Disability Support Program Connectors (4 Opportunities)(Program Admin Officer 1-2)

Competition # : 44583

Department: Community Services

Location: TBD within Western, Northern, Eastern, and Central Regions

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 22-Nov-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At the Department of Community Services (DCS), 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 the Disability Support Program (DSP).

The Disability Support Program (DSP) is committed to fostering innovative ways to empower individuals with disabilities to pursue their vision of a fulfilling life. We are on a journey to implement international best practices that uphold human rights and choices to enhance the way people engage with their communities. We envision Nova Scotia as a place where people with disabilities can choose the life they want to live, in communities that are welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. A life where individuals can build authentic relationships, explore their interests, and achieve their full potential as valued citizens in their community.

About Our Opportunity

We’re hiring DSP Connectors, an essential role which helps transform lives and supports the Human Rights Remedy, addressing systemic discrimination against persons with disabilities.

As a connector, you’ll make a real difference in your community by being the trusted guide for individuals navigating the Disability Support Program. As the primary contact for DSP applicants and community members, you’ll provide essential support, helping individuals connect to the services and resources they need in a responsive, personalized way.

Your role goes beyond service provision—you’ll bring a human rights-based, trauma-informed approach to each interaction, ensuring a respectful, inclusive experience for everyone.

Primary Accountabilities

You’ll be the primary contact for individuals with disabilities, their support networks, and community members, ensuring person-directed planning and empowering individuals to make informed choices about their future. By introducing DSP services and supports, you’ll facilitate discussions that help individuals define and reach their goals, ensuring they understand available options and resources.

You’ll also coordinate timely referrals to DSP programs and other essential community supports, ensuring smooth access and transitions. Your strong connections with local organizations and knowledge of external programs, such as ESIA and Continuing Care, will help you match individuals to the right resources effectively.

In collaboration with DSP partners, you’ll triage and intake referrals from a range of sources, using your analytical skills to address complex needs and prioritize appropriate DSP supports. Additionally, you’ll gather insights on community needs through data and reporting, helping to identify gaps and inform future outreach efforts. Through operational support for the Regional Hub—including application reviews, case file updates, and client follow-ups—you’ll contribute to efficient and person-centred service delivery.

Qualifications And Experience

A completed related Bachelor's degree in social sciences, disability studies, or other related field and at least one (1) year of experience in a relevant role supporting individuals with disabilities and/or community development. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

You must have strong existing connections within the local community. In addition to this, you demonstrate:

• Experience in providing support and advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities
• The ability to adapt communication styles to meet the diverse needs of individuals.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving in complex situations.
• The ability to build rapport and establish trust with individuals and their support networks.
• A collaborative approach to working and partnering across different roles and services,
• The ability to assess individual needs and identify appropriate supports autonomously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, etc,) along with skills in organizing and managing your work.
• A strong commitment to the principles of equity, inclusion, and the rights of persons with disabilities.
  
  

Assets Include

• Familiarity with Disability Support Program (DSP) policies and procedures.
• Training or experience in crisis management and de-escalation techniques.
• Additional certifications or training in trauma-informed care, disability rights, or community engagement.
  
  

LEADS

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviors and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains include Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS for more information.

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

Skills

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:

• A completed related diploma and three (3) years of experience
• Five (5) years total related experience
  
  

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 Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Most of your work is in a central office environment. Travel may be required to site locations across your defined region. You will navigate complex situations. This environment underscores the importance of adaptability and emotional resilience.

Additional Information

Four (4) permanent positions are available:

• (1) in Western Region
• (1) in Northern Region
• (1) in Eastern Region
• (1) in Central Region
  
  

Please identify your preferred region in your application. Your worksite location, within the region, will be negotiated at the offer stage. For a list of office locations by region, please click here.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules
  
  

Pay Grade: PR 06 - PR 10

Salary Range: $1,924.95 - $2,760.42 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement

Our goal is to be 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.

This Is a Bargaining Unit Position Initially Restricted To Current Civil Service Employees Represented By The Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If Applying From Outside a Government Office, Employees Must Apply Correctly Via This Link

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to [email protected].