Child Protection Social Worker

Child Protection Social Worker 1-2 (Hiring Pool - Halifax, Dartmouth, Sackville)

Competition # : 46912
Department: Opportunities and Social Development
Location: Halifax, Dartmouth, and Sackville
Type of Employment: Permanent, Term, Temporary and Casual
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 05-Feb-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

Important Information
This competition is open exclusively to external applicants. Current employees are not eligible to apply to this posting. Internal bargaining unit opportunities will be posted separately through the internal careers portal. Please note that external applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates.

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 Assessment, Ongoing Support, Children in Care, Consolidated Allegations Investigations Team (CAIT), and the Provincial After Hours Response Team (PART). 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.

You will also support a workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, safe, and supportive. Under the provisions of the Children and Family Services Act (CFSA) and the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Children, Youth, and Families (FNIM), your role will actively work towards ensuring children's safety and wellbeing, provide ongoing supports to parents and children, and collaborate with program areas to determine appropriate and safe places for children to live.

Primary Accountabilities

• Assess child safety and wellbeing concerns and work with families and communities to address them
• Collaborate with and support individuals and families
• Plan and develop case plans with families
• Work closely with the community and advocate for connections to community resources
• Participate in risk assessments, court testimonies, and evaluations
• Plan with and supervise 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). If you are a current social work student with anticipated graduation this year, with at least two (2) years of related experience, we encourage you to apply.

You Are

• A strong team player
• Empowered to drive positive change
• Compassionate, reliable, and resourceful

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. The assessment of qualifications and competencies may include written examinations, standardized tests, oral presentations, interviews, and reference checks.

Working Conditions
A typical workday is between 8 am and 5 pm. 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…