Social Worker ; Disclosure Program

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Department: Opportunities and Social Development

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 22-Jan-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.

In April 2021, the new Adoption Record Act received Royal Ascent. With the new legislation comes exciting career opportunities with our new designed Disclosure Unit.

If you are passionate about helping people learn about their history and origins, this opportunity provides you with the chance to make a profound and positive impact in the lives of parties to adoption and former children in permanent care. You will be employed in a dynamic, creative, and collaborative work environment that celebrates and embraces diversity, promotes continued professional growth, and provides you with the opportunity to utilize your full range of social work skills, knowledge, and experience.

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

As a Social Worker working in the Disclosure Unit, you are responsible for the disclosure of information to parties to an adoption and to former children in permanent care with the Department of Opportunities and Social Development. Through the collection of social and medical history, you will create reports and provide support to applicants who are searching for information or requesting reunions with birth families.

You will also assist people affected by adoption who wish to limit access to their personal information. You will provide supports and services in a respectful, trauma‑informed, and culturally responsive manner.

You will intervene under the Children and Family Services Act, the Adoption Information Act, and the Adoptions Records Act and in accordance with the legislation and policies of the program, to make a lasting difference in applicants, lives. You exercise judgement and make decisions regarding information disclosure and supports and reunions in consultations with your supervisor and colleagues.

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).

You are also:

• 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.

Some of your work involves meeting with clients in their homes and communities. As this is a Provincial program, this may necessitate considerable driving time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. While present in the office, your time is spent a comfortable office environment with flexible working options available.

You may be required to work beyond regular business hours on short notice.

Your personal resiliency is essential to meet the physical and emotional demands of this position. You will be immersed in high stress and crisis…