Officer in Charge

About Us

The Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice is responsible for the administration and operation of community and custody-based programs and services for adults and young persons. Within the Correctional Services core business area there are two programs: community corrections & correctional facilities. Each of these program areas is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the programs target group.

Four (4) adult correctional facilities and one (1) youth centre provide the safety and security of persons in custody while providing programs that address dynamic criminogenic factors to assist with their successful reintegration back into the community.

Nova Scotia Correctional Services utilizes an evidence-based approach in both Community Corrections and custodial facilities. Core Correctional Practices (CCP) is the foundational practice that drives reintegration and rehabilitation practices deployed within Correctional Services. Utilizing CCP, Correctional Services staff can effectively interact, manage behavior, and help facilitate change, within target populations.

For more information on the Department of Justice Correctional Services please visit our website: .

About Our Opportunity

As a supervisor, you are responsible for the administration, direct supervision and deployment of the facility including the safety of sentenced and remanded young persons (male and female), staff and the general public by ensuring operations are in compliance with policies and procedures, standard operation procedures, post orders and occupational health and safety legislation on a rotational shift basis.

In this role, you will have regular and ongoing interaction with a diverse population, while encouraging pro-social behaviour. Our supervisors undertake duties associated with your shift assignment in various areas of the centre. These areas include but are not limited to oversight of Living Units, Admission and Discharge, Reception/Visitation, General Administrative and Security of the Youth Center, Facility Investigations (as required), Case Management Oversight as per YCJA legislative requirements, Performance management, attendance management, coaching and disciplinary as appropriate. Operational oversight includes but is not limited to security, scheduling, programming and liaison with correctional services administration and police agencies.

Primary Accountabilities

Responsibilities include:

Facility Security

• Knowledge and understanding of accepted correctional strategies and philosophies in all the aspects of correctional facility operations.

• Provides active supervision of youth workers and youth in custody.

• The incumbent may be required to respond at any time (nights and weekends) to incidents occurring on site on a rotating on-call basis.

Persons in Custody Supervision

• Understanding of behavior management, crisis management and prevention, safety, and security

• Support institutional staff to ensure appropriate case management procedures are developed to meet the criminogenic needs of each assigned young person.

• General administrative oversight for responding to complaints and approving professional and personal visits and phone calls.

• Work with on-sight Health Services to coordinate mental health and health services for all young persons.

Physical Plant Maintenance

• Ensure maintenance work and work orders are addressed, maintained, and completed in a timely manner to maintain facility operations and meet security provisions.

Programs and Case Management

• Responsible for the operational oversite, adherence, and auditing of the program schedule and appropriate case management procedures as per legislation.

• Provide support to youth workers and persons in custody by ensuring the delivery of resident programs including recreation, academic, life skills and vocational development.

Administration & Communication

• Record and communicate information through reports, forms, logbooks, email and JEIN documentation and participate in committees or meetings as requested by the Youth Custody Manager or designate.

• Communicate in a timely, transparent, and effective manner and participate in workplace wellness initiatives by promoting teamwork, leadership, diversity, and a healthy workplace.

• Responsible for the administration of discipline, chairing all youth discipline review boards and disciplinary adjudications.

• Responsible for performance of all youth workers by conducting yearly performance reviews and by providing training and coaching as well as implementing and administering the attendance management policy.

• Must be knowledgeable on the collective agreement, code of professional conduct and labour standard codes.

• Direct all facility operations in the absence of the Youth Custody Manager.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you must possess a bachelor's degree (Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, or Education), supplemented by several years of direct experience in youth-oriented program delivery, preferably in a correctional setting. Supervisory, human resources, interpersonal and communication skills are considered an asset. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered. Typical equivalencies include: a certificate/diploma from an accredited Correctional Officer program or a university degree in a related field of study.

Your experience and knowledge in the following areas are considered assets in this role:

Experience in law enforcement, security, or the military Previous employment as a Correctional Officer Knowledge or experience in a computerized/automated environment Leadership experience (, leading youth programs, groups, or committees) Knowledge in use of force, and experience in personal and physical security Knowledge of Restorative Practices

Report writing, counseling, and building and maintaining a rapport with the residents and co-workers are critical components of the job. As such, our successful candidate(s) will demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail. You must display strong leadership and problem-solving skills, be able to make good decisions and respond appropriately to crisis situations. Other competencies that must be displayed are the ability to work well with minimal supervision and an understanding of the importance of exercising discretion with confidential matters.

Equivalency

Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

A related 2 year post secondary diploma A related 1 year post secondary diploma and 1 year of related experience 5 years of continuous employment in an unrelated field

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

Benefits

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. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Correctional facilities are open 24/7 operations. The incumbent may be required to respond at any time (nights and weekends) to incidents occurring on site. The nature of the work environment may bring incumbent into contact with individuals who are verbally abusive and physically threatening. The correctional facility environment differs from the normal office conditions due to constraints on movement, and security provisions.

Additional Information

This is a permanent, full- time position based in Waterville, Nova Scotia.

The is a 24-hour operation and a tobacco-free environment. You must be available to work any and all shifts in a 24/7 operation.

This position requires a valid Driver's License, a Driver's Abstract, Emergency First Aid/CPR Certificate, and proof of all stated education and training, which shall be provided at time of interview.

If successful, you must be able to pass appropriate background checks and the Pre-Employment Questionnaire.

Assessment Process

Qualified applicants will be invited to competency-based job interview. During the interview, applicants must demonstrate well developed communication, interpersonal and interviewing/counseling and conflict resolution skills to deal effectively with youth in custody and function well as a member of the team. The Officer in Charge serve as role models to youth in custody and therefore must possess sound observation, decision making and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to respond effectively in crisis situations.

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

For more information, please visit LEADS Framework.

If you are called for the next phase, the pre-employment interview, you will be asked to submit the completed questionnaire prior to your appointment. The questionnaire focuses on honesty and integrity and candidates must answer all questions accurately and truthfully. Dishonesty or non-disclosure will result in elimination of the candidate's application.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the confirmation of credentials and the completion of all applicable background, criminal record, child abuse registry and reference checks, driver's license, driver's abstract, pre-employment interview, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer.

Professional references for employment must included one from your current/most recent Supervisor.

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. Department Specific Flexible working schedules. Pay Grade: EC 10 Salary Range: $3,;- $3,;Bi-Weekly

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