The Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice is responsible for the administration and operation of community and custody-based programs and services for adults and young persons. Within the Correctional Services core business area there are two programs: community corrections & correctional facilities. Each of these program areas is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the program’s target group.

Four (4) adult correctional facilities and one (1) youth centre provide the safety and security of person in custody while providing programs that address dynamic criminogenic factors to assist with their successful, reintegration back into the community.

Nova Scotia Correctional

Services utilizes an evidence-based approach in both Community Corrections and custodial facilities. Utilizing CCP, Correctional Services staff can effectively interact, manage behavior, and help facilitate change, within target populations. For more information on the Department of Justice Correctional Services please visit our website .

As a Correctional Officer, you are responsible for the secure secure custody, control and supervision of sentence and remand persons in custody in an adult correctional facility on a rotating shift basis.

Our Correctional

Officer undertakes duties associated with your shift assignment in various areas of the facility. These areas include persons in custody Living Units, Admission and Discharge, Reception/Visitation, Recreation, Laundry, and Canteen Services. In this role, you will have regular and ongoing interaction with persons in custody, while encouraging pro-social behaviour.

You are also responsible for administrative functions related to the case management database (JEIN) and the Offender Behavioural Management System.

Correctional

Officers work with a diverse person in custody population and are accountable for promoting and adhering to policy and procedures, standard operating procedures, post orders and directives. As part of this role, you will be involved with conducting persons in custody counts and searches, writing reports, ensuring persons in custody security and safety, and compiling tasks related to physical plant cleanliness and maintenance requirements.

Facility Security

Provides dynamic supervision of persons in custody and safe secure custody, control, and supervision of the persons in custody Persons in Custody Supervision approve and arrange professional and personal visits and professional persons in custody phone calls, and escort persons in custody within the facility; respond to persons in custody complaints and requests; assist in the completion of forms (e.g. requests,



complaints); supervise persons in custody work activity inside and outside the facility Supervise facility cleaning by persons in custody, supervise persons in custody trustees on outside work detail, submit maintenance work orders when required Advise persons in custody of available programs and referring and adhering to the posted program schedule and support persons in custody program work in the living units Communicate in a timely, transparent, and effective manner and participate in workplace wellness initiatives by promoting teamwork, leadership, diversity, and a healthy workplace You possess a High School diploma and 2 years of related experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

Typical equivalencies include: a certificate/diploma from an accredited Correctional Officer program or a university degree in a related field of study (Criminology, Psychology or other Social Science programs). Your experience and knowledge in the following areas are considered assets in this role: Previous employment as a Correctional Officer, or within Adult/Youth Custody Experience in law enforcement (Police, Sheriffs, Border Services, Military Police) Security, Military, Firefighting, Social Workers, Residential Counsellors/Caseworkers/Support Workers, Occupational Health & Safety. Leadership experience (i.e. leading youth programs, groups, or committees, working with vulnerable populations) Experience working with diverse communities, including Elders, knowledge keepers, cultural leaders, and community organizations, is considered an asset. 5 years of employment in a related field, for example Social Work; Required to work shiftwork which can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding Must be constantly alert when in contact with facility population Potential for disruption to personal and family life when there is a disturbance at the facility The position requires the ability to work effectively in a facility setting that may be noisy during periods of peak operational and resident activity.

Perform searches, security checks, escorts, and respond to emergencies and critical incidents as required. Work collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining professional boundaries and adhering to established policies, procedures, and security protocols.



Must maintain constant awareness and professionalism while engaging with facility populations, including individuals who may have difficulty controlling emotional responses.

Relief employees fill gaps in the schedule and replace full time employees when operational requirements demand as determined by the Employer – as a relief employee there is no guarantee of hours. Relief correctional officers are required to work shift work (day shift, night shifts, holidays, weekends on short notice). The facility is a 24-hour operation and is a tobacco-free/vape-free environment, and is not permitted on the property.

This position requires a valid Driver’s License, a Driver’s Abstract, Standard First Aid/CPR Certificate, and proof of all stated education and training.

Correctional

Officers serve as role models to persons in custody, and therefore must possess sound observation, decision‑making and problem‑solving skills, as well as the ability to respond effectively to crisis situations. If selected for the position, you must provide a current copy of a Vulnerable Sector Check and a Criminal Record Check. An in-depth medical assessment must be completed by a designated clinic which will be provided to you confirming your ability to work as a Correctional Officer.

Career

Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.

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, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons 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.

Please note: when competing for vacancies, a successful Temporary, Term or Permanent Relief Employee who is currently employed with the Province will maintain their bargaining unit status, seniority and benefit level at the new workplace. If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped.

Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more information.

📌 Prison Custody Officer (Dartmouth)
🏢 Nova Scotia
📍 Dartmouth