Local Area Coordinator 1-2 (Bilingual)

Nova Scotia; Meteghan; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in Nova Scotia seeks passionate Local Area Coordinators to support individuals with disabilities and enhance community connections. The role emphasizes building trusting relationships and advocating for self-directed lives. Candidates require a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and experience in community development. Competitive bi-weekly salary range offered.

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in supporting individuals with disabilities or community development.
• Strong existing connections within the local community.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside individuals with disabilities to create supportive networks.
• Help build trusting relationships with communities.
• Advocate for access to services and community inclusion.

Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Leadership skills

Expertise in person-centered planning

Ability to adapt communication styles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

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Department:Opportunities and Social Development

Location:METEGHAN

Type of Employment:Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date:22-Aug-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

Classification: PR 09

Local Area Coordinator 1-2 (Bilingual),Permanent, METEGHAN

Opportunities and Social Development

Posting Closing Date:22-Aug-25

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from Aboriginal People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Womenin occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, on your application form, cover letter, or on your resume.

About Us

At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD) , we are a large and diverse department providing 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 the Disability Support Program (DSP).

The Disability Support Program (DSP) is committed to fostering innovative ways to empower individuals with disabilities to pursue their vision of a fulfilling life. We are on a journey to implement international best practices that uphold human rights and choice to enhance the way people engage with their communities. We envision Nova Scotia as a place where people with disabilities can choose the life they want to live, in communities that are welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. A life where individuals can build authentic relationships, explore their interests, and achieve their full potential as valued citizens in their community.

About Our Opportunity

We're seeking passionate and community-driven individuals to join us as Local Area Coordinators (LACs), a newly created and pivotal role at the heart of our mission to deliver meaningful action towards the Human Rights Remedy at the local level.

TheNova Scotia Human Rights Remedyis a transformative, five-year initiative that is aimed at addressing systemic discrimination against people with disabilities in the province. As a Local Area Coordinator, you'll work alongside people with disabilities, their families, and support networks, helping to build strong, inclusive connections with local communities, mainstream services, and clinical partners. Your role will focus on creating trusting relationships that open opportunities for people with disabilities to live full, meaningful lives in welcoming and inclusive communities. LACs will be visible and active in communities, supporting them to grow in inclusion and resilience through ongoing community connection and fostering collaboration.

You’ll support people with disabilities and those in their support networks to create and carry out strategies that reflect their unique strengths, needs, and goals. By truly listening and understanding what matters most to each person, you’ll help build their confidence, resilience, and connection to community. This role is all about walking alongside people with empathy and care, using a rights-based approach and being mindful of the impacts of trauma while offering thoughtful, tailored support and coordination.

Understanding and adapting to everyone’s communication style, you will create safe spaces where individuals can express themselves and make informed decisions about their future. You will navigate an environment that is not rules-based but outcome-driven, ensuring that the services provided are consistently engaging and supportive.

Primary Accountabilities

As a LAC, you’ll be part of a transformative shift in Nova Scotia - helping bring the Human Rights Remedy to life by supporting people with disabilities to live full, self-directed lives in welcoming communities. You’ll work in a way that’s integrated, person-centered, and inclusive, building relationships with individuals, families, services, and local organizations. By sharing knowledge and raising awareness, you’ll help strengthen communities and create more opportunities for connection and belonging.

In your day-to-day work, you’ll work alongside individuals as they plan for the life they want, coaching them through opportunities and supporting them in building strong, lasting support networks. You’ll also advocate for access to services and enhance connections to community supports.

Local Area Coordinators work collaboratively, developing sustainable partnerships, enhancing natural support networks and working closely with their Regional Hub colleagues to support individuals with disabilities. Through everything you do, you’ll promote the values of person-directed planning, supportive decision-making, and the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Above all, you’ll help foster a respectful and inclusive culture, while building positive relationships with people with disabilities, families, service providers, and the wider Nova Scotian community.

Qualifications and Experience

A completed Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Community Development, or other related field and two (2) years of experience in a relevant role supporting individuals with disabilities, community development, or social services. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

You must have strong existing connections within the local community, or demonstrate an ability to quickly build relationships and partnerships within the community. A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation are required (as an inclusive employer, we are committed to considering accommodations in accordance with the Human Rights Act). In addition, you:

• Have expertise in person-centered, individualized planning and support coordination.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and maintain positive relationships. Proven ability to facilitate and advocate for community inclusivity and capacity building
• .Experience partnering with a variety of community stakeholders and members, including service providers. Ability to adapt approaches based on individuals' unique communication styles and needs.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in advocating for individuals' self-direction and inclusive citizenship.
• Proven track record in leading partnerships and collaborations to enhance community support networks.

Assets include:

• A completed related Master's degree
• Additional certifications or training in trauma-informed care, disability rights, or community engagement.

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

Working Conditions

The LAC will travel to various locations in their regional area having a presence in local communities. The role involves driving, entering private residences, and occasional lifting. Travel is required throughout the region, under varying weather conditions.

This role places considerable mental pressure on the individual, requiring high personal resiliency to meet emotional demands. You will navigate complex situations, working alongside individuals through potentially emotional or stressful times in their lives. This environment underscores the importance of adaptability and emotional resilience.

Pay Grade: PR 09- PR 12

Salary Range: $2,173.77- $2,982.67Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, 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 and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Womenin occupations or positions where they are under-represented. 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 grounds protected by 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 means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates.PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concernsmay be directed [e-mail].