About Us

The Correctional Services Division of the NS Department of Justice is responsible for the administration and operation of community and custody-based programs and services for adults and young persons. Within the Correctional Services core business area there are two programs: Community Corrections & correctional facilities. Each of these program areas is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the program’s target group.

Community Corrections has 22 offices across the province from Yarmouth to Sydney and is responsible for the supervision of both adult and young persons serving community-based sentences. The sentences include probation, conditional sentence, custody and supervision, conditional supervision and Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision. Probation Officers also supervise those released from custody on conditional releases and prepare pre-sentence investigations to assist the Courts in the sentencing process. Evidence-based Program facilitation and supports to specialized courts in areas of domestic violence, mental health and wellness are also part of the role of a Probation Officer, as well as Restorative Justice casework and collaboration with community justice agencies.

Four (4) adult correctional facilities and one (1) youth centre provide the safety and security of persons in custody while providing programs that address dynamic criminogenic factors to assist with their successful reintegration back into the community. Correctional Services utilizes an evidence-based approach in both Community Corrections and custodial facilities. Core Correctional Practices (CCP) is the foundational practice that drives reintegration and rehabilitation practices deployed within Correctional Services. Utilizing CCP, Correctional Services staff can effectively interact, manage behaviour, and help facilitate change within target populations. For more information on the Department of Justice Correctional Services please visit our website: https://novascotia.ca/just/Corrections/

About Our Opportunity

As a Correctional Officer, you are responsible for the safe secure custody, control, and supervision of sentenced and remanded adults in correctional facilities on a rotating shift basis. You undertake duties associated with your shift assignment in various areas of the facility. These areas include Living Units for persons in custody, Admission and Discharge, Reception/Visitation, Recreation, Laundry, and Canteen Services. In this role, you will have regular and ongoing interaction with persons in custody, while encouraging restorative and pro-social behaviour. Additionally, you will be responsible for administrative functions related to the case management database (JEIN), the Behavioural Management System for persons in custody and incident reporting.

Correctional Officers work with a diverse population and are accountable for promoting and adhering to policy and procedures, standard operating procedures, post orders and directives. As part of this role, you will be involved with conducting counts and searches of persons in custody, writing reports, ensuring the security and safety of those in custody, and compiling tasks related to physical plant cleanliness and maintenance requirements.

Primary Accountabilities

Responsibilities include:

Facility Security

• Provides dynamic and direct supervision (site dependent) of persons in custody and the safe secure custody, control, and supervision of those persons.

Supervision of Persons in Custody

• Including, but not limited to, participating in the case management of persons in custody; approving and arranging professional and personal visits and professional phone calls, and escorting persons within the facility; responding to complaints and requests; assisting persons in custody with the completion of forms (e.g., requests, complaints); supervising work activity, by those in custody, both inside and outside the facility.

Physical Plant Maintenance

• Supervising facility cleaning by persons in custody, supervising trustees on outside work detail, submitting maintenance work orders when required.

Programs

• Advising persons in custody of available programs and referring and adhering to the posted program schedule and supporting individual program work in the living units

Administration & Communication

• Recording and communicating information through reports, forms, logbooks, email and JEIN documentation, and participating in committees or meetings as requested by the Superintendent or designate

• Communicating in a timely, transparent, and effective manner and participating in workplace wellness initiatives by promoting and supporting teamwork, leadership, diversity, and a healthy workplace

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you must possess a High School Diploma and 2 years of related experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered. Typical equivalencies include: a certificate/diploma from an accredited Correctional Officer program or a University Degree in a related field of study.

Your experience and knowledge in the following areas are considered assets in this role:

• Experience in law enforcement, security, or the military
• Previous employment as a Correctional Officer
• Knowledge or experience in a computerized/automated environment
• Leadership experience (i.e., leading youth programs, groups, or committees)

Equivalency

Equivalencies Include, but not limited to:

• A related 2 year post secondary diploma
• A related 1 year post secondary diploma and 1 year of related experience
• 5 years of continuous employment in an unrelated field

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 Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

• Required to work shiftwork which can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding.
• Must be constantly alert when in contact with facility population, not being aware of your surroundings may create the potential for violence and or injury.
• Required to perform person and area searches and use restraint equipment which is physically demanding.
• Potential for disruption to personal and family life when there is a disturbance at the facility.
• A significant proportion of the persons in custody are identified as being a high-risk population for infection of hepatitis, MRSA, HIV and/or AIDS.
• Must frequently deal with non-compliant persons and may be exposed to incidents of assaults, threats and, in extreme circumstances, could be surrounded by hostile individuals when completing rounds, that may have the potential to require further interventions.

Additional Information

In accordance with the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Protocol in High-Risk Settings full vaccination is a condition of employment for this opportunity.

This competition is to fill a permanent employment opportunity based in New Glasgow.

Candidates who are selected for an interview will be provided a medical form to be completed by a doctor.

The facility is a 24-hour operation and is a tobacco-free environment.

This position requires a valid Driver’s License, a Driver’s Abstract, Standard First Aid/CPR Certificate, and proof of all stated education and training, which shall be provided at time of interview.

Assessment process: Qualified applicants will be invited to a competency-based job interview. During the interview, applicants must demonstrate well developed communication, interpersonal and interviewing counselling and conflict resolution skills that leads to effectively dealing with persons in custody and to function well as a member of a team. Correctional Officers serve as role models to persons in custody, and therefore must possess sound observation, decision-making and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to respond effectively to crisis situations.

An in-depth medical form must be completed by a medical doctor confirming your ability to work as a Correctional Officer. This form must be sent for review upon selection for an interview. The link to the form is here: https://novascotia.ca/just/Corrections/recruitment/certification-of-medical-fitness.asp. You will be asked to submit a completed Pre-Employment Questionnaire (PEQ) prior to the appointment with staff to discuss your responses to the form. Here is the link to the form: https://novascotia.ca/just/Corrections/recruitment/questionnaire.asp. The questionnaire focuses on honesty and integrity and candidates must answer all questions accurately and truthfully. Dishonesty or non-disclosure will result in elimination of the candidate's application.

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.