Child Protection Social Worker 1-2

**Competition #**: 45398
**Department**: Opportunities and Social Development
**Location**: AMHERST
**Type of Employment**: Permanent
**Union Status**: NSGEU - NSPG
**Closing Date**: 01-May-25 (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
We're hiring dedicated Child Protection Social Workers to join our team in the following program areas including Intake, Long-term Care, and Children in Care, Consolidated Allegations Investigations Team (CAIT). 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 protecting children from abuse and neglect, provide ongoing services to parents and children, and collaborate with program areas to assess families for the placement of children.
Primary Accountabilities
Daily, you actively work to engage people and communities to build resilience, address challenges and trauma, and create change. Every day is different, and you will encounter unique challenges with responsibilities ranging from:
Assessing child protection 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).
**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.
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.
Working Conditions
A typical work day 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.
Additional Information
Child Protection Social Worker 1 (PR 13) at a rate of 4%,
Child Protection Social Worker 2 (PR 16) at a rate of 6%
What We Offer
We offer many perks and benefits, based on your employment status including:
Reimbursement for your registration fees to the NS College of Social Workers.
Flexible working arrangements including modified work weeks.
Ability to earn overtime and shift premiums for weekend and after-hours work.
Travel and car allowance