Social Worker ; SAFE Assessor

Competition # : 48014
Department:
Opportunities and Social Development

Location:

DARTMOUTH
Type of Employment:
Term
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 04-Mar-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services(ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support Program(DSP). Through our services, we advocate and help vulnerable Nova Scotians be independent, self-reliant, and secure. We work collaboratively across the province with a strong dedicated network of supports and staff, to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.

Are you seeking a career where you have endless opportunities to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children and families? We are hiring Social Workers across Nova Scotia in our Adoption, Foster Care, Disclosure Program, Screening and Regional Resource programs. Under the provisions of the Children and Family Services Act (CFSA) and An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Children, Youth, and Families (FNIM), your role will actively work towards providing ongoing services to parents and children, and collaborate with program areas to assess families for the placement of children.

You will join an interdisciplinary team and have an opportunity to positively bring about change.

Notice to Pending Social Work Graduates:
If you are a few months away from graduation of your BSW/MSW program, you are encouraged to apply.

• Schedule and conduct in-depth interviews with applicants, individually and as a couple (if applicable).
• Conduct home visits to assess safety, physical environment, and suitability of the home for fostering or adoption.
• Engage with all household members and significant supports as part of the assessment process.

• Administer and interpret standardized SAFE tools (e.g., questionnaires, family genograms, eco-maps, and home studies).
• Analyze applicant histories, motivations, and psychosocial functioning using the SAFE framework.
• Identify strengths, risks, and areas requiring further exploration.

• Prepare comprehensive, strengths-based, and analytical SAFE assessment reports.
• Clearly articulate risk factors and protective factors to inform approval decisions.
• Ensure all documentation meets agency standards and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate with adoption and foster care supervisors, licensing workers, and caseworkers.
• Participate in case conferencing and consultation to inform decision-making.
• Liaise with legal, clinical, or supervisory teams when complex issues arise.

• Maintain an organized caseload of assigned families.
• Track and meet required timelines for initiating, progressing, and completing assessments.
• Provide regular updates to supervisors and stakeholders on progress.

• Educate applicants on the fostering/adoption process, expectations, and responsibilities.
• Offer trauma-informed guidance on parenting strategies and child development topics.
• Refer applicants to training, counseling, or support services when necessary.

A completed Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work is required as well as a valid drivers license. You must be eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW).

• A strong team player
• Empowered to impact change
• Compassionate, reliable, and resourceful.

You are understanding of child development, family dynamics, trauma-informed care, counselling, community resources, and are well versed in effective intervention strategies. Your problem-solving skills and experience, combined with your creative thinking, work to strengthen, and improve support while working with children and families.

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.

Most of your work involves meeting with clients in their homes or with service providers. This necessitates considerable driving time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. While present in the office, your time is spent a comfortable office environment. You may be required to work beyond regular business hours on short notice. Your resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position.

You will be immersed in high-stress and crises, with plenty of support and resources accessible to you. You must be able to work under pressure and be personally and professionally committed to inclusively working with culturally diverse individuals.