Registrar of Probate (Program Admin Officer 3)

The Court Services Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice is dedicated to excellent service and the provision of fair and accessible administration of justice, including court administration and security. The Division provides administrative support to the courts listed: Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (including Family Division), Provincial Court, Family Court, Small Claims Court, Probate Court and Bankruptcy Court. The courts act independently from the government to address individual cases.

As the Justice Officer 4 (Registrar of Probate), you will administer and deliver a wide range of court-related services in accordance with legislation such as the Probate Act, Civil Procedure Rules and other relevant statutes. You will case manage complex judicial, administrative and public service responsibilities, often requiring the interpretation of law, court rules, and the provision of guidance to lawyers, litigants and other court users. Your work ensures fair, timely and legally compliant probate proceedings.

Primary Accountabilities

• Carry out judicial and quasi‑judicial responsibilities including conducting hearings, issuing grants and preparing legal decisions in accordance with relevant legislation and court rules.
• Manage the custody and integrity of all probate‑related records including wills, codicils, exhibits and court documents.
• Provide expert guidance and accessible legal information to the public, legal professionals and self‑represented litigants on the probate process and court procedures.
• Review, assess and process court filings to ensure compliance with legislative and procedural requirements, resolving deficiencies and referring complex matters as needed.
• Serve as a Commissioner of Oaths and support related functions of the Justice of the Peace, contributing to consistent and accessible justice services.
• Support overall court operations, provide procedural advice to staff and assist with related financial, administrative and policy matters.

Qualifications and Experience

A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline plus five years experience in a legal/justice environment or an acceptable equivalent of education, experience and training. You have knowledge and experience providing client‑based services as required and have previous experience and formal training in domestic violence issues, assisted dispute resolution, interviewing and client assessment. You analyze, interpret and demonstrate an understanding of the Rules & Statutes that govern court actions and apply them to the court process. You possess a high level of diplomacy, tact and professionalism and can deal with difficult people and demanding situations while communicating with tact and discretion in a clear, concise manner. You have time‑management skills and can meet deadlines for a high volume of case management; you have a sound working knowledge of the Justice System, Family Division, court support programs, community referral agencies and proficiency in automated computer software programs. The ability to work within a team and provide direction to support staff is essential. Self‑directed behavior, analytical and conceptual thinking and creative approaches to problem solving are required. Fluency (both oral and written) in the French Language will be considered an asset.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s) and reference checks.

Equivalency

A two-year diploma in a related field plus seven years of related experience in a legal/justice environment or nine years of related experience in a legal/justice environment. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

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

Exposure to emotional and sensitive issues, dealing with difficult or distraught individuals. High demand for accuracy and attention to detail while working in a high-volume service environment. Urgent deadlines and constantly changing priorities. Potential for violence and verbal abuse by aggressive persons because court-related issues can be highly emotionally charged, especially in relation to domestic and criminal situations. Must display a completely impartial attitude at all times.

Additional Information

This is a permanent employment opportunity. Some travel and overtime may be required. Fluency (both oral and written) in the French Language will be considered an asset. This position will require an enhanced level of security screening for external applicants.

What We Offer

Career Development where you have access to 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: PR 13
Salary Range: $2,805.63- $3,410.48 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 ground protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us.