Director, Correctional Services

Competition #: 45930

Department: Justice

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 09-May-25 (Applications are 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 Correctional Services core business area, there are two programs: Community Corrections & correctional facilities. Each of these program areas is broken down into activities that impact their target groups.

Community Corrections has 23 offices across the province, supervising adults and young persons serving community-based sentences. Probation Officers supervise those released on conditional releases, prepare pre-sentence investigations, and support specialized courts in areas like domestic violence, mental health, and wellness. They also handle Restorative Justice casework and collaborate with community justice agencies.

Five adult correctional facilities (1 Female and 4 Male) and one youth centre provide safety and security for persons in custody and offer programs aimed at addressing criminogenic factors to facilitate reintegration into the community.

Nova Scotia Correctional Services employs an evidence-based approach, with Core Correctional Practices (CCP) as the foundation, to promote reintegration and rehabilitation.

For more info, visit: https://novascotia.ca/just/Corrections/

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director, you will be one of three Directors responsible for vision, leadership, and management of Correctional Services. You will oversee all Community Corrections operations, Youth Integrated Services, and Youth Custody across the province, managing approximately 200 staff in 23 offices and one youth custody facility.

You will ensure compliance, lead key programs, oversee budgets, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and staff development to enhance public safety and rehabilitation outcomes. You will also represent the division with partners and community agencies.

Primary Accountabilities

• Ensure community supervision and programs are innovative, evidence-based, and responsive.
• Support Indigenous and African Nova Scotian persons through cultural programs and services.
• Manage human and fiscal resources effectively, including procurement.
• Maintain a safe, healthy work environment and foster a positive workplace culture.
• Develop talent and promote diversity through succession management.
• Lead change management initiatives.
• Represent Nova Scotia at FPT Heads of Corrections working group.
• Handle media inquiries and interviews.
• Ensure the division remains at the forefront of technology.
• Collaborate with other sectors of Correctional Services to provide evidence-based services.

Qualifications And Experience

The ideal candidate will have a university degree in a relevant discipline and progressive management/operations leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Required experience includes correctional environment exposure, process improvement, compliance, and incident investigations, as well as knowledge of the criminal justice system and correctional programs.

You should be a strategic thinker, capable of acting independently, making decisions, and fostering diversity and inclusion. Relationship-building skills are essential.

LEADS

The Government of Nova Scotia adopts the LEADS Leadership Framework. Candidates should demonstrate behaviors aligned with LEADS domains: Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, and Systems Transformation.

Assessment methods include written exams, presentations, interviews, and reference checks.

Benefits

Employees enjoy benefits like a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Disability, Vacation, and Employee Assistance Programs. More info: Benefits for government employees

Working Conditions

• Work is based in Halifax, with frequent travel across the province.
• Potential for confrontation or violence in correctional environments.

Additional Information

Include in your cover letter your leadership and relevant experience. The successful candidate must obtain an enhanced (secret) Security Clearance.

What We Offer

• Career development with guidance, tools, and training.
• Engaging workplace where employees feel valued and respected.
• Multiple career paths.

Pay Grade: EC 15

Salary Range: $5,005.74 - $6,257.15 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement

We aim for a diverse workforce and encourage applications from underrepresented groups. Please self-identify if applicable.

Current employees can access this posting via the internal link.

Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. Employment is contingent on background checks and credential verification. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Questions? Contact Competitions@novascotia.ca.