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: Flexible work options, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with extensive support and resources in a collaborative environment.
- 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; students encouraged to apply!
The predicted salary is between 2000 - 2800 £ per month.
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 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 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.
Child Protection Social Worker 1-2 (Children in Care) in Great Yarmouth employer: Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Department of Opportunities and Social Development is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the families they serve. With a strong commitment to professional development, social workers have access to ongoing training and mentorship opportunities, ensuring meaningful career growth while making a significant impact in the community. Located in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia, employees enjoy a balanced lifestyle amidst stunning natural surroundings, fostering both personal and professional fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child Protection Social Worker 1-2 (Children in Care) in Great Yarmouth
✨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 recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors 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 you stand out as someone truly committed to the cause.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our job alerts so you’re always in the loop about new opportunities in child protection.
We think you need these skills to ace Child Protection Social Worker 1-2 (Children in Care) in Great Yarmouth
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 protection and family wellbeing shine through in your written application. We love seeing 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 this important role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nova Scotia
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in child protection laws and the specific responsibilities of a Child Protection Social Worker. Brush up on the Children and Family Services Act and any relevant community resources. This will show that you’re not just interested, but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences in social work, especially those related to child welfare. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've handled challenging situations, collaborated with families, or advocated for children. This will help demonstrate your problem-solving skills and compassion.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role requires collaboration with various partners and communities. Be ready to talk about your experience working in teams, how you’ve contributed to a positive workplace culture, and how you handle conflicts. Highlighting your ability to work inclusively will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how the department measures success in child protection. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
