Social Worker 1(A)-(B)-2

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 seeking a career where you have endless opportunities to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children and families?

We are hiring a Social Worker for our Regional Resource program (Foster Care and Adoption Preservice). Under the provisions of the Children and Family Services Act (CFSA) and An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Children, Youth, and Families (FNIM) you will play a key role in ensuring children and youth in care have access to safe, supportive, and well-prepared foster and adoptive homes. You will be responsible for the recruitment, assessment, and preservice training of prospective foster caregivers and adoptive parents. You will guide applicants through the early stages of the process, from initial inquiry to preservice eligibility, and collaborate with regional teams to align recruitment efforts with placement needs.

Notice to Pending Social Work Graduates: If you are a few months away from graduation of your BSW/MSW program, you are encouraged to apply.

Recruitment & Engagement

• Plan and conduct regional recruitment initiatives targeting prospective foster and adoptive families.
• Develop and deliver public information sessions to raise awareness and encourage applications.
• Respond to inquiries and engage potential applicants in a timely and professional manner.
• Collaborate with Communications and regional colleagues to implement recruitment campaigns and outreach strategies.

Preservice Screening & Support

• Screen applications and assess initial eligibility for foster care and adoption.
• Provide guidance and support to applicants throughout the preservice process.
• Manage inquiries and maintain accurate records and documentation for all applicants.

Training & Preparation

• Coordinate, develop, and deliver standardized preservice training for prospective caregivers and adoptive parents.
• Support adult learners in understanding trauma-informed care, permanency planning, and the needs of children and youth in care.
• Evaluate participation and readiness for next steps in the approval process.
• Work closely with regional partners to ensure recruitment efforts align with current and emerging placement needs.
• Participate in local, regional, and provincial discussions on recruitment strategies and trends.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of preservice processes and materials.

A completed Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work is required as well as a valid driver's license. You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW).

You are also:

• A strong team player
• Empowered to impact change
• Compassionate, reliable, and resourceful

You are understanding of child development, family dynamics, trauma-informed care, counselling, community resources, and are well versed in effective intervention strategies. Your problem-solving skills and experience, combined with your creative thinking, work to strengthen and improve support while working with children and families.

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.

This position requires frequent travel within the assigned region and occasional travel to other locations within the province to support recruitment activities, training sessions, and collaboration with colleagues. While present in the office, your time is spent in a comfortable office environment with the possibility of flexible working options available.

You will be required to provide recruitment and training services after regular business hours. This will include some work in the evening and on weekends. You may be required to work beyond regular business hours on short notice.

This role requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and professionalism when supporting diverse individuals and families through the foster care and adoption process. You will often manage competing priorities, sensitive conversations, and emotionally complex situations, while maintaining a focus on inclusivity, equity, and relationship-building.

We offer many perks and benefits, based on your employment status including:

• Reimbursement for your registration fees to the NS College of Social Workers.
• Flexible working arrangements including modified work weeks.
• Out-of-province applicants may be eligible to apply for moving expenses.
• Ability to earn overtime and shift premiums for weekend and after-hours work.
• Travel and car allowance.
• Career possibilities, guidance and coaching, and ongoing training.
• Three (3) weeks vacation to start, and annual pay progression.
• Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP).
• Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability.

Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Pay Grade: PR 09- PR 15

Salary Range: $2,173.77 - $3,364.90 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 competitions@novascotia.ca.

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: [link removed]. 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 Competitions@novascotia.ca.