Correctional Officer; Casual Relief

Location: DARTMOUTH, SYDNEY, NEW GLASGOW and YARMOUTH
Type of Employment: Relief
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 28-May-26 (Applications accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

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 core business area, there are two programs: community corrections and correctional facilities. Each program area is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the target group.

Nova Scotia Correctional Services utilizes an evidence‑based approach in both Community Corrections and custodial facilities. Core Correctional Practices (CCP) are the foundational practice that drives reintegration and rehabilitation practices deployed within Correctional Services.

Utilizing CCP, staff can effectively interact, manage behaviour, and help facilitate change within target populations.

As a Correctional Officer, you are responsible for the safe, secure custody, control and supervision of sentenced and remand persons in an adult correctional facility on a rotating shift basis. You will work in areas such as Living Units, Admission and Discharge, Reception/Visitation, Recreation, Laundry, and Canteen Services.

You will have regular interaction with persons in custody, encouraging pro‑social behaviour, and you will perform administrative functions related to the case management database (JEIN) and the Offender Behavioural Management System.

You will conduct counts and searches, write reports, ensure security and safety, and support physical plant cleanliness and maintenance.

Responsibilities Include:

• Facility Security
  :
  Provide dynamic supervision and secure custody of persons.
• Persons in Custody Supervision
  :
  Case‑management participation, approving visits and phone calls, escorting, responding to complaints, completing forms, supervising work activity inside and outside the facility.
• Physical Plant Maintenance
  :
  Supervise cleaning by persons in custody, manage outside work detail, submit maintenance orders as required.
• Programs
  :
  Advise persons about available programs, refer and support program participation in living units.
• Administration & Communication
  :
  Record and communicate information through reports, forms, logbooks, email and JEIN documentation; participate in committees or meetings as requested; promote teamwork, leadership, diversity, and a healthy workplace.

You possess a High School diploma and 2 years of related experience. Equivalent combinations of training and experience will be considered, such as a certificate/diploma from an accredited Correctional Officer program or a university degree in a related field (Social Sciences).

Assets in this role include:

• Experience in law enforcement, the court system, security, or the military.
• Knowledge or experience in a computerized/automated environment.
• Leadership experience (e.g., leading youth programs, groups, or committees).
• Experience in restorative practices.

• Related 2‑year post‑secondary diploma.
• Related 1‑year post‑secondary diploma and 1 year of related experience.
• 5 years of employment in a related field.

Candidates selected for an interview will complete a medical assessment. The facility operates 24 hours and is a tobacco‑free environment. Casual correctional officers will work day, night, holiday, and weekend shifts on short notice.

Requirements:
Valid Driver’s License, Driver’s Abstract, Standard First Aid/CPR Certificate, and proof of all stated education and training certificates must be uploaded or emailed to

Relief employees fill gaps and replace full‑time staff when required. There is no guaranteed hours.

Applicants must identify preferred geographic location(s) in the cover letter. Available locations:
Dartmouth, Pictou, Yarmouth, and Sydney.

Qualified applicants will be invited to a competency‑based interview, focusing on communication, interpersonal, counseling, and conflict‑resolution…