Correctional Officer (Casual Relief)

Nova Scotia; Dartmouth; Hybrid; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A governmental correctional service in Dartmouth is seeking a Correctional Officer to oversee the safe custody and supervision of individuals within an adult correctional facility. Responsibilities include ensuring facility security, interacting with persons in custody, and performing administrative functions. Qualified applicants should have a high school diploma and related experience, with knowledge in law enforcement seen as an asset. The role involves dynamic shifts including day, night, and weekends.

Benefits

Career development resources

Inclusive workplace policies

Access to ongoing training

Qualifications

• High School diploma with 2 years of related experience.
• Experience in law enforcement, the court system, security, or the military is an asset.
• Knowledge of computerized environments is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Ensure secure custody and supervision of persons in custody.
• Conduct counts, searches, and write reports.
• Support physical plant cleanliness and maintenance.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution skills

Education

High School diploma

Certificate/diploma from an accredited Correctional Officer program

University degree in a related field (Social Sciences)

Tools

Case management database (JEIN)

Job description

Location: DARTMOUTH, SYDNEY, NEW GLASGOW and YARMOUTH
Type of Employment: Relief
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 28-May-26 (Applications accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

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 core business area, there are two programs: community corrections and correctional facilities. Each program area is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the target group.

Nova Scotia Correctional Services utilizes an evidence‑based approach in both Community Corrections and custodial facilities. Core Correctional Practices (CCP) are the foundational practice that drives reintegration and rehabilitation practices deployed within Correctional Services.

Utilizing CCP, staff can effectively interact, manage behaviour, and help facilitate change within target populations.

About Our Opportunity

As a Correctional Officer, you are responsible for the safe, secure custody, control and supervision of sentenced and remand persons in an adult correctional facility on a rotating shift basis. You will work in areas such as Living Units, Admission and Discharge, Reception/Visitation, Recreation, Laundry, and Canteen Services.

You will have regular interaction with persons in custody, encouraging pro‑social behaviour, and you will perform administrative functions related to the case management database (JEIN) and the Offender Behavioural Management System.

You will conduct counts and searches, write reports, ensure security and safety, and support physical plant cleanliness and maintenance.

Primary Accountabilities

Responsibilities Include:

• Facility Security: Provide dynamic supervision and secure custody of persons.
• Persons in Custody Supervision: Case‑management participation, approving visits and phone calls, escorting, responding to complaints, completing forms, supervising work activity inside and outside the facility.
• Physical Plant Maintenance: Supervise cleaning by persons in custody, manage outside work detail, submit maintenance orders as required.
• Programs: Advise persons about available programs, refer and support program participation in living units.
• Administration & Communication: Record and communicate information through reports, forms, logbooks, email and JEIN documentation; participate in committees or meetings as requested; promote teamwork, leadership, diversity, and a healthy workplace.

Qualifications and Experience

You possess a High School diploma and 2 years of related experience. Equivalent combinations of training and experience will be considered, such as a certificate/diploma from an accredited Correctional Officer program or a university degree in a related field (Social Sciences).

Assets in this role include:

• Experience in law enforcement, the court system, security, or the military.
• Knowledge or experience in a computerized/automated environment.
• Leadership experience (e.g., leading youth programs, groups, or committees).
• Experience in restorative practices.

Equivalency

• Related 2‑year post‑secondary diploma.
• Related 1‑year post‑secondary diploma and 1 year of related experience.
• 5 years of employment in a related field.

Additional Information

Candidates selected for an interview will complete a medical assessment. The facility operates 24 hours and is a tobacco‑free environment. Casual correctional officers will work day, night, holiday, and weekend shifts on short notice.

Requirements: Valid Driver’s License, Driver’s Abstract, Standard First Aid/CPR Certificate, and proof of all stated education and training certificates must be uploaded or emailed to [e-mail].

Relief employees fill gaps and replace full‑time staff when required. There is no guaranteed hours.

Applicants must identify preferred geographic location(s) in the cover letter. Available locations: Dartmouth, Pictou, Yarmouth, and Sydney.

Assessment Process

Qualified applicants will be invited to a competency‑based interview, focusing on communication, interpersonal, counseling, and conflict‑resolution skills. Candidates must demonstrate observation, decision‑making, problem‑solving, and crisis‑response abilities.

Selected candidates must provide an up‑to‑date Emergency First Aid Certificate and a Vulnerable Sector Check with a Criminal Record Check.

What We Offer

• Career Development: Access to guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage.
• Engaging workplace: Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in through forward‑thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless career paths.

Pay Grade: ACC 04- ACC 04Hourly

Salary Range: $27.22–$33.37 per hour

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to maintain a diverse workforce that represents the citizens we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous peoples, African Nova Scotians, other racially visible persons, persons with disabilities, and women in under‑represented occupations.

Accommodation Statement:

We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations for any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation, please contact [e-mail].