Opportunities DSP Support Planning Practice Specialist

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 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 choice 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

As a Support Planning Practice Specialist you will play a critical leadership role in theNova Scotia Human Rights Remedy transformation a five-year legally binding agreement to build a more inclusive and equitable disability support system. You will provide strategic oversight and guidance to Regional Hubs lead the development of best practices in support planning and coordination and help ensure DSP meets the requirements of the Remedy. Your leadership will help foster communities of practice embed values-based planning approaches and ultimately improve life outcomes for persons with disabilities across Nova Scotia.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role you will:

• Support strategic planning and direction for support planning and coordination ensuring resources and staffing align with Remedy values and priorities.
• Provide expertise and guidance on planning and coordination practices.
• Lead the development monitoring and evaluation of policies procedures and training related to support planning.
• Oversee quality assurance processes conduct reviews of planning practices and recommend improvements to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange and reflective practice across DSP staff promoting innovation and continuous learning.
• Contribute to policy and program development by researching national and international best practices and adapting them to Nova Scotias context.
• Participate in Remedy Teams and Innovation Panels to strengthen alignment with values and ensure high-quality person-directed support plans.
• Prepare reports briefing notes and evaluation summaries to inform decision-making at senior levels.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a completed degree in social sciences along with several years of experience in program development policy design or quality assurance within social services disability supports or related sectors. An equivalent combination of education training and experience will be considered.

You must demonstrate:

• Knowledge of person-directed planning human rights frameworks and inclusive strengths-based approaches.
• Experience with guiding organizational change building communities of practice or implementing new frameworks of practice.
• Ability to interpret legislation policies and complex frameworks.
• Strong analytical problem-solving and evaluation skills with the ability to apply evidence-based decision-making.
• Excellent communication facilitation and relationship-building skills to engage diverse stakeholders including staff service providers individuals with disabilities and their 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.

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training education and experience providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status 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

Your typical work week is 35 hours weekly. You are primarily office-based. Travel within Nova Scotia is required and occasional extended hours may be necessary. As such a valid drivers license and the ability to travel are required.

This role involves working closely with individuals with disabilities their families service providers and community organizations requiring a high level of professionalism empathy and adaptability.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 31 2028. The appointment status (term temporary or casual) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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