Child Protection Social Worker

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're hiring dedicated Child Protection Social Workers to join our team in the following program areas:
Assessment, Ongoing Support, and Children in Care. In this vital role, you will provide a wide array of professional child and family wellbeing services, plan and supervise children in the care of the Minister, liaise with partners and communities, and advocate on behalf of children and families.

• 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.

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!

• Strong team player.
• Empowered to drive positive change.
• Compassionate, reliable, and resourceful.

You 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.

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.

A typical workday is between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 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.

On a rotating schedule, you may be required to provide child and family wellbeing services for your designated area after regular business hours, including weekends and reporting to the provincial after‑hours response team. You may also be called upon to work beyond regular business hours on short notice.

Personal resilience is crucial to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be immersed in high‑stress and crisis situations, with extensive support and resources at your disposal. You must be able to work under pressure and be both personally and professionally committed to working inclusively with culturally diverse individuals.

• A social work career without limits
  : endless opportunities to grow and develop within the Province of Nova Scotia through coaching, training, and advancement opportunities.
• Reimbursement for your registration fees to the NS College of Social Workers.
• Out‑of‑province applicants may be eligible to apply for moving expenses.
• Ability to earn overtime and shift premiums for weekend and after‑hours work.
• Travel and car allowance.
• Three (3) weeks vacation to start, and annual pay progression.
• Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP).
• Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability.

Salary Range: $2,848.71 - $3,983.72 Bi‑Weekly

Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to have 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