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Social Worker ; SAFE Assessor

Job in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, B1A, Canada
Listing for: Government of Nova Scotia
Seasonal/Temporary position
Listed on 2026-02-21
Job specializations:
  • Social Work
    Family Advocacy & Support Services, Child Development/Support, Community Health
  • Child Care/Nanny
    Child Development/Support
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Position: Social Worker 1-2 (SAFE Assessor)

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

Are you seeking a career where you have endless opportunities to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children and families?

We are hiring Social Workers across Nova Scotia in our Adoption, Foster Care, Disclosure Program, Screening and Regional Resource programs. 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 providing ongoing services to parents and children, and collaborate with program areas to assess families for the placement of children.

You will join an interdisciplinary team and have an opportunity to positively bring about change.

Notice to Pending Social Work Graduates: If you are a few months away from graduation of your BSW/MSW program, you are encouraged to apply.

Primary Accountabilities

Conducting Interviews and Home Visits

  • Schedule and conduct in-depth interviews with applicants, individually and as a couple (if applicable).
  • Conduct home visits to assess safety, physical environment, and suitability of the home for fostering or adoption.
  • Engage with all household members and significant supports as part of the assessment process.
  • Completing Structured Analysis (SAFE) Tools

  • Administer and interpret standardized SAFE tools (, questionnaires, family genograms, eco-maps, and home studies).
  • Analyze applicant histories, motivations, and psychosocial functioning using the SAFE framework.
  • Identify strengths, risks, and areas requiring further exploration.
  • Documenting Findings

  • Prepare comprehensive, strengths-based, and analytical SAFE assessment reports.
  • Clearly articulate risk factors and protective factors to inform approval decisions.
  • Ensure all documentation meets agency standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Primary Accountabilities Continued

    Coordinating with Other Professionals

  • Collaborate with adoption and foster care supervisors, licensing workers, and caseworkers.
  • Participate in case conferencing and consultation to inform decision-making.
  • Liaise with legal, clinical, or supervisory teams when complex issues arise.
  • Managing Caseloads and Timelines

  • Maintain an organized caseload of assigned families.
  • Track and meet required timelines for initiating, progressing, and completing assessments.
  • Provide regular updates to supervisors and stakeholders on progress.
  • Providing Education and Support

  • Educate applicants on the fostering/adoption process, expectations, and responsibilities.
  • Offer trauma-informed guidance on parenting strategies and child development topics.
  • Refer applicants to training, counseling, or support services when necessary.
  • Qualifications and Experience

    A completed Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work is required as well as a valid drivers license. You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW).

    You are also:

  • A strong team player
  • Empowered to impact change
  • Compassionate, reliable, and resourceful.
  • You are understanding of child development, family dynamics, trauma-informed care, counselling, community resources, and are well versed in effective intervention strategies. Your problem-solving skills and experience, combined with your creative thinking, work to strengthen, and improve support while working with children and families.

    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

    Most of your work involves meeting with…

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