Opportunities Manager, Case Management & Social Work Services

About Us

The Correctional Services Division of the Department of Justice is responsible for the administration and operation of community and custody-based programs and services for adults and young persons.

Within the Correctional Services core business area there are two programs: Community Corrections & Correctional Facilities. Each of these program areas is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the programs target group.
Community Corrections has 22 offices across the province from Yarmouth to Sydney and is responsible for the supervision of both adults and young persons serving community-based sentences. The sentences include probation conditional sentence custody and supervision conditional supervision and Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision (IRCS). Probation Officers also supervise those released from custody on conditional releases and prepare presentence investigation reports to assist the Courts in the sentencing process. Evidence-based program facilitation and supports to specialized courts in areas of domestic violence mental health and wellness are also part of the role of a Probation Officer as well as Restorative Justice casework and collaboration with community justice agencies. Five (5) adult Correctional Facilities and one (1) Youth Centre provide the safety and security of persons in custody while providing programs that address dynamic criminogenic factors to assist with their successful reintegration back into the community.

Nova Scotia Correctional Services utilizes an evidence-based approach in both Community Corrections and custodial facilities. Core Correctional Practices (CCP) is the foundational practice that drives reintegration and rehabilitation practices deployed within Correctional Services. Utilizing CCP Correctional Services staff can effectively interact manage behaviour and help facilitate change within target populations. For more information on the Department of Justice Correctional Services please visit our website.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to Director Correctional Services the Manager Case Management & Social Work Services leads a provincial inter-disciplinary team of Social Workers and Correctional Case Managers providing direction and oversight for the case management and social work functions within Correctional Services.

The Manager Case Management & Social Work services is accountable for the strategic and operational leadership of the case management & clinical portfolio through direction planning implementation & evaluation. The Manager utilizes knowledge of legislation regulation evidence-based practice policy & programs to manage and mitigate risks to those in custody and in community. The Manager is actively involved with the management of difficult and complex client and system issues. The Manager assists Head Office staff in the development and implementation of policy training and related services.

Primary Accountabilities

• Provide responsive services to the client
• Facilitating new staff orientation and onboarding processes
• Maintain a high standard in the delivery of consistent practices across Correctional Services.
• Oversee staff recruitment/development for all social work and correctional case management positions fostering the development of a cross-cultural Case Management Team that is reflective of the population we serve
• Ensures correctional case plans are developed in accordance with the principles of core correctional practices (CCP) and address the needs of a diverse in custody population
• Responsible to build and maintain an intentional network of relationships with diverse partners
• Collaborate with internal and eternal partners to utilize existing resources and establish innovative solutions that meet the strategic goals for the Department
• The Manager Case Management & Social Work Services leads and provides feedback on complex issues at the senior level and works in collaboration with partners to utilize existing resources and establish innovative solutions that meet the strategic goals of the Department
• Provide a clinical lens to policy and programs across the province offered to our clients
• Expected to be aware of external factors/trends that will impact the vulnerable populations
• Collect and systematically analyze statistics relevant to Correctional Case Management and Social Work services considering possible implications and consequences for resource allocation and staffing needs
• Oversee the social work and case management best practices
• Mitigates risks and ensures adherence to the divisional policies and procedures legislations acts and regulations
• Ensures the effective management of financial resources
  

Qualifications and Experience

A university degree in a relevant field combined with experience in corrections or a related area of law enforcement is required. Candidates must also have experience in a management-level position. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

The successful candidate will be a proven team leader with demonstrated strength in key leadership competencies including decisiveness developing others effective communication and self-awareness. A strong understanding of security practices within a correctional environment sound fiscal management and the ability to address the needs of vulnerable populations are essential.

Management experience within Correctional Services will be considered an asset.

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

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

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week 7 hours/day.
• In performing daily duties will have considerable contact with all staff of Correctional Services.
• At times there is considerable pressure to meet deadlines make decisions provide direction and frequently deal with difficult situations with clients and/or their family.
  

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
• A dynamic client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus