Competition # : 49667
Department: Opportunities and Social Development
Location: Flexible between either Yarmouth, Digby, Middleton, Liverpool, Bridgewater, Kentville, or Windsor
Type of Employment: One (1) Permanent in Kentville and Two (2) terms with Flexible Locations
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 01-Sep-26 (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).
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.
We’re hiring an Eligibility, Funding and Assessment Coordinator (EFAC); a new, key role which contributes to the Human Rights Remedy, addressing systemic discrimination against persons with disabilities. You will have a key role in determining eligibility for DSP, completion of assessments and connecting individuals to funding and formal supports. You will employ a person-centered approach to assess needs, allocate resources, and empower individuals and families throughout their DSP journey.
You are a resource for applicants looking for more information on DSP eligibility requirements and details on its funding processes. Your expertise will not only shape policy implementation but also elevate the voices and choices of those we serve, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. You will determine eligibility, conduct multidimensional needs assessments for eligible individuals and families, determine and allocate funding based on DSP policy and its Service Group Framework, as well as evaluate ongoing funding requests; ensuring each applicant's unique circumstances are understood and addressed sensitively.
As an EFAC, your role begins with determining eligibility for DSP funding, applying DSP's eligibility policy and leveraging supportive decision-making practices to empower applicants. You will meticulously review and analyze various sources of information and collaborate with healthcare professionals to help conduct comprehensive, multidimensional needs assessments for individuals and families who meet DSP funding criteria. You will also:
- Utilize DSP frameworks such as the Service Group Framework to allocate personalized funding.
- Ensure clear and empathetic communication as you inform DSP participants of their eligibility and funding allotment
- Support ongoing funding requests and conduct reviews as necessary, ensuring alignment with DSP policies and thresholds.
- Cultivate positive relationships with colleagues, DSP participants, service providers, and the broader community.
Uphold Nova Scotia public service values and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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You are a Licensed Professional in Nursing (RN or LPN), Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Nutritional Studies plus five (5) years of related experience. You must be currently registered, or eligible for registration, with your applicable professional association.
A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation are required. In addition, you have:
- Experience in eligibility determination and assessment processes within social services or disability support programs.
- Experience conducting multidimensional needs assessments and interpreting assessment results to inform funding decisions.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to review and evaluate complex information.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to build rapport quickly and adapt communication styles to meet the needs of individuals with varying communication abilities.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple cases and deadlines effectively.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment, display ethical decision-making, and are adaptable in managing changing priorities.
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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.
We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include :
a Master's degree in either Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy or Nutritional Studies plus three (3) 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.
EFACs will travel extensively to conduct assessments in diverse settings such as family homes, group homes, hospitals, and other facilities. This includes spending significant time driving between locations under varying weather conditions. You will navigate complex emotional situations with individuals requiring personal resiliency and the ability to de-escalate potentially challenging interactions. EFACs make professional judgments in safeguarding situations and uphold inclusive practices when working with culturally diverse individuals. This environment underscores the importance of adaptability and emotional resilience.
Three (3) opportunities are available:
- One (1) permanent position, located in Kentville
- One (1) with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2027 - position location is flexible
- One (1) with an anticipated end date of August 22, 2027 - position location is flexible
The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.
The worksite location for the TERM positions is flexible between Yarmouth, Digby, Middleton, Liverpool, Bridgewater, Kentville, or Windsor office locations. Your worksite location will be determined at the offer negotiation stage. If you have a preference for a worksite location, please indicate it on your resume & covering letter.
We may use this posting to fill additional EFAC roles within 4 months of the closing date of this competition.
- 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
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Pay Grade: PR 14
Salary Range: $2,912.93 - $3,547.06 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 [email protected].
This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU).
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.
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 concerns may be directed to [email protected].
