Department: Opportunities and Social Development
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Term
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 27-Jun-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

ABOUT US

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 the 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.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

As an IPSC, you will be accountable to provide intensive individualized support and planning, developing, analyzing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive support plans tailored to the needs and aspirations of individuals with disabilities. You will:

• Work closely with individuals and their networks, gathering and assessing information to elevate supportive decision-making, and connecting individuals with various services and professionals.
• Facilitate transition planning and coordination for individuals moving from institutional settings to community living.
• Manage multiple priorities and logistics, maintaining relationships across service providers, government agencies, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to represent and advocate for the individual’s goals and needs.
• Engage in partnership and capacity building, using your extensive knowledge of multidisciplinary services to advocate for and connect individuals with the necessary resources.
• Foster integrated support planning by bringing together partners and facilitating connections to natural support networks, peer supports, and community relationships.
• Demonstrate commitment to person-directed planning, supportive decision-making, and the rights of persons with disabilities, as outlined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

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:

• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive support plans tailored to individual needs and aspirations.
• Skills in facilitating and promoting supportive decision-making practices.
• An understanding of trauma and its impact, with the ability to adapt support approaches.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information in an accessible manner.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain trusting relationships with individuals, families, support networks, and professional partners.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, capable of mediating complex personal and environmental dynamics to develop innovative solutions.
• Experience in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including healthcare professionals, service providers, and community organizations.
• Strong advocacy skills, cultural competence, and an understanding of Disability Rights and Legislation as well as community resources and services

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.

• Work closely with individuals and their networks, gathering and assessing information to elevate supportive decision-making, and connecting individuals with various services and professionals.
• Facilitate transition planning and coordination for individuals moving from institutional settings to community living.
• Manage multiple priorities and logistics, maintaining relationships across service providers, government agencies, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to represent and advocate for the individual’s goals and needs.
• Engage in partnership and capacity building, using your extensive knowledge of multidisciplinary services to advocate for and connect individuals with the necessary resources.
• Foster integrated support planning by bringing together partners and facilitating connections to natural support networks, peer supports, and community relationships.
• Demonstrate commitment to person-directed planning, supportive decision-making, and the rights of persons with disabilities, as outlined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilitie