Support Services & Assistance Caseworker

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 Caseworkers to join our Employment Support Services and Income Assistance (ESIA) team. In this role, you will evaluate the eligibility of individuals seeking financial assistance and support, ensuring both initial and ongoing eligibility. You will also deliver comprehensive employment support services to Income Assistance recipients and individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate and guide them towards achieving financial independence for themselves and their families.

This Hiring Pool will be used to fill multiple Permanent, Term, Temporary, and Casual opportunities over the next several months, in the Western Region, including Kentville and Windsor locations.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Caseworker, you will deliver the continuum of employment support services and income assistance enhancement activities for clients such as:

In a team environment, you work collaboratively with colleagues, community, and clients to mobilize the client’s personal resources toward self-sufficiency, using appropriate supporting interventions. You’ll facilitate access to training, along with the development of training/workshops with external service providers; all of which enable the movement of clients into employment.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Business, or another related field, combined with a genuine passion for making a difference.

You excel in interviewing techniques and communication (both written and verbal) and possess strong planning, organizational, and crisis intervention abilities. Familiarity with workshop facilitation, job development and job search services, intakes, and assessments are a benefit to this role, as well as a solid network of community resources to support clients effectively.

You understand budgetary and case management concepts and demonstrate initiative and sound judgment. A client service focus, and an awareness of how factors like culture, socioeconomic status, gender, age, and sexual orientation influence client experiences is necessary. The ability to meet deadlines and handle challenging situations with poise is essential.

Fluency in multiple languages is a significant asset, enhancing your ability to connect with and support a diverse client base. Other assets include experience with Employment Support and Income Assistance (ESIA) policies and legislation, and Occupational Health and Safety responsibilities.

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

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

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

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova…