Opportunities Social Worker 1-2 (SAFE Assessor)

About Us

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) 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 Métis 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

Conducting Interviews and Home Visits

• Schedule and conduct in-depth interviews with applicants individually and as a couple (if applicable).
• Conduct home visits to assess safety physical environment and suitability of the home for fostering or adoption.
• Engage with all household members and significant supports as part of the assessment process.

Completing Structured Analysis (SAFE) Tools

• Administer and interpret standardized SAFE tools (e.g. questionnaires family genograms eco-maps and home studies).
• Analyze applicant histories motivations and psychosocial functioning using the SAFE framework.
• Identify strengths risks and areas requiring further exploration.

Documenting Findings

• Prepare comprehensive strengths-based and analytical SAFE assessment reports.
• Clearly articulate risk factors and protective factors to inform approval decisions.
• Ensure all documentation meets agency standards and regulatory requirements.

Coordinating with Other Professionals

• Collaborate with adoption and foster care supervisors licensing workers and caseworkers.
• Participate in case conferencing and consultation to inform decision-making.
• Liaise with legal clinical or supervisory teams when complex issues arise.

Managing Caseloads and Timelines

• Maintain an organized caseload of assigned families.
• Track and meet required timelines for initiating progressing and completing assessments.
• Provide regular updates to supervisors and stakeholders on progress.

Providing Education and Support

• Educate applicants on the fostering/adoption process expectations and responsibilities.
• Offer trauma-informed guidance on parenting strategies and child development topics.
• Refer applicants to training counseling or support services when necessary.

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 with the possibility of flexible working optionsavailable.

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 October 10 2027. The appointment status (term temporary or casual) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

We offer 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.