Child Protection Social Worker

Competition Details

Competition #: 49416

Department:
Opportunities and Social Development

Location:

Sydney and Glace Bay

Type of Employment:
Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 29-Jul-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

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.

We're hiring dedicated Child Protection Social Workers to join our team in the following program areas, including Assessment, Ongoing Support, Children in Care, and Consolidated Allegations Investigations Team (CAIT). 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.

• Assessing child safety and wellbeing concerns and working with families and communities to address them
• Collaborating with and supporting individuals and families
• Planning and developing case plans with families
• Working closely with the community and advocating for connections to community resources
• Participating in risk assessments, court testimonies, and evaluations
• Planning with and supervising 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!

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 8am - 5pm. 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. This will include working on 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.

Three (3) positions are currently available:

• A TERM opportunity, located in Sydney, with an anticipated end date of September 30, 2027
• A TEMPORARY opportunity, located in Sydney, with an anticipated end date of January 10, 2027
• A TERM opportunity, located in Glace Bay, with an anticipated end date of May 31, 2028

The appointment status ("term", "temporary" or "casual") is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

• 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…