Specialist, Sexual Violence Prevention and Supports

**Competition #**: 45471
**Department**: Opportunities and Social Development
**Location**: HALIFAX
**Type of Employment**: Term
**Union Status**: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
**Closing Date**: 21-Mar-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
Child & Family Wellbeing Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), a division of the Department of Opportunities and Social Development, is a part of the community that is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children, youth, and families.
As the Specialist, Sexual Violence Prevention and Supports within CFW, you'll work in a critical leadership role shaping and advancing policies, services, and prevention strategies that address sexual violence across the province. Your role will contribute to developing, implementing, and evaluating programs that make a real impact.
This role requires a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and the ability to navigate complex policy landscapes. You will collaborate with diverse stakeholders—including community organizations, government agencies, and underrepresented groups—to co-design solutions that fill service gaps, enhance prevention efforts, and provide equitable access to resources.
You will also lead the administration of a community investment fund, ensuring it contributes meaningfully to sexual violence prevention while aligning with broader system-wide supports.
Primary Accountabilities
You will provide leadership in shaping and delivering a system-wide approach to sexual violence prevention and support services. In addition, you will:
Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive, province-wide system of services and supports for victims, and families and communities affected by sexual violence.
Develop and recommend government-wide policies that enhance sexual violence prevention efforts, align strategies across sectors, and address legislative, regulatory, and policy needs.
Ensure the continuous evaluation of sexual violence support services, integrating research and best practices to improve program effectiveness.
Provide consultation and expert advice in the area of sexual violence and sexual exploitation of children and youth to the CFW service delivery system (internal and community-based).
Design and implement professional development training for the CFW service delivery system (internal and community-based)
Foster meaningful partnerships to enhance service accessibility, promote collaboration, and ensure diverse voices are included in decision-making.
Design and implement engagement strategies to ensure inclusive and meaningful contributions from diverse communities, strengthening public trust and awareness of sexual violence prevention efforts.
Qualifications and Experience
You have completed a related Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work, Nursing or other related Social/Health field, and have several years' experience with program development, policy analysis, or service delivery related to sexual violence prevention, victim services, or community-based supports. You must be eligible for registration with your respective professional association.
**You demonstrate**:
Deep understanding of sexual violence prevention and response, including trauma-informed approaches and relevant provincial/national frameworks.
Experience working with diverse populations and have a strong background in stakeholder engagement.
Excellent leadership, facilitation, and negotiation skills to bring together multiple perspectives, balance competing priorities, and drive meaningful change.
Ability to analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-level reports, briefing notes, and presentations for senior officials and stakeholders.
**While not required, assets include**:
Knowledge of Nova Scotia's legislative and policy landscape related to sexual violence, victim services, and community-based supports.
Experience managing grant funding programs
Experience leading or supporting youth engagement and leadership initiatives
LEADS
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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.

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