Correctional Officer - Designated (Relief Roster)

Government of Nova Scotia; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 40,349 - 49,469; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development opportunities

Access to training resources

Engaging workplace environment

Job summary

A government agency in Nova Scotia seeks a Correctional Officer to ensure the custody and supervision of inmates in a correctional facility. Duties include managing living units, maintaining facility safety, and overseeing inmate programs. Candidates must have a high-school diploma and related experience, and will work shift hours including nights and weekends. The role offers a salary range from $29.29 to $35.91 hourly, with opportunities for career development and training.

Qualifications

• High-school diploma and 2 years of related experience, or a combination of training and experience.
• Experience in law enforcement or security.
• Previous employment as a Correctional Officer is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure custody, control, and supervision of inmates.
• Supervise living units and conduct safety counts.
• Manage facility cleaning and maintain safety standards.

Skills

Experience in law enforcement

Knowledge of computerized environments

Ability to speak the Mi’kmaq Language

Experience with Indigenous and African Nova Scotian communities

Leadership experience with youth programs

Education

High-school diploma

Certificate/diploma from a correctional officer program

University degree in related field

Job description

Position Information

Competition # 47532
Department: Justice
Location: Dartmouth, Sydney, New Glasgow, Yarmouth
Type of Employment: Relief

About Us

The Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice administers community and custody-based programs for adults and young persons. Four adult facilities and one youth centre provide safety, security, and rehabilitation services to inmates, using an evidence‑based approach that promotes reintegration and positive behavioural change.

About Our Opportunity

As a Correctional Officer, you will ensure the safe custody, control, and supervision of sentence and remand persons in an adult correctional facility on a rotating shift basis. Your duties include supervising living units, admission and discharge, reception/visitation, recreation, laundry, and canteen services, conducting counts and searches, writing reports, maintaining security and safety, and managing physical plant cleaning requirements. You will also perform administrative functions in the case management database (JEIN) and the Offender Behavioural Management System.

Primary Accountabilities

• Facility Security: Provide dynamic supervision and maintain safe, secure custody of inmates.
• Persons in Custody Supervision: Participate in case management, approve and arrange visits, escort inmates, respond to complaints, assist with form completion, and supervise work activity.
• Physical Plant Maintenance: Supervise facility cleaning, oversee outside work detail, and submit maintenance work orders as needed.
• Programs: Advise inmates about available programs, adhere to the schedule, and support program activities in living units.
• Administration & Communication: Record and communicate information through reports, forms, logbooks, email, and JEIN documents; participate in committees or meetings as requested.
• Communicate transparently and participate in workplace wellness initiatives, promoting teamwork, leadership, and diversity.

Qualifications and Experience

High‑school diploma and 2 years of related experience (or an equivalent combination of training and experience). Equivalencies include a certificate/diploma from an accredited correctional officer program or a university degree in a related field (e.g., Criminology, Psychology).

• Experience in law enforcement, court system, security, or military.
• Previous employment as a Correctional Officer.
• Knowledge of computerized/automated environments.
• Experience working with Indigenous and African Nova Scotian communities and cultural knowledge.
• Ability to speak the Mi’kmaq Language.
• Leadership experience with youth programs, groups, or committees.
• Experience in restorative practices.

Equivalency

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

Additional Information

Casual Correctional Officers must work shift work (day, night, holidays, weekends on short notice). A valid driver’s license, driver’s abstract, standard First Aid/CPR certificate, and proof of education and training certificates are required. This position requires a medical assessment form upon interview selection. The facility operates 24‑hour and is a tobacco‑free environment. Relief employees work on an as‑needed basis with no guaranteed hours.

What We Offer

• Career development with access to guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training.
• An engaging workplace that values respect, connection, and forward‑thinking policies.
• Countless career paths within the department.

Pay Grade

ACC 04 – ACC 04 Hourly
Salary Range: $29.29 – $35.91 Hourly

Employment Equity Statement

We welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, other racially visible persons, persons with disabilities, and women in under‑represented occupations. If you belong to one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self‑identify on your electronic application.

Accommodation Statement

We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations related to any protected grounds under the Human Rights Act. Please contact [e-mail] for assistance.