Child Protection Social Worker 1-2 (Hiring Pool - Halifax, Dartmouth, Sackville, and Cole Harbor)

The Government of Nova Scotia; Halifax; On-site; CAD 2,000 - 4,000; Full time

Job summary

The Government of Nova Scotia is seeking Child Protection Social Workers for multiple opportunities in Halifax and surrounding areas. The role involves assessing child protection concerns, developing case plans, and working collaboratively with families to ensure their safety and well-being. Candidates should possess relevant qualifications and a passion for driving positive change in vulnerable communities.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Overtime and shift premiums

Travel and car allowances

Career development and ongoing training

Health and Dental coverage

Defined Pension Benefit Plan

Qualifications

• Two years of related experience required.
• Must be eligible for registration with NS College of Social Workers.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Assess child protection concerns and work with families.
• Develop and supervise case plans.
• Participate in risk assessments and court testimonies.

Skills

Compassionate

Resourceful

Problem-solving

Education

Master of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work

Job description

Competition # : 43673

Department : Opportunities and Social Development

Location : Halifax, Dartmouth, Sackville, and Cole Harbor

Type of Employment : Permanent, Term, Temporary, and Casual

Union Status : NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date : 31-Jul-25 (Applications accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD), we provide 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). We aim to help vulnerable Nova Scotians become independent, self-reliant, and secure through collaborative efforts across the province.

About Our Opportunity

This Hiring Pool will be used to fill multiple Permanent, Term, Temporary, and Casual opportunities over the coming months in the Central Region, including Halifax, Dartmouth, Sackville, and Cole Harbor.

We are hiring dedicated Child Protection Social Workers for roles in Intake, Long-term Care, Children in Care, Consolidated Allegations Investigations Team (CAIT), and the Provincial After Hours Response Team (PART). Responsibilities include providing professional child and family wellbeing services, planning and supervising children in care, liaising with partners, and advocating for children and families.

As a role model, you will promote an inclusive, respectful, safe, and supportive workplace culture. Under CFSA and FNIM acts, your role involves protecting children from abuse and neglect, providing ongoing services, and collaborating with program areas for family assessments.

What We Offer

Our communities in the Central Region offer vibrant nightlife, culinary experiences, scenic parks, beaches, and outdoor activities. We provide various perks and benefits based on employment status, including:

• Reimbursement for NS College of Social Workers registration fees
• Flexible working arrangements
• Potential relocation expenses for out-of-province applicants
• Overtime and shift premiums for weekend and after-hours work
• Travel and car allowances
• Career development, coaching, and ongoing training
• Starting with three weeks of vacation and annual pay progression
• Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP)
• Health, Dental, Life Insurance, and Disability coverage
• Defined Pension Benefit Plan

Learn more about our benefits and eligibility criteria on our website.

Primary Accountabilities

Engage with individuals and communities to build resilience, address trauma, and foster change. Your responsibilities include:

• Assessing child protection concerns and working with families
• Supporting and collaborating with families and communities
• Developing case plans
• Connecting families to community resources
• Participating in risk assessments, court testimonies, and evaluations
• Planning and supervising children in care

Qualifications and Experience

A Master of Social Work or a Bachelor of Social Work with at least two years of related experience, along with a valid driver’s license, is required. You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW).

You Are :

• A strong team player
• Empowered to drive positive change
• Compassionate, reliable, and resourceful

You should have a deep understanding of child development, family dynamics, trauma-informed care, and community resources. Effective intervention strategies, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking are essential to support children and families effectively.

Qualifications and competencies will be assessed through written exams, standardized tests, interviews, and reference checks.

Working Conditions

Work hours are typically from 8 am to 5 pm, with most meetings in clients’ homes or community settings, requiring significant driving. Positions supporting the PART team may work shifts from 4:30 pm to 8:30 am, including weekends and holidays. Flexibility to work beyond regular hours on short notice is required. The role demands resilience to high-stress situations, with support available.

Additional Information

The employer will implement a temporary wage adjustment effective April 1, 2024:

• Child Protection Social Worker 1 (PR 13): 4% increase
• Child Protection Social Worker 2 (PR 16): 6% increase

This adjustment applies to the biweekly pay rate and is subject to future economic changes. Eligibility for this adjustment is periodically reviewed.

Salary Range

$2,556.10 - $3,507.08 bi-weekly (plus temporary wage adjustment)

Employment Equity & Accommodation

We aim to have a diverse workforce representing all citizens. Applications from Indigenous Peoples, African Nova Scotians, Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Women are encouraged. Self-identify on your application if applicable.

We are committed to an inclusive, accessible recruitment process. Requests for accommodations can be made to [e-mail]. Employment is contingent upon background checks and credential verification. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Questions can be directed to the same email address.