At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, ensuring safety and wellbeing through professional services.
- Company: Join the Department of Opportunities and Social Development in Nova Scotia.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
- Qualifications: Master's or Bachelor's in Social Work with relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Competition #: 48204
Department: Opportunities and Social Development
Location: YARMOUTH
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 21-Jul-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
We're 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. Every day is different, and you will encounter unique challenges with responsibilities ranging from:
- 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.
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
A typical workday is between 8am - 5pm. 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.
What We Offer
We offer many perks and benefits, based on your employment status including:
- 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.
- Out-of-province applicants may be eligible to apply for moving expenses.
- 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
Salary Range: $2,848.71 - $3,983.72 Bi-Weekly
Note: The salary rates shown are effective April 1, 2026. Should you start in this position before April 1, 2026, your salary will be based on the current rates until April 1.
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.
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child Protection Social Worker 1-2 (Children in Care)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Nova Scotia.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Nova Scotia!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Nova Scotia, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Nova Scotia or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Child Protection Social Worker 1-2 (Children in Care)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Nova Scotia:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Nova Scotia! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nova Scotia
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
