Competition # : 41832

Department: Education & Early Childhood Development

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 26-Feb-24 ( Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is leading the transformation of the early years and public education system in Nova Scotia. We are doing this by designing an innovative curriculum, facilitating excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring an inclusive education experience, and working closely with our partners in education. This will provide children, students, and families with a strong foundation for success. This department is a perfect fit for those that want to be part of the future of public education in the province by supporting student learning in a progressive and responsive policy environment.

About Our Opportunity

We’re looking for someone to join our team who shares our vision of transforming the early learning and child care system in the province – one that focuses on creating quality programs that are inclusive, affordable, and accessible. You share our values of Respect, Integrity, Diversity, Accountability, and The Public Good, and encourage the importance of people, teams, diversity and culture.

Reporting to the Manager, Family Home Child Care, the Program Specialist will work as part of a team responsible for the development of policies, programs and standards to support the growth and development of regulated family home child care in Nova Scotia.

Primary Accountabilities

• Development and administration of service delivery models and funding mechanisms for family home child care agencies and providers, including liaising with program area team members in the development of new agreements, renewals and amendments, and monitoring funding against a prescribed budget.
• Developing and maintaining reporting mechanisms for external agencies and providers, synthesizing information from internal and external sources, to ensure the timely development of briefing notes, reports, and recommendations to inform decision making.
• Providing information and guidance related to program and policy options informed by existing legislation and policies, jurisdictional research, best practices, and data.
• Documenting existing processes and identifying areas for improvement.
• Supporting the Manager with administration of projects and priorities for the family home child care program, including the development and implementation of workforce initiatives, expansion programs, quality measurement tools, and curriculum modifications, which requires extensive engagement with external service deliver partners and experts in the field of early childhood education.
  
  

Qualifications And Experience

To be successful in this role you have a bachelor’s degree and five years of related experience. Equivalencies will be considered.

As the successful applicant you have demonstrated knowledge and experience in policy and program development and administration, business process development and documentation.

Experience articulating service level requirements on a third-party provider, or, guiding others in accurately describing Program requirements in the related subject area is highly desirable.

You work well independently, and in team environments, you apply the concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion to all areas of your work and will support your colleagues to do the same.

You are a collaborative team player with proficient skills in the use of a variety of Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook or equivalent, Adobe or PDF Editor, and SharePoint.

You have sound judgment along with strong time management skills to ensure the timely completion of tasks. You are a strong communicator, both verbally and in writing. Attention to detail is essential.

Knowledge of, and the ability to conduct data analysis and create reports is essential. You must always maintain confidentiality and a strong focus on client service. You can work effectively under pressure, with competing priorities, in this fast-paced environment.

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.

Assets Considered For This Position

Working knowledge of programs and services offered by the Early Learning and Child Care Branch, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, and current legislation, regulations, and policies.

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, including but not limited to:

• A completed Master’s degree along with three (3) years of related experience;
• A related 2-year diploma and seven (7) years of related experience.
  
  

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and Union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

• Have a valid Nova Scotia driver’s license.
• Work in a comfortable office setting.
• Periodic travel to other locations within the province to consult with staff and/or deliver training is expected.
• Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.
  
  

Additional Information

This is a 3-year Term employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of January 1st, 2027. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

• 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.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.
  
  

Pay Grade: PR 13

Salary Range: $2,543.38 - $3,091.70 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.

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

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.