Department: Opportunities and Social Development
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 29-Aug-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 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.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

As the Program Coordinator, Homelessness, you will:

• Support the coordination of the Shelter Diversion Support Program (HRM), ensuring alignment with client needs and policies as well as working with Income Assistance Program outside of HRM for Hotel Approvals.
• Collaborate with internal and external staff, service providers, and other departments to support navigate resources and ensure program alignment.
• Provide advice on homelessness prevention, shelter operations, and supportive housing initiatives.
• Manage program administration, including reviewing financial information, processing invoices, and verifying eligibility for payments and attendance.
• Assist ESIA caseworkers, HSWs, Trustee Programs, and outreach teams in developing creative solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Maintain tracking system for approved expenditures
• Support data analysis on homelessness trends, shelter usage, and housing barriers to inform program improvements.
• Represent the department in cross-government committees, community partnerships, and strategic initiatives.
• Identify gaps in staffing models, compensation structures, and best practices to strengthen sector capacity.
• Coordinate responses to inquiries from the public, stakeholders, and Minister’s Office on homelessness-related matters.
• Develop clear and timely materials, including briefing notes, reports, and presentations, to support informed decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

You have a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Social Work, Public Administration, Community Development, Social Sciences) and at least one (1) year of relevant experience in homelessness, housing services, or program coordination. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

You also have:

• An understanding of issues facing individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including trauma, systemic barriers, and housing instability.
• Excellent communication, relationship building and partnering skills.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, reporting tools, and case management systems
• Have analytical skills, ability to spot trends, and draw sound conclusions.
• A client-centred, equity-informed approach to problem-solving.

While not required, it’s considered an asset if you:

• Have knowledge of Nova Scotia’s homelessness strategy and relevant legislation or programs.
• Experience with emergency shelter or hotel placement coordination.
• Experience with financial analysis or invoice verification.
• Are bilingual in French (or other multilingual capacity).

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.

Please refer the Job description for details