Rent Supplement Program Admin Officer (Program Admin Officer 1-2)

The Government of Nova Scotia; Sydney; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Engaging workplace

Clear career paths

Job summary

The Government of Nova Scotia is seeking a Rent Supplement Program Administration Officer in Sydney to administer rent supplement and housing benefit programs. You will assess eligibility, manage benefit adjustments and renewals, and ensure decisions align with legislation and budgets.

The role blends administrative duties with meaningful client interactions, requiring sound judgment and attention to detail while supporting housing stability for individuals and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Office Administration, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or related field, plus at least one year of related experience or equivalent.
• Experience in administrative, program, or case management roles with deadlines and competing priorities.
• Comfortable working with clients in situations involving sensitive or confidential information.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable learning electronic case/file management systems.
• Organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple files and meet timelines.
• Capable of performing routine mathematical calculations and applying them to determine benefits, adjustments, and overpayments.
• Able to exercise tact, discretion, judgment and initiative when responding to inquiries.
• Clear, respectful communicator—written and verbal—and collaborative in service delivery.
• Open to new ideas and adaptable as program delivery models, processes, and tools evolve.

Responsibilities

• Gather, verify, and analyze information to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for housing benefits in accordance with legislation, policies, procedures, and budgets.
• Assign housing benefits across a range of rent supplement products and manage benefit calculations, abatements, transfers, renewals, and interim adjustments.
• Complete new client and landlord set-up, including agreements, system entries, and maintenance of records using the Integrated Case Management (ICM) system.
• Manage a caseload of files, track deadlines, request income documentation, issue renewal reminders, and follow up to ensure timely decisions.
• Interpret income documentation and family composition to ensure accurate subsidy and benefit calculations.
• Investigate discrepancies, non-declaration of income, or potential fraud, and take action in line with policy.
• Prepare clear written correspondence for clients and landlords regarding eligibility decisions, benefit calculations, rent increases, appeals, and program requirements.
• Respond to client and landlord inquiries and complaints, escalating complex matters as required.

Skills

Administrative experience

Client interaction

Microsoft Office proficiency

Organization and detail-orientation

Mathematical calculations for benefits

Tact, discretion and initiative

Written and verbal communication

Adaptability to evolving processes

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 1 year experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

ICM

YARDI Property Management

Job description

Competition # : 49649

Department:Growth and Development

Location:SYDNEY

Type of Employment:Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date:02-Sep-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

TheDepartment of Growth & Development drives economic growth and productivity by creating the conditions for communities, businesses and households to thrive. The Department works with key partners to foster a dynamic environment that supports housing innovation and sector development, providing the necessary solutions to grow our population and economy.

The Department is also responsible for ensuring the availability of safe, suitable, and affordable housing for all Nova Scotians. Our work involves making strategic investments, leveraging new funding, and building on critical partnerships to help further position ourselves to meet current and future housing challenges.

About Our Opportunity

The Rent Supplement Program Administration Officer is responsible for administering rent supplement and housing benefit programs that support individuals and families to access and maintain stable housing. Reporting to the Rent Supplement Supervisor, this role involves assessing eligibility, managing benefit adjustments and renewals, and ensuring decisions are accurate, timely, and aligned with legislation, policy, and available budgets.

This role balances detailed administrative work with meaningful client and stakeholder interaction. It requires sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex information while working respectfully with people who may be experiencing housing insecurity or financial stress. Effective case and workload management is central to success in this position.

Primary Accountabilities

Under the general supervision of the Rent Supplement Supervisor, the Rent Supplement Program Administration Officer is responsible for the effective delivery of rent supplement and housing benefit programs. Key responsibilities include:

• Gathering, verifying, and analyzing information to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for housing benefits in accordance with legislation, policies, procedures, and available budgets
• Assigning housing benefits across a range of rent supplement products and managing benefit calculations, abatements, transfers, renewals, and interim adjustments
• Completing new client and landlord set-up, including agreements, system entries, and maintenance of accurate electronic and physical records using the Integrated Case Management (ICM) system
• Managing a caseload of files, including tracking deadlines, requesting income documentation, issuing renewal reminders, and following up to ensure timely decision-making
• Interpreting income documentation and family composition to ensure accurate subsidy and benefit calculations
• Investigating discrepancies, non-declaration of income, or potential fraud, and taking appropriate action in accordance with policy
• Preparing clear, respectful written correspondence for clients and landlords related to eligibility decisions, benefit calculations, rent increases, appeals, and program requirements
• Responding to a wide range of client and landlord enquiries and complaints, escalating complex or unresolved matters to the Supervisor as required

Qualifications and Experience

You bring a combination of education and experience that prepares you to succeed in a structured, client-focused program environment. This includes a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Office Administration, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field, plus at least one (1) year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

You are:

• Experienced in administrative, program, or case management roles involving deadlines and competing priorities
• Comfortable working with clients in situations that may involve sensitive or confidential information
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and confident learning and using electronic case or file management systems
• Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple files and meet established timelines
• Comfortable performing routine mathematical calculations and applying them accurately to determine benefit amounts, adjustments, and overpayments
• Able to exercise tact, discretion, sound judgment, and initiative when responding to inquiries and requests
• A clear and respectful communicator, both written and verbal, who values collaboration and inclusive service delivery
• Open to new ideas and adaptable as program delivery models, processes, and tools continue to evolve.

The following would be considered assets, but are not required:

• Experience working with housing programs, rent supplements, or income-based benefits
• Knowledge of affordable housing systems or housing-related legislation
• Experience using YARDI Property Management, ICM, or similar case or property management software
• Experience working in government, public sector, or community-based service environments

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.

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• Completion of a related 2-year diploma and 3 years of related experience, or
• At least five (5) years of related experience.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application

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

Your typical work week is 35 hours, based on 7-hour workdays. Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with occasional site visits, meetings, or training-related travel. Duties are largely sedentary and involve extended periods of computer use, file review, and data entry. Work includes managing deadlines and responding to client or stakeholder inquiries, some of which may involve heightened emotions or time sensitivity.

Security Screening Requirement

This position requires employment screening consistent with the Canada Revenue Agency’s security requirements for roles that access CRA data under a data-sharing agreement. Candidates progressing to an offer must complete both a Criminal Record Check and a Financial Credit Check.

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.

Pay Grade: PR 06- PR 10

Salary Range: $2,112.87- $3,029.89Bi-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].

If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more 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].