Opportunities and Social Development Permanent 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.

Wood Street

Campus (WSC) is a cornerstone in providing specialized treatment services for children and youth in the care of the Minister. Operating 24/7, we are dedicated to supporting young people and helping them develop the skills, resilience, and confidence to thrive in their communities. The work is deeply rewarding, offering the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children who need it most.

Our campus offers two (2) programs: a secure treatment program and a long-term treatment program.

As Unit

Supervisor, you will provide steady, consistent leadership that fosters positive relationships among staff and youth, builds morale, and ensures a safe and supportive environment. You will play a key role in both day-to-day operations and long-term outcomes by s upporting the safety, security, and well-being of youth and staff. You will also m aintain dynamic and static security measures in both secure and long-term treatment settings and p rovid direct supervision, guidance, and development for Youth Workers who deliver treatment and case management services As the Unit Supervisor, we count on your effective and consistent leadership to ensure and maintain positive relationships with staff, youth, and community partners, along with high morale and safety.

Scheduling and managing the daily operations, including treatment plan strategies, the application of case management, and overseeing the delivery of emotional and social programming for youth. Supervising, coaching and assigning work to Youth Workers, student placements and volunteers. Supporting recruitment, performance management, attendance management, payroll reporting,



employee development and workplace health and safety processes.

Ensuring the safety and security of youth and employees through facilitating, monitoring, and maintaining both dynamic and static security on campus. Providing appropriate interventions in response to managing acting-out/pain-based youth behaviour. You may occasionally, in the absence of the Program Manager, assume responsibility for the daily operations and may issue Secure Treatment Certificates and Leaves of Absence under the authority of the Children and Family Services Act.

You have completed a related degree and several years of experience in child and youth care treatment programs, including demonstrated success in a leadership role. Proven ability to provide both individual and group supervision, offering direction, coaching, and modelling of effective youth care interventions. Familiarity with culturally responsive care for diverse populations.

Strong understanding of short-term crisis programs, youth-in-care treatment, and group care dynamics. Solid working knowledge of safety, security, program operations, and staffing in a treatment setting. Ability to lead, motivate, and support a team of Youth Workers in an intensive, high-demand environment, while fostering a positive and professional workplace culture.

Assets include: Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), or similar de-escalation and intervention training. Training or certification in trauma-informed care and attachment-based approaches 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. We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience,



providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise.

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of perks 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. You will work in a treatment facility that operates 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week and rotating shift work is required. You will work every second weekend.

You will facilitate and maintain both dynamic and static security to provide safety and security for youth, visitors, staff, and the public. While we take precautions, children and youth may demonstrate harmful/aggressive behaviours and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) techniques are utilized to manage these behaviours; you must be able to perform these techniques. Personal resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position.

We may use this competition to fill additional Unit Supervisor opportunities within 1 year of the closing date of the competition.

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. WSC offers free, on-site parking!

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.

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.

📌 Unit Supervisor, Wood Street Campus (Truro)
🏢 Province of Nova Scotia
📍 Truro