Manager, Adoption

**Competition #**: 45106
**Department**: Opportunities and Social Development
**Location**: HALIFAX
**Type of Employment**: Permanent
**Union Status**: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
**Closing Date**: 18-Feb-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
Every child deserves a safe, loving, and permanent home. As the Manager of Adoption Services, you have a leadership role in shaping adoption programs and policies across the province. Your expertise will help connect children with families, ensuring they receive the support and stability they need to thrive.
In this role, you will oversee adoption services, work closely with adoption professionals, and collaborate with provincial and federal partners to ensure high-quality services. You will also provide guidance to adoption staff, private practitioners, legal professionals, and the public on complex adoption matters.
Beyond policy development and program oversight, you will drive innovative strategies, influence recruitment efforts, enhance adoption standards, and contribute to lasting outcomes for children and families across Nova Scotia.
Primary Accountabilities
As the Manager of Adoption Services, you will provide leadership and oversight to ensure the effective delivery of adoption programs across Nova Scotia. Your responsibilities will include:
Providing expert consultation and advice on legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures to the Minister's Office, senior leadership, Child and Family Wellbeing Specialists, and private practitioners.
Maintaining high-quality provincial adoption standards by developing policies, protocols, and training programs, including monitoring compliance with legislation and regulations.
Overseeing adoption processes, ensuring that children are placed in safe and nurturing homes, and approving all international adoptions by Nova Scotia residents.
Acting as the Central Authority for Nova Scotia with respect to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.
Managing human and financial resources effectively, including setting performance targets, supporting staff development, and fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace.
Qualifications and Experience
You have completed a related Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work or other related field and have several years' experience with adoption services, child and family wellbeing, and policy development. You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW).
**You must demonstrate**:
Leadership experience in working within teams and fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace.
In-depth knowledge of adoption services, including domestic and international adoption, adoption disclosure, and services for expectant and single parents.
A strong background in policy development, program evaluation, and legislative interpretation within a social services setting.
Ability to provide strategic direction, lead program development, and make informed decisions on complex adoption cases.
Ability to navigate sensitive issues, develop innovative solutions, and address challenges
Strong communication skills and ability to provide clear guidance, policy interpretation, and expert advice to senior leadership, frontline staff, and the public.
An understanding of culturally responsive and attentive adoption practices is essential. It is highly desirable if you have experience working with diverse communities, including African Nova Scotians, Indigenous communities, and newcomers to Canada. Additional assets include knowledge of immigration policies and federal processes related to international adoption.
LEADS
Please follow LEADS for more information.
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.

**Benefits**:
Based on the employment status, 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
Your typical w