Assistance Specialist

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 and Income Assistance (ESIA), Supportive Housing and Homelessness, and the 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.

The Income Assistance (IA) Specialist provides leadership in the development, planning, interpretation, and application of effective policies, standards, and guidelines for the coordinated delivery of the ESIA Program throughout the province.

Your leadership will have a significant impact on the province’s ability to maximize the program’s potential and support and enhance the needs and employability of vulnerable Nova Scotians.

If you are a highly engaged, solution-focused person looking to join a dynamic team, we look forward to discussing the opportunity to impact service delivery in our province.

As an IA Specialist, you will work closely with program and service delivery teams, senior colleagues, and community service organizations, focusing on problem-solving and identifying innovative solutions. As an influence on department programs and services, you must lead with a deep understanding of the varying needs and barriers that impact marginalized populations, celebrating diversity and inclusion, and the importance of enhanced partnerships within communities.

Some of your key accountabilities will include:

• Ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of the ESIA program province-wide
• Providing support to management, supervisors, staff, and community partners regarding complex ESIA cases as well as, interpretation of legislation, policies, and procedures
• Supporting the development of program and service delivery improvements and recommending legislative, regulatory and policy changes to meet changing client needs
• Monitoring program performance and providing expert advice, results, and other statistical data to inform senior management
• Fostering the collaboration between the ESIA program and other departmental programs, as well as community collaboration/program support and development
• Coordinating the integration of services provided by all service providers in the region, including government organizations, community groups and individuals
• Assisting with the coordination, development, and delivery of program-driven training modules

From time to time, on behalf of the Executive Director and Director, you will research and prepare case-specific briefing notes, letters, Ministerial inquiry responses, Communication Division inquiries and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy requests.

You have a minimum of a bachelor’s in social science and several years of related experience in supervision and/or program leadership. You must demonstrate familiarity with the ESIA program.

A sound understanding of the diverse needs of clients and their families, as well as the impact of program/policy development on the lives and futures of many households and individuals is essential. You have an established history of working in partnership with community service providers and/or other government departments. It is also key that you have:

• familiarity with the ESIA regulations, policies, and program standards within the province
• excellent organizational, communication, diplomacy, and facilitation skills
• demonstrated experience in situations requiring…