Family Support Services Assistant

Opportunities and Social Development
Type of Employment: Casual
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 looking for an opportunity where you will have profound and positive impacts on the lives of children and families Are you looking for an environment where you can establish positive connections and build everlasting relationships within your community Do you want to work in an environment where you have access to continued professional and personal growth and learning

The Social Services Associate (SSA) is a vital member of the professional team working collaboratively with the Child and Family Wellbeing team to support and assist Social Workers engaging with children youth and families connected to the Department of OSD. The SSA adheres to the Child and Family Wellbeing Practice Framework ensuring that the child and family are at the center of all discussions and actions. Daily the SSA will play an active role in working with children youth and families to foster resilience and inspire change.

Working alongside the Social Worker you will have a substantial impact on the lives of children and families and will be an integral part of the Child and Family Wellbeing team. Assisting in the collection organization and planning for the implementation of programs and services to meet the needs of children youth and families.
Contributing to the planning for programs and services that impact the safety and well-being of children.
Participating in risk management conference meetings case conferences or other meetings as required.
Accompanying Social Workers assisting with home/community visits and attending court as required.
Supporting the development of case plans access plans and court documentation.
Delivering services using a compassionate approach to connect children youth and families.

To be successful in this role you will have completed a diploma in Child and Youth Care and possess a minimum of two (2) years of related experience working with children youth and families. An equivalent combination of education training and experience will be considered. A bachelors degree in social sciences (e.g. Social Work Psychology Sociology or related discipline) is considered an asset.

You bring a strong understanding of child and youth development family dynamics and the broader social systems that support wellbeing. You are also knowledgeable about the physical psychological and emotional needs of children and youth both within family settings and while in care.

A trauma-informed compassionate approach to working with children youth and families.
Experience supporting and advancing case plans and care objectives.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word Excel Outlook PowerPoint) and digital documentation.

Additional assets include:

Experience working within child and family wellbeing settings.
Familiarity with case management systems such as ICM (Integrated Case Management) and CCM (Child and Community Management).
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 is an excellent career opportunity for many and we do consider an equivalent combination of training education and experience. A related bachelors in social science (such as Psychology Sociology Social Work or Community Studies)

~ Four (4) years total related experience working with children youth and families

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. Most of your work involves accompanying the Social Worker and meeting with clients in their homes. While present in the office your time is spent in a comfortable office environment.

Personal resilience is crucial to handling the physical and emotional requirements of this role. The position involves high-stress and crisis situations with ample support and resources available. This is a CASUAL employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of April 22 2026. The appointment status (term temporary or casual) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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
Department specific flexible working schedules

Implementation in our HR system will occur on March 5 2026. Employees hired during this period will receive retroactive pay adjustments in accordance with the applicable policies.

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.

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below: