Opportunities Manager, Service Delivery

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) 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.

At OSD we are hiring a collaborative Regional Manager for our Service Delivery Division. We are seeking leaders who are passionate to lead a diverse team of professionals in the delivery of social service programs.

Managers in Service Delivery are accountable for the effective operational management planning and delivery of OSD social programs. Our programs provide support to Nova Scotians using modern service models and ensure exceptional and cost-effective client this role you will report to the Director Regional Service Delivery and are responsible for managing one or more defined portfolios.

You will have a significant impact on supporting the most vulnerable Nova Scotians. Through your leadership you aspire to shape the future of the population served through our many programs.

You will ensure quality client service delivery to the broad range of clients served by the many programs delivered by the office(s) such as:

• Child and Family Wellbeing
• Employment supports and Income Assistance
• Disability Support Program

You will ensure services are delivered in a manner that promotes self-reliance and builds independence and in a manner that is effective efficient integrated and sustainable. Through your inspirational leadership abilities and collaborative working style you will ensure that the risks to vulnerable Nova Scotians are minimized while managing modern and innovative service offerings.

You have completed a university degree in Social Sciences or Management combined with several years of successful leadership and experience at a supervisory/managerial level in the delivery of social services programs or an equivalent combination of experience.

Essential to your success in this role is your incredible people leadership skills. You create environments where teams are supported inspired and engaged across multiple locations and remotely. You have an ability to quickly understand a wide range of information from all program areas such as Employment Support and Income Assistance Child and Family Wellbeing and Disability Support Programs. You will inform coach and provide recommendations and advice to your team in these various program areas. Your ability to lead teams and enlist the enthusiastic involvement of your staff in problem solving and the delivery of quality services to clients is essential to your success in this position. Your creativity and sound judgement is critical to effectively respond to complex sensitive issues. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required as you will be in continual contact with various departments partner agencies service providers community service delivery agencies and related organizations.

You are committed to diversity and anti-racism in the workplace and place a high value on ensuring that the people you lead come to work in an environment that is inclusive equitable and allows them to bring their best self to work every day. You ensure this same lens is applied in your management strategies policies standards program design and initiatives.

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.

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:

• Progressive leadership experience in the social services sector

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

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.

This role is based in a comfortable office environment and you will be required to drive regularly to visit offices in your geographic area. You may also be required to travel to other office worksites across the province.

Your normal work week is 35 hours/week 7 hours/day. This role entails a high volume of work and necessitates extremely flexible hours and frequent attention outside regular business hours. Due to the multiple spheres of action and scope of responsibilities that this position requires there is significant mental pressure requiring your resilience. Your decisions have a significant impact on the safety and well-being of both clients and staff requiring your ability to balance conflicting views with multiple stakeholders.

The nature of service delivery is that client and staff service take priority and can interrupt a planned schedule. Many services operate 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week and you may have to respond after regular working hours on weekends and during holidays.

As this position involves considerable travel you must have a valid drivers licence and can travel to various work site locations

• 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