Victim Services Officer (Human Trafficking Navigator) - Designated (Term)
Competition # : 44353
Department: Justice
Location: SYDNEY
Type of Employment: Term
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 06-Jan-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
Designation Status
This opportunity is designated to applicants that identify as Indigenous Person. See the Nova Scotia Government’s Employment Equity Policy for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.
The Maintenance Enforcement and Victim Services Division of the Department of Justice helps facilitate court-ordered child and spousal support and offers a range of services to help victims of crime.
About Our Opportunity
The Victim Services Officer is responsible for delivering the Provincial Victim Services Program, in accordance with the rights of victims of crime as outlined in the Victim’s Rights and Services Act, the Criminal Code of Canada and the victim-related provisions of other federal and provincial statutes, including the Victim Bill of Rights.
In this position, you support survivors and families of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Responsibilities include: maintaining an effective communication network with Justice, community and government officials at the regional level, coordinating services for victims of crime within the criminal justice system and the community, monitoring and recommending intervention strategies to address identified gaps in service at the community level, supporting victims for access to justice, and providing referrals to culturally appropriate resources.
Primary Accountabilities
* Ensure the confidentiality of client information and maintain a caseload of highly sensitive files.
* Accurately enter client service information in the Victim Services case management system.
* Assess risk and communicate information in accordance with the High-Risk Domestic Violence Case Coordination Protocol framework and program policy and procedures.
* Collaborate with other government and community organizations.
* Provide culturally specific supports and services that meet the needs of survivors and families of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
* Collaborate with African Nova Scotian and Indigenous communities to understand the historic complexities of sexual violence.
* Maintain knowledge of all relevant legislation, and applicable policies and procedures.
* Promote diversity through ongoing education and communication.
* Participate in human trafficking and sexual exploitation initiatives, committees, training and outreach.
Qualifications and Experience
You possess a Bachelor’s degree (typically in the Social Sciences) and three years' related experience. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered. Related experience includes providing client services in the community.
In this role, you are required to have experience in client assessment and interviewing techniques, as well as case management and computer skills. Knowledge of the criminal justice system and community resources, the Victims’ Rights and Services Act, the Criminal Code of Canada, and the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights is essential.
You have an understanding of the complexities of human trafficking and sexual exploitation and the traumatic impacts on survivors and families. Experience working with individuals who have been human trafficked/sexually exploited and with vulnerable populations is necessary.
You possess excellent oral and written communication skills, good organizational ability, and strong interpersonal skills. Empathy, warmth, and tact, along with an understanding of human dynamics and the effects of victimization, are crucial. Sound judgment and the ability to work with self-confidence and decisiveness are also important.
A high level of judgment, independent decision-making, and discretion is required, in accordance with the policies and procedures and best practices set out by the division.
Access to reliable transportation is required as you will be responsible for travel to multiple locations in your coverage area. The successful candidate will work and travel to Colchester, Pictou, Cumberland, and Antigonish.
The ability to speak French would be considered an asset.
Equivalency
* A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a Master’s degree in a related field with one year of related experience.
* A two-year certificate/diploma in a related field plus five years of related experience.
* A one-year certificate/diploma in a related field plus six years of related experience.
* Seven years of experience working in a related field with no formal training.
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 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.
Working Conditions
* Flexibility in working hours is required.
* May be required to work overtime on occasion.
* Stressful work environment given extensive exposure to human trafficking and sexual exploitation cases.
* Sitting at a computer for long periods of time.
* Mentally challenging due to a high demand for accuracy and attention to detail.
* Potential for both physical and non-physical violence from hostile clients and offenders.
* Possible exposure to domestic disturbances and aggressive attitudes towards government officials.
* Travel is required to attend meetings and offer services in courts and clients’ communities.
What We Offer
* Career Development with access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training.
* Engaging workplace where employees feel valued and respected.
* Countless career paths.
Pay Grade: PR 12
Salary Range: $2,458.24 - $2,982.67 Bi-Weekly
Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia welcomes applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Women in under-represented occupations.
This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates.
Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.
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