Prothonotary/Registrar of Probate – Antigonish

The Court Services Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice is dedicated to excellent service and the provision of fair and accessible administration of justice, including court administration and security. The Division provides administrative support to the courts listed: Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (including Family Division), Provincial Court, Family Court, Small Claims Court, Probate Court and Bankruptcy Court. The courts act independently from the government to address individual cases.

The Justice Officer administers and delivers a broad range of court support services within the Supreme Court (General Division), including assisting individuals by providing appropriate legal information to litigants with various types of applications pursuant to the relevant legislation. The Justice Officer case manages high-volume and often high conflict cases and performs the quasi-judicial functions of a Prothonotary or Registrar of Probate as set out in the legislation and rules that govern the Courts, including, but not limited to the Civil Procedure Rules, Probate Act and Court Officials Act. They take oaths or affirmations on a variety of legal documents, issue and register court orders and are responsible to scrutinize all documents and actions filed with the various courts to ensure that they are prepared, processed and completed in a proper, timely and consistent manner in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in a related discipline plus five years experience in a legal/justice environment or an acceptable equivalent of education, experience and training.
• Knowledge and experience applying Rules, Statutes and Legislation and experience with legal documents and legal terminology.
• Demonstrated exceptional communication skills both in person and in an automated environment.
• Knowledge of the justice system, court support programs and government services.
• Ability to independently make complex decisions.
• Training and demonstrated experience in mediation, non-conflict resolution, domestic violence issues and interviewing/client assessment.
• French language (oral and written) skill will be considered an asset.
• Ability to work within a team and provide mentorship to other support staff.
• Self-directed behavior, analytical and conceptual thinking and creative approaches to problem solving.
• Fair and impartial attitude, sensitive to the diverse needs of the client group, responsible for maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

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.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day (typically the hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, this may vary depending on operational needs).
• Exposure to emotional and sensitive issues.
• Dealing with difficult or distraught individuals creates a stressful environment.
• High demand for accuracy and attention to detail while working in a high volume and complex service area.
• Must display a completely impartial attitude at all times.

This is a permanent employment opportunity, located in Antigonish, NS. A test may be administered as part of the screening and selection process. Some travel and overtime may be required. Fluency (both oral and written) in the French Language will be considered an asset. This position will require an enhanced level of security screening for external applicants.

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.
• Countless career paths.

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. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.