Manager, Youth and Seniors Services

About Us

The primary mandate of the Office of Ombudsman is to investigate complaints under the Ombudsman Act arising from the administration of provincial and municipal laws in Nova Scotia. The Office may initiate investigations of administrative activities and practices (own motion investigations) or matters referred to it by a committee of the House of Assembly. The Office is also responsible for assessing and investigating disclosures of wrongdoing under the Public Interest Disclosure of Wrongdoing Act and making a determination on allegations of harassment under the House of Assembly Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment in the Workplace.

We are non-partisan and operate as an independent office of the legislature. The Ombudsman Act contemplates confidentiality, and its records are exempt from Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act requests.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Deputy Ombudsman, the Manager is responsible for providing leadership and direction in the innovative and strategic management of the Ombudsman's Office. The Manager supervises the confidential intake, investigations, recommendations and report writing processes, and systemic/policy reviews, as well as training ensuring that all aspects of the organization are aligned with the Ombudsman's vision for the organization.

The Manager assesses, evaluates, and assigns complaint files, and reports on matters that may be publicly sensitive or complex in nature. The Manager provides advice and risk management support to the Deputy Ombudsman and Ombudsman, relating to the assignment and undertaking of routine and complex investigations, research, and in-depth analysis to develop comprehensive investigative findings, reports, and recommendations.

The Manager is responsible for internal policy development to ensure complaint procedures comply with the Ombudsman Act (Regulations) and Public Interest Disclosure of Wrongdoing Act (Regulations). The Manager also works to ensure administrative and procedural fairness, and government accountability. Oversees and participates in outreach initiatives designed to educate children, youth, seniors, government officials and the public about the role and mandate of the Office of the Ombudsman.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter and/or resume the following qualifications to be given consideration:

• Post-secondary degree, plus 5 years of experience directly managing and supervising staff, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 5 years progressive experience in financial management, human resource management, leading teams of professionals, partnering and relationship building, and dealing with complex, sensitive investigations.
• A minimum of 10 years work related experience in one or a combination of the following:
  • developing and implementing strategic plans (operationally and administratively),
  • administrative law and procedure,
  • conducting investigations within a regulatory or legal framework,
  • report writing,
  • conflict resolution (informal and formal) of sensitive and confidential matters, and
  • building a culture of accountability and fairness.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal.
• Experience developing and maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders, media and other public interests.

The following competencies are required: Decisiveness, Strategic Orientation, Developing Others, Team Leadership, Self-Awareness & Personal Impact, Effective Interactive Communication, Partnering & Relationship Building and Intercultural & Diversity Proficiency.

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.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

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.

Location & Working Conditions

Based in Halifax. Work is conducted predominantly in an office environment and includes external locations such as correctional facilities and adult/youth residential and secure care facilities.

Travel throughout the province, as required, sometimes on short notice. Day/night travel, sometimes with overnight stays. As well as out of province travel as required.

Consideration may be given to a flexible working schedule dependent upon operational requirements.

Additional Information

This is an Order in Council appointment under the Ombudsman Act. Such appointments are to be paid at rates of pay and receive benefits equivalent to civil service classifications.