Local Area Coordinator in New Glasgow

Department: Opportunities and Social Development

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 08-Nov-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD), we provide a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and the Disability Support Program (DSP). The DSP is committed to fostering innovative ways to empower individuals with disabilities to pursue their vision of a fulfilling life.

About Our Opportunity

We're seeking passionate and community-driven individuals to join us as Local Area Coordinators (LACs), a pivotal role at the heart of our mission to deliver meaningful action towards the Human Rights Remedy at the local level. As a Local Area Coordinator, you'll work alongside people with disabilities, their families, and support networks, helping to build strong, inclusive connections with local communities, mainstream services, and clinical partners.

Your role will focus on creating trusting relationships that open opportunities for people with disabilities to live full, meaningful lives in welcoming and inclusive communities. LACs will be visible and active in communities, supporting them to grow in inclusion and resilience through ongoing community connection and fostering collaboration.

You’ll support people with disabilities and those in their support networks to create and carry out strategies that reflect their unique strengths, needs, and goals. By truly listening and understanding what matters most to each person, you’ll help build their confidence, resilience, and connection to community.

This role is all about walking alongside people with empathy and care, using a rights-based approach and being mindful of the impacts of trauma while offering thoughtful, tailored support and coordination. Understanding and adapting to everyone’s communication style, you will create safe spaces where individuals can express themselves and make informed decisions about their future.

Primary Accountabilities

As a LAC, you’ll be part of a transformative shift in Nova Scotia - helping bring the Human Rights Remedy to life by supporting people with disabilities to live full, self-directed lives in welcoming communities. You’ll work in a way that’s integrated, person-centered, and inclusive, building relationships with individuals, families, services, and local organizations.

By sharing knowledge and raising awareness, you’ll help strengthen communities and create more opportunities for connection and belonging. In your day-to-day work, you’ll work alongside individuals as they plan for the life they want, coaching them through opportunities and supporting them in building strong, lasting support networks. You’ll also advocate for access to services and enhance connections to community supports.

Local Area Coordinators work collaboratively, developing sustainable partnerships, enhancing natural support networks and working closely with their Regional Hub colleagues to support individuals with disabilities. Through everything you do, you’ll promote the values of person-directed planning, supportive decision-making, and the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Qualifications and Experience

A completed Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Community Development, or other related field and two (2) years of experience in a relevant role supporting individuals with disabilities, community development, or social services. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

You must have strong existing connections within the local community, or demonstrate an ability to quickly build relationships and partnerships within the community. A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation are required.

In addition, you:

• Have expertise in person-centered, individualized planning and support coordination.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and maintain positive relationships.
• Proven ability to facilitate and advocate for community inclusivity and capacity building.
• Experience partnering with a variety of community stakeholders and members, including service providers.
• Ability to adapt approaches based on individuals' unique communication styles and needs.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in advocating for individuals' self-direction and inclusive citizenship.
• Proven track record in leading partnerships and collaborations to enhance community support networks.

Assets include:

• A completed related Master's degree
• Additional certifications or training in trauma-informed care, disability rights, or community engagement.

Working Conditions

The LAC will travel to various locations in their regional area having a presence in local communities. The role involves driving, entering private residences, and occasional lifting. Travel is required throughout the region, under varying weather conditions. This role places considerable mental pressure on the individual, requiring high personal resiliency to meet emotional demands.

What We Offer

LACs will be empowered to work at the speed of trust and align with the individual’s pace. Additionally, there is increased flexibility in how you structure your workday to accommodate the needs of the individuals you are working alongside. As a Local Area Coordinator, you will have the autonomy to make decisions in a supportive work environment.

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.

Pay Grade: PR 09- PR 12 Salary Range: $2,385.98- $3,273.84 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, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons 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.

Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU).

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.