Internship, Disability Support Program
Competition # : 45370
Department: Opportunities and Social Development
Location: SYDNEY
Type of Employment: Term
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 24-Apr-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
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
This is a meaningful opportunity to support individuals in Community-Based Options and In-Home Support programs as they work toward their personal goals. As the Intern, you will assist in providing direct assistance to clients, maintain stable housing, and engage with their community.
The individuals you will support have a range of mental and physical disabilities, requiring thoughtful, skilled interventions to promote their well-being.
Primary Accountabilities
The Intern works closely with Care Coordinators to assess client needs and monitor case plans. Crisis prevention and intervention are key aspects of the role. Additional key responsibilities include:
- Advocating for clients to access community resources and support services.
- Helping clients build self-advocacy, problem-solving, and social skills to promote independence.
- Maintaining accurate documentation and participating in team meetings and case reviews.
- Documenting/gathering case notes in ICM relating to participants (i.e. issuing payments and purchase orders)
- Creating new IASP/IASP Reviews, and
- File Management
Qualifications and Experience
You have completed related post-secondary education in Social Sciences and have graduated from this program within the last three (3) years.
You must have a valid driver's license, have the ability to travel, and access to a reliable vehicle. You will use your personal vehicle, and your vehicle must be properly equipped for the transportation of clients.
You have a strong understanding of crisis intervention and case management.. You know of community resources and the ability to advocate for client access to services. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills are essential along with the ability to work independently without on-site supervision.
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 typical work week is 35 hours with 7-hour days. This role involves working primarily in the office. The Intern must be comfortable managing unpredictable situations, including crisis intervention and de-escalation of anxious or agitated clients.
Additional Information
This is a TERM internship opportunity with an anticipated end date of Sept 26, 2026. 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
Pay Grade: PR 06
Salary Range: $2,004.96 - $2,084.99 Bi-Weekly
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 and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities 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.
This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:
Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.
External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.
Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.
