Manager, Staff Wellness and Clinical Service

About Us

The Correctional Services Division of the 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 adults and young persons serving community-based sentences. The sentences include probation, conditional sentence, custody and supervision, conditional supervision and Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision (IRCS). Probation Officers also supervise those released from custody on conditional releases and prepare presentence investigation reports 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 person in custody, while providing programs that address dynamic criminogenic factors to assist with their successful, reintegration back into the community.

Nova Scotia 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

The Manager, Staff Wellness and Clinical Service (SWCS) develops, implements, monitors, evaluates programs/services and related policies/procedures for the provision of crisis intervention, clinical mental health counselling, mental health assessment, suicide risk assessment, and clinical case plan development for management and staff working within correctional facilities across the province's Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice.

Using a person and relationship-focused approach, the Manager SWCS is responsible for connecting with employees and using communication techniques (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, trauma informed, reflective listening) to promote the employee's self-advocacy and help them to articulate their challenges, priorities and/or goals. The Manager SWCS provides employees with mental health counselling when needed, or otherwise provides them with the best and most direct route to the resources that can assist them. The support services may be internal to our organization or out in the community/health care system.
The incumbent works within the Staff Wellness Unit along with other Managers SWCS, and in consultation with a contracted clinical advisor to deliver preventative, interventions, and treatment strategies to employees of Correctional Services in Nova Scotia.

Assesses the success of present programs and services and defines new programs and services that can respond to the identified needs and challenges. Careful, confidential records must be maintained to assist in the evaluation and continuous improvement of initiatives and services. Promotes awareness and education on staff wellness to employees and managers in all sections of Correctional Services throughout the province. Develops tools and strategies that can help to reduce the stigma of mental illness.

The Manager SWCS will assess suicide risk/crisis as part of their mental health assessment, followed by the development of a case plan, including referral to longer term community-based supports when necessary.

Primary Accountabilities

• Develops policies and procedures consistent with federal and provincial legislative reviews
• Develops, implements, and monitors evidence-based or best practice services that meet the needs of all Correctional Services staff, including facility staff, probation officers and youth workers
• Offers education to all staff of Correctional Services on relevant topics
• Performs clinical assessments, as required
• Collaborates and case conferences with allied services, as appropriate
• Provides clinical and general social and personal counselling to clients
• Develops interim, short-term clinical case plans and psychosocial assessments for clients
• Liaises with staff of the District Health Authority, the Department of Community Services, and other community resources in Nova Scotia and other provinces
• Maintains a database of the number of referrals, reason for contact, number of sessions and follow-up actions/referrals
  

Qualifications and Experience

You possess a Master of Social Work or Master of Counselling Psychology, are registered with the associated professional governing body in Nova Scotia and have several years of progressively more responsible experience in a related field. Preference will be given to those with related experience providing mental health services to First Responders; or who have completed specialized clinical training.

You have a professional approach to responsibilities, effective interpersonal communication, organizational skills, and the ability to set priorities, as well as tact and independent judgement. With effective partnering and relationship building skills to communicate with internal and external stakeholders, including marginalized communities. You will have experience developing policy and procedures, auditing, and inspection reviews.

Previous experience providing adult education would be considered an asset.

Leadership competencies required at this level of work are: Conceptual Thinking, Strategic Orientation, Outcome Focus, Initiative, Effective Interactive Communication, Partnering and Relationship Building, and Intercultural and 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

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status, 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

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.
• In performing daily duties will have considerable contact with all staff of Correctional Services.
• At times there is considerable pressure to meet deadlines, make decisions, provide direction, and frequently deal with difficult situations with clients and/or their family.
  

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
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus