Internship, Junior Correspondence Coordinator (Designated)

Designation Status

This opportunity is designated to applicants who identify as African/Black Nova Scotian and other Racialized Persons.

See the Nova Scotia Government's Employment Equity Policy for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.

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

We are hiring a Junior Correspondence Coordinator for our Strategic Policy and Decision Support Division (SPDS).

In this role, you will facilitate clear and effective communication within government. This position offers a unique opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the public sector, social service delivery systems, government decision-making processes, and strategic communications.

You will be at the center of departmental correspondence, handling inquiries with professionalism and attention to detail. You will research issues, draft well-informed responses, and ensure accuracy by collaborating with relevant divisions before advancing correspondence for final approval by senior leadership, including the Assistant Deputy Minister, Deputy Minister, and Minister.

This is an excellent opportunity to apply your analytical and writing skills in an environment that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovative thinking.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Junior Correspondence Coordinator, you will:

• Identify key questions and concerns raised in correspondence, research current issues and initiatives, and draft well-informed responses.
• Review all correspondence for accuracy, clarity, and plain language, ensuring responses are client-focused, professional, and aligned with departmental standards.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, including the Deputy Minister, Associate Deputy Minister, Executive Directors, Directors, and Managers, to stay informed on emerging issues and initiatives that may generate correspondence from clients, advocates, stakeholders, and the public.
• Work both independently and collaboratively as part of the correspondence team to track, manage, and respond to correspondence promptly, meeting all deadlines set by the Premier's and Minister's offices.

Qualifications and Experience

You are motivated, adaptable and eager to contribute to an innovative environment. You take initiative, are eager to learn more about government processes, and thrive both independently and as part of a collaborative team. In addition, you must:

• Have graduated within the past three (3) years from a recognized post-secondary institution (university, community college, or trade school).
• Have an educational background in communications, public relations, journalism, or public administration.
• Possess experience in drafting and editing written material.
• Have experience conducting research and analysis.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effectively manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and balance competing priorities.

While not required, it is considered an asset if you have:

• Basic knowledge of the Department of Opportunities and Social Development
• Experience supporting change management initiatives.
• Familiarity with social service programs

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.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees 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. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Your work is primarily in an open office environment with 35-hour weeks/ 7-hour days, Monday-Friday.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of February 10, 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