified work weeks.
- Ability to earn overtime and shift premiums for weekend and after‑hours work.
- Travel and car allowance.
- Three (3) weeks vacation to start, and annual pay progression.
- Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP).
- Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability.
Pay Grade: PR 13 – PR 16 Salary Range: $39.90 – $55.79 Hourly.
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.
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. 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.
Location: DIGBY
Employment Type: Temporary
Union Status: NSGEU – NSPG
Closing Date: 11-Feb-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
Child Protection Social Worker 1-2 employer: Nova Scotia
Contact Detail:
Nova Scotia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Child Protection Social Worker 1-2
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to child protection. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to shine, so role-play with a friend or use mock interview tools to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for child welfare during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles or through volunteer work. This will help us see your commitment to the cause and your fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, keep an eye on our job postings regularly; new opportunities pop up all the time!
We think you need these skills to ace Child Protection Social Worker 1-2
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Child Protection Social Worker. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of supporting vulnerable Nova Scotians.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for child and family wellbeing shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and experiences. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of being considered for the role. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nova Scotia
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Children and Family Services Act and the specific needs of vulnerable children and families. Brush up on trauma-informed care and community resources, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences in social work, especially those that relate to child protection. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully navigated challenges and supported families in crisis.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to talk about how you work within a team. Share instances where you’ve effectively partnered with colleagues or community organisations to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
✨Be Ready for Real Scenarios
Expect situational questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think through potential scenarios you might face as a Child Protection Social Worker and how you would handle them, focusing on your approach to ensuring safety and wellbeing.
