Administrative Assistant

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Department: Opportunities and Social Development

Location: DARTMOUTH

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 08-Sep-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

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 Disability Support Program (DSP).

Through our services, we advocate and help vulnerable Nova Scotians be independent, self-reliant, and secure. We work collaboratively across the province with a strong dedicated network of supports and staff, to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.

Are you an excellent multi-tasker with great communication skills and an upbeat professional work ethic? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy working as part of a team?

We\'re hiring for an Administrative Assistant for our Dartmouth office location. This is a busy role where you are responsible for a wide range of administrative duties and you are considered the communication hub of the office, connecting everyone to everything. You are a critical team resource who ensures that administrative functions of the office operate efficiently by planning and coordinating secretarial services and providing staff and the public with current and up-to-date information.

You will provide support to managers, employees, and office visitors by handling a variety of tasks; all the while ensuring that all interactions are positive and welcoming. A few of your key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating electronic calendars, arranging meetings and travel accommodations
• Coordinating office equipment and technology as well as supporting and trouble shooting with staff as required
• Preparing agendas, and taking accurate minutes/notes
• Preparing various confidential correspondence across our various programs
• Reviewing, sorting and distributing mail
• Responding to inquiries from the public, agencies, and departments for multiple program areas
• Maintaining accurate data along with preparing statistics and reports

You have a one (1) year business course and a minimum of three (3) years of secretarial/administrative support experience.

You are a collaborative team player and have proficient skills in the use of a variety of Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook or equivalent. You must be proficient in the use of office equipment and technology (printers, laptops, laptop accessories, monitors etc.). Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in your work is essential. You must use a great deal of judgment when handling telephone inquiries because of confidential matters. Ideally, you are able to multi-task and are a self-starter who is highly motivated and results-driven, with integrity and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

You must demonstrate the ability to work independently in a busy and challenging environment, along with the ability to exercise sound judgment around issues requiring a high degree of tact and diplomacy. Excellent organizational, communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills are essential to your success in this role.

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.

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:

• Four (4) years total 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.

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting. You may occasionally be required to move/lift light objects such as office supplies, equipment, and files. You will have daily contact with the public, various Government Departments as well as other local Agencies and Institutions.

Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

• 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: CL 18

Salary Range: $1, $1,884.17 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

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