Prothonotary (Justice Officer 4)

Competition # :
47653

Department:
Justice

Location:
KENTVILLE

Type of Employment:
Permanent

Union Status:
NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date:
08-Jan-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us
The Court Services Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice is dedicated to excellent service and the provision of fair and accessible administration of justice, including court administration and security.

The Division provides administrative support to the courts listed: Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (including Family Division), Provincial Court, Family Court, Small Claims Court, Probate Court and Bankruptcy Court. The courts act independently from the government to address individual cases.

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

About Our Opportunity
The Justice Officer administers and delivers a broad range of court support services within the Supreme Court (General Division), including assisting individuals by providing appropriate legal information to litigants with various types of applications pursuant to the relevant legislation.

The Justice Officer case manages high-volume and often high conflict cases and performs the quasi-judicial functions of a Prothonotary or Registrar of Probate as set out in the legislation and rules that govern the Courts, including, but not limited to the Civil Procedure Rules, Probate Act and Court Officials Act. They take oaths or affirmations on a variety of legal documents, issues and registers court orders and is responsible to scrutinize all documents and actions filed with the various courts to ensure that they are prepared, processed and completed in a proper, timely and consistent manner in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures.

Primary Accountabilities
Responsibilities include:

• Liaises with the Judiciary, members of the legal profession and the general public, responding to requests for information and assistance.
• Performs quasi-judicial function of a Prothonotary as set out in the Civil Procedure Rules, Rules and Statutes of Nova Scotia, Family Court Officer as set out in the Family Court Act and Rules, and Registrar of Probate and set out in the Probate Act and Regulations and any other applicable rules and regulations that apply to the position(s).
• Monitors court user fees.
• Performs the position duties in accordance with and as assigned under the Court Officials Act. May be required to attend court as a court clerk to call cases and swear or affirm witnesses, interpreters and translators.

Qualifications And Experience
A Bachelor's degree in a related discipline plus five years experience in a legal/justice environment or an acceptable equivalent of education, experience and training.

As the successful candidate you have knowledge and experience applying Rules, Statues and Legislation and experience with legal documents and legal terminology. You must have demonstrated exceptional communication skills both in person and in an automated environment. You must possess knowledge of the justice system, court support programs and government services and a demonstrated ability to independently make complex decisions.

Training and demonstrated experience in mediation, non-conflict resolution, domestic violence issues and interviewing/client assessment as well as French language (oral and written) skill will be considered assets.

The ability to work within a team and provide mentorship to other support staff is essential. Self-directed behavior, analytical and conceptual thinking and creative approaches to problem solving are required. The incumbent must be and appear to be, fair and impartial, be sensitive to the diverse needs of the client group and are responsible for maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

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.

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

Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

• 9 years combination of relevant education and experience in a legal/justice environment.

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

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day (typically the hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, this may vary depending on operational needs).
• You will be exposed to emotional and sensitive issues. Dealing with difficult or distraught individuals creates a stressful environment.
• There is a high demand for accuracy and attention to detail while working in a high volume and complex service area.
• Regardless of the situation, you must be able to display a completely impartial attitude at all times.

Additional Information
This is a Permanent employment opportunity, located in Kentville, NS.

A test may be administered as part of the screening and selection process.

Some travel and overtime may be required.

This position will require an enhanced level of security screening for external applicants.

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:
PR 13

Salary Range:
$2, $3,107.16 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

Accommodation Statement
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at

This Is a Bargaining Unit Position Initially Restricted To Current Civil Service Employees Represented By The Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If Applying From Outside a Government Office, Employees Must Apply Correctly Via This Link

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to