Prothonotary (Program Admin Officer 3)

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

Job summary

A governmental body in Nova Scotia is seeking a Prothonotary. The role involves administering and delivering court support services while performing judicial functions. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree and five years of experience in a legal environment. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work under pressure are essential. The position offers part-time employment with comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Health and Dental Insurance

Employee and Family Assistance Programs

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in a legal/justice environment.
• Knowledge of Acts, Rules, and Statutes governing court actions.
• Proficiency in an automated, computerized environment.

Responsibilities

• Administer court support services within various courts.
• Perform quasi-judicial functions as a Prothonotary.
• Liaise with Judiciary and respond to public inquiries.

Skills

Understanding of legal procedures

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Fluency in French

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Law degree (asset)

Tools

Justice computer applications

Job description

Join to apply for the Prothonotary (Program Admin Officer 3) role at Government of Nova Scotia

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Join to apply for the Prothonotary (Program Admin Officer 3) role at Government of Nova Scotia

Competition # : 46653

Department: Justice

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 12-Aug-25 (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

The Justice Officer 4 administers and delivers a broad range of court support services within the Supreme, Probate and Family Courts, including directing document preparation to initiate legal proceedings, assisting court users to consider and initiate appropriate options to resolve conflicts, offering appropriate legal information and assistance.

They perform judicial functions and duties of a Justice of the Peace, Prothonotary, Registrar of Probate, Family Court Officer, and Clerk of the Small Claims Court.

Primary Accountabilities

Responsibilities include:

Liaises with the Judiciary, members of the legal profession and the general public, responding to requests for information and assistance.

Performs quasi-judicial function of a Prothonotary as set out in the Civil Procedure Rules, Rules and Statutes of Nova Scotia, Family Court Officer as set out in the Family Court Act and Rules, and Registrar of Probate and set out in the Probate Act and Regulations and any other applicable rules and regulations that apply to the position(s).

Monitors court user fees.

Performs the position duties in accordance with and as assigned under the Court Officials Act. May be required to attend court as a court clerk to call cases and swear or affirm witnesses, interpreters and translators.

Qualifications And Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you possess a bachelor’s degree (a law degree would be considered an asset), in addition to five years of experience in a legal/justice environment or an equivalent combination of related experience and training.

As the successful candidate you demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the Acts, Rules and Statutes that govern court actions. You have sound working knowledge of the justice system, justice computer applications, court support programs and government services for referral purposes. Competency and experience in an automated, computerized environment, including keyboarding and data entry skills are essential in this role. In addition, you demonstrate understanding of various accounting functions and book-keeping systems.

In this role, you require excellent interpersonal, assessment and counseling skills, and you must be able to work positively and effectively with people in crisis situations. You are prepared and able to deal with difficult people in a multi-faceted and stressful environment, communicating with tact and discretion in a clear, concise manner. You must be, and appear to be, fair and impartial to all parties. Fluency in French would 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

Equivalencies Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Three years of undergraduate study in addition to six years of related experience
• A two-year certificate/diploma plus seven years of related experience
• A one-year certificate/diploma plus eight years of related experience
  
  

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 its employees 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 the hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, this may vary depending on operational needs)
• You will be exposed to emotional and sensitive issues. Dealing with difficult or distraught individuals creates a stressful environment
• There is a high demand for accuracy and attention to detail while working in a high volume and complex service area
• Regardless of the situation you must be able to display a completely impartial attitude at all times
  
  

Additional Information

Some travel and overtime may be required.

This position will require an enhanced level of security screening for external applicants.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.
  
  

Pay Grade: PR 13

Salary Range: $2,556.10 - $3,107.16 Bi-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 Women in 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 concerns may be directed to [e-mail].

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Part-time

Job function

• Job function

  Administrative

• Industries

  Government Administration

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