Correctional Planner

**Department**:Justice

**Location**:DARTMOUTH

**Type of Employment**:Term

**Union Status**:NSGEU - NSPG

**Closing Date**:20-Sep-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

**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 incarcerated adults and youth. Within the Correctional Services core business area there are two (2) programs: Community Corrections and Correctional Facilities. Each of these program areas is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the program's target group.

Community Corrections has 22 offices across the province from Yarmouth to Sydney and is responsible for the supervision of both adult and young persons serving community-based sentences. The sentences include probation, conditional sentence, custody and supervision, conditional supervision, and Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision. Probation Officers also supervise those released from custody on conditional releases and prepare pre-sentence investigations to assist the Courts in the sentencing process. Evidence-based Program facilitation and supports to specialized courts in areas of domestic violence, mental health and wellness are also part of the role of a Probation Officer, as well as Restorative Justice casework and collaboration with community justice agencies.

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 are leaders in delivering a high standard of services to achieve positive change. We develop partnerships and use integrated information and communication systems to provide a safe, secure, healthy, and supportive environment for individuals in custody and staff. Our division takes pride in using creativity, innovation and integrity in decision making and the achievement of our goals and objectives. We utilize 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.

**About Our Opportunity**:
As a Correctional Programmer, you will identify, assess, and respond to the needs of individuals in custody through the development, delivery, and evaluation of responsive and evidence-based programs and services to improve outcomes for individuals in custody and community. Working under the supervision of the Manager of Education and Programs, you will collaborate with other government departments and service providers to create a culturally based continuum of support, including program development, facilitating connections to existing programs and services, and review of existing Correctional Services programs to ensure inclusion of cultural content. Working directly with individuals in custody, you will assist them by better understanding their needs and concerns and providing education and information.

In this role, you will interact daily with individuals in custody while carrying out your duties, which include developing and delivering a variety of services and programs. As a Correctional Programmer, you will prepare program plans and maintain files and records in our electronic case management system (JEIN).

In addition, you will also work with community partners to facilitate culturally responsive programming and establish supports that assist with community reintegration. In collaboration with other Case Management Team (CMT) members and operational staff, you support individuals in custody with their correctional case plan goals.

**Primary Accountabilities**:

- Interact daily with the individuals in custody through program engagement and facilitation
- Collaborate with Case Management Team members to review program referrals, inform case planning, coordinate supports and services, and inform release planning
- Collaborate with community partners to provide culturally responsive programs and services for individuals in custody and establish a continuum of programs/services post-release

**Qualifications and Experience**:
To be considered for this opportunity, you hold a university degree with a major in Criminology, Sociology, Social Work, or another relevant field, in addition to two (2) or more years of experience in a correctional setting. You must have experience facilitating programs. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered. You must be familiar with all aspects of a Correctional Facility operation and have knowledge of curr