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.

About Our Opportunity Are you seeking a career where you have endless opportunities to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children and families? We are hiring Social Workers across Nova Scotia in our Adoption, Foster Care, Disclosure Program, Screening and Regional Resource programs.

Under the provisions of the Children and Family Services Act (CFSA) and An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Children, Youth, and Families (FNIM), your role will actively work towards providing ongoing services to parents and children, and collaborate with program areas to assess families for the placement of children.

You will join an interdisciplinary team and have an opportunity to positively bring about change.

Notice to Pending Social Work Graduates: If you are a few months away from graduation of your BSW/MSW program, you are encouraged to apply.

Primary Accountabilities Social Workers ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children in the care of the Minister and those who remain in the care of their parents where concerns exist about their health and safety.

Daily, you actively work to engage people and communities to build resilience, address challenges and trauma, and create change.

Every day is different,



and you will encounter unique challenges with responsibilities ranging from: Collaborating with individuals, families and communities Planning, developing, and monitoring case plans with birth families kinship caregivers, foster parents, adopting parents, childcare staff Working closely with the community and advocating for connections to community resources Participating in risk assessments, court testimonies, and evaluations Planning with and supervising children in care of the Minister Recruiting, preparing, assessing, and supporting foster and adoptive parents Qualifications and Experience A completed Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work is required as well as a valid drivers license.

You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW).

You are also: A solid team player Empowered to impact change Compassionate, reliable, and resourceful.

You are understanding of child development, family dynamics, trauma-informed care, counselling, community resources, and are well versed in effective intervention strategies.

Your problem-solving skills and experience, combined with your creative thinking, work to strengthen, and improve support while working with children and families.

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.





Working Conditions Most of your work involves meeting with clients in their homes or with service providers.

This necessitates considerable driving time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.

You may be required to work beyond regular business hours on short notice.

Your resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position.

You will be immersed in high-stress and crises, with plenty of support and resources accessible to you.

You must be able to work under pressure and be personally and professionally committed to inclusively working with culturally diverse individuals.

Additional Information This is a Term opportunity with an anticipated end date of November 19, 2027.

The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

This posting will be used to fill opportunities in either the Foster Care or Adoption Program areas.

What We Offer We offer many perks and benefits, based on your employment status including: Reimbursement for your registration fees to the NS College of Social Workers.

Out-of-province applicants may be eligible to apply for moving expenses .

Ability to earn overtime and shift premiums for weekend and after-hours work.

Travel and car allowance.

Career possibilities , guidance and coaching, and ongoing training.

Three (3) weeks vacation to start, and annual pay progression .

Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP) Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability Defined Pension Benefit Plan.

Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Pay Grade: PR 09 - PR 15 Salary Range: $2,;- $3,;Bi-Weekly

📌 Social Worker 1(A)-(B)-2 (Foster Care or Adoption)
🏢 Government of Nova Scotia
📍 Dartmouth