Counsellor 3 (Team Lead, Hope Landing) in Cowfold

Department: Opportunities and Social Development

Location: BRIDGEWATER

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 18-Feb-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

At Hope Landing, we are part of a beautiful community, where your education and skills will be leveraged to provide specialized care that will have long-lasting results for young people. We're hiring a Team Lead responsible for the well-being of clients in our care. You are an essential team player and leader who provides staff supervision, including coaching, mentoring, and motivating your team to achieve success. With your expertise, you are essential in providing guidance and oversight in the development, coordination, implementation, and ongoing delivery of case plans. You have a direct impact on the planning and development of programs, along with related activities within the facility, which operates twenty-four (24) hours a day and seven (7) days per week.

Primary Accountabilities

• You will supervise and consult with your staff, review performance targets, and develop performance objectives.
• With your experience and expertise, you ensure that Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)-approved techniques are used in accordance with regulations, acts, and policy.
• You'll actively participate in case team meetings to develop and review case plans as well as decisions regarding transfers and discharges.
• Regularly, you will consult with internal and external team members regarding the implementation of client case plans and monitoring their progress, while ensuring success.
• You are a critical resource in ensuring client's nutritional needs are met and psycho-educational programs are delivered.

Qualifications and Experience

You have graduated from an approved child & youth care worker diploma, and have at least three (3) years of related experience. A valid driver's licence and the ability to travel is required. You demonstrate in-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, guidelines, occupational health and safety practices, along with crisis intervention techniques. In addition you:

• are familiar with a variety of computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• demonstrate effective leadership, motivation, and team building skills.
• have strong communication skills (both written and verbal).
• exercise good judgment and strong initiative.

Previous supervisory experience is an asset, however you must demonstrate leadership abilities including building, motivating and leading teams.

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

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 related bachelor's degree in social science and (1) one year of related experience.
• At least five (5) years related experience.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

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.

Working Conditions

This position will require on-call hours. Rotating shift work may also be required. The facility's environment differs substantially from normal office conditions and is often unpredictable. While we take precautions, it must be recognized that a possibility exists of being verbally and/or physically assaulted by children or youth. As Team Leader, you will be supporting clients in-care with complex emotional/behavioural needs, requiring your resilience and perseverance. The work environment operates twenty-four (24) hours and seven (7) days a week with scheduled rotating employee shifts.

Additional Information

This is a Term opportunity with an anticipated end date of October 1, 2027. The appointment status (term, temporary, or casual) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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: TE 23

Salary Range: $2,446.71- $2,887.20 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 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.