Justice Officer

Government of Nova Scotia; Halifax; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency in Halifax seeks a Justice Officer to provide essential administrative support to the Court system. Responsibilities include managing court documentation, processing payments, and providing customer service. Ideal candidates will have a post-secondary education and strong communication skills. Bilingualism is an asset. The position offers various benefits and a competitive salary within the public service sector.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Health and Dental Insurance

Employee and Family Assistance Programs

Qualifications

• Experience in a computerized environment with proficient data entry skills.
• Ability to handle cash and debit/credit card transactions.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support for the Court.
• Process and record transactions.
• Maintain court filing systems and records.

Skills

Customer-service skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

One-year post-secondary education in a related discipline

Job description

Competition #: 47744
Department: Justice
Location: Halifax
Type of Employment: Permanent and Term
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 25-Jan-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Court Services Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice is dedicated to excellent service and the provision of fair and accessible administration of justice, including court administration and security. The Division provides administrative support to the courts listed: Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (including Family Division), Provincial Court, Family Court, Small Claims Court, Probate Court and Bankruptcy Court. The courts act independently from the government to address individual cases. For more information on the Department of Justice Court Services please visit our website: https://novascotia.ca/just/Court_Services/

About Our Opportunity

As a Justice Officer, you will provide a broad range of administrative support, serve as the first point of contact for the public and clients of the Court system, receive and balance monies paid into the court, enter and retrieve data from automated systems, record and process documentation, adhere to policies and processes, and maintain filing systems—all while working as a team player. In the role, you may be required to attend Court to call cases and swear or affirm witnesses, interpreters, and translators. The incumbent will also perform quasi‑judicial duties as a Staff Justice of the Peace under the Justice of the Peace Act.

Primary Accountabilities

• Receive and respond to requests relating to all court matters by telephone, fax, and email.
• Receive and record all monies paid to the court, balance and report daily cash, and prepare bank deposits in accordance with departmental account procedures.
• Process correspondence and other documentation received electronically, by mail, fax, or otherwise.
• Maintain court filing systems by entering data in automated and manual systems, filing and retrieving documents, and ensuring documents are placed in the proper court file and forwarded to court officials or judiciary as required.
• Maintain records management and retention systems, ensuring that files are opened and closed in accordance with STAR and STOR retention policy.
• Schedule court cases and monitor the court calendar of pending cases.
• Provide a broad range of administrative support services.
• Provide legal information to the public regarding navigating the court system, court forms, and procedures.

Qualifications And Experience

One‑year post‑secondary education in a related discipline plus three years related experience, or an acceptable equivalent. Exposure to a legal environment is considered an asset.

Successful Candidate Must Also

• Have experience and competency in a computerized environment with proficient and accurate keyboarding and data entry skills.
• Have experience adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and procedures.
• Possess strong communication and customer‑service skills.
• Have experience handling cash and debit/credit card payment transactions.
• Have the ability to deal effectively with the public in a multifaceted and stressful environment, often in confrontational and sensitive situations.
• Possess strong organizational, time‑management, and multi‑tasking skills.
• Have excellent attention to detail, maintain confidentiality, and work under pressure and deadlines.

Sound knowledge of the justice system and government services for referral are assets. Bilingualism with oral and written skills in English and French will also be considered an asset.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

• Three years of post‑secondary education plus one year of related experience
• Two years of post‑secondary education plus two years of related experience
• Four years of related experience

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation, and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day (typically 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, may vary).
• You will be exposed to emotional and sensitive issues; dealing with difficult or distraught individuals creates a stressful environment.
• High demand for accuracy and attention to detail while working in a high‑volume and complex service area; errors can have significant impacts.
• Must display a completely impartial attitude at all times.

Additional Information

This competition is seeking to fill one (1) permanent and one (1) term employment opportunity. The anticipated end date of the term is October 13, 2026. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’, or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate. (Revised January 12, 2026) Some travel and overtime may be required. This position requires an enhanced level of security screening for external applicants.

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.
• Countless career paths for Nova Scotians.
• Department‑specific flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade: CL 21

Salary Range: $1,973.65 – $2,200.03 bi‑weekly

Note: The salary rates shown reflect the new Civil Service Agreement, effective April 1, 2025. Implementation will occur on February 5, 2026. Until then, current rates apply. Employees hired during this period will receive retroactive pay adjustments per the new agreement and applicable policies.

Employment Equity Statement

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Women in under‑represented occupations. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self‑identify on your electronic application.

Accommodation Statement

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any protected ground under the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail].

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link. Failure to apply correctly may result in the application not being given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant. External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if no qualified bargaining unit candidates are available.

Offer of employment is conditional upon completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials. The results must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For questions and concerns, please contact [e-mail].