Opportunities: Social Worker 1(A)-(B)-2 (SAFE Assessor and FOTS)

About Us

At theDepartment 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

Are you seeking a career where you have endless opportunities to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children and families

We are hiring Social Workers across Nova Scotia in our Adoption Foster Care Disclosure Program Screening and Regional Resource the provisions of the Children and Family Services Act (CFSA) and An Act respecting First Nations Inuit and Mtis Children Youth and Families (FNIM) your role will actively work towards providing ongoing services to parents and children and collaborate with program areas to assess families for the placement of children. You will join an interdisciplinary team and have an opportunity to positively bring about change.

Notice to Pending Social Work Graduates:If you are a few months away from graduation of your BSW/MSW program you are encouraged to apply.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role you will work to ensure the safety well-being and resilience of children and families through direct engagement assessment and support. Your work will include:

• Collaborating with children families kinship caregivers foster parents adoptive parents and community partners to develop and monitor case plans conduct risk assessments and advocate for access to resources.
• Supervising and planning for children in the care of the Minister participate in court proceedings and contribute to evaluations and decision-making processes.
• SAFE Assessments (First Six Months) Recruit prepare and assess foster and adoptive parents using the Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) framework. This includes:
  • Conducting interviews home visits and safety assessments
  • Administering and interpreting SAFE tools such as questionnaires genograms eco-maps and home studies
  • Preparing detailed strengths-based assessment reports to inform approval decisions
• Working closely with supervisors caseworkers licensing staff legal and clinical teams and other professionals to address complex issues and ensure timely completion of assessments.
• Providing trauma-informed education to prospective foster/adoptive parents connect them to training and support services and offer guidance on child development and parenting strategies.
• Maintaining organized records meet regulatory timelines and provide progress updates to supervisors and stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

A completed Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work is required as well as a valid drivers license. You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW).

You are also:

• A strong team player
• Empowered to impact change
• Compassionate reliable and resourceful.

You are understanding of child development family dynamics trauma-informed care counselling community resources and are well versed in effective intervention strategies. Your problem-solving skills and experience combined with your creative thinking work to strengthen and improve support while working with children and families.

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.

Working Conditions

Most of your work involves meeting with clients in their homes or with service providers. This necessitates considerable driving time sometimes in adverse weather conditions. While present in the office your time is spent a comfortable office environment withthe possibility offlexible working optionsavailable.

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 be required to work beyond regular business hours on short notice.

Your resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be immersed in high-stress and crises with plenty of support and resources accessible to you. You must be able to work under pressure and be personally and professionally committed to inclusively working with culturally diverse individuals.

Additional Information

This is a Term opportunity with an anticipated end date of August 6 2027. The appointment status (term temporary or casual) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

Weoffer many perks and benefits based on your employment status including:

• Reimbursement for your registration feesto the NS College of Social Workers.
• Flexible working arrangementsincluding modified work weeks.
• Out-of-province applicantsmaybe eligible to apply formoving expenses.
• Ability to earn overtime andshift premiumsfor weekend and after-hours work.
• Travel and car allowance.
• Career possibilities guidance and coaching and ongoing training.
• 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
• Defined Pension Benefit Plan.

Clickhereto learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.