Government of Nova Scotia

Department: Justice Location: TRURO Type of Employment: Term Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG Closing Date: 31-Mar-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time) About Us The Legal Services Division is the government's law firm, providing a full range of legal advice and services to support government operations and help government achieve its corporate priorities. With a staff of more than 160 lawyers, paralegals, researchers and administrative professionals, the Division is one of the largest law offices in the Province. For more information on the Department of Justice Legal Services please visit our website: https://novascotia.ca/just/Legal_Services/ About Our Opportunity Under general supervision from the Legal Services Supervisor, as the Legal Assistant you will provide high quality, specialized legal administrative assistance, and file management support under the direction of two or more lawyers. You will utilize strong secretarial/administrative skills, knowledge of legal terminology and specialized procedures pertaining to certain areas of law. You will perform effectively under the pressures and strain of inflexible deadlines in a highly confidential office setting under minimal supervision. You will be responsible for creating, tracking, and managing litigation files. The opportunity requires you to be able to adapt to shifting priorities, balance your efforts between providing legal assistance and administrative support, respond in a timely and appropriate manner to inquiries and to be organized in your day to day file management. Primary Accountabilities Legal Assistance / Support to Lawyers Provide specialized legal assistance for lawyers who provide legal advice/litigation services to government departments and various agencies, boards, and commissions Ensure documents assigned by a lawyer are prepared, filed, and/or served within prescribed or assigned deadlines Query and retrieve legal case law, precedent materials/documents, or other relevant information as identified by a lawyer Secretarial / Administrative Support Prepare correspondence, presentations, and documents of a legal and non-legal matter Respond to inquiries from internal and external clients and the public Schedule appointments and maintains lawyers’ calendar and schedule and book rooms, court reporters, travel, discoveries, witnesses, interpreters, case conferences Books travel and related accommodations when necessary Works in a team environment, providing coverage to assistants on their team and other teams as assigned by the Legal Services Supervisor Responding to Inquiries and File Management Acts as a point of contact to ensure clients have the appropriate information including file updates, process or procedural changes, Division updates and other general matters Manages files in the Central Registry filing system, electronic shared directory and in the file/document management databases Organize all hard copy and electronic files including filing of documents, data entry and the use of the STAR/STOR classification system Ensures that files/filing is up to date and brought forward for review by lawyers as required Qualifications and Experience As our successful candidate, you will possess a certificate/diploma from a Legal Assistant or Paralegal program and 3 years of experience in a legal practice or an acceptable combination of education/training and experience. You have experience and competency in an automated environment, with proficient and accurate typing, dicta typing, MS Word, and data entry skills. You have knowledge of legal terminology, procedures, and documentation, as well as excellent research, analytical and organizational skills. Your excellent communication skills, both written and oral, give you the ability to deal with clients, lawyers and co-workers in a fair, caring, and impartial manner communicating in a clear and concise manner while maintaining confidentiality and impartiality. Assets include: Knowledge of the various levels of Court Knowledge of Civil Procedure Rules Knowledge of provincial government departments and agencies Experience utilizing STAR/STOR record classification system, or other file management systems We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks. Equivalency Include, but not limited to: - at least 5 years of legal support experience. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application. Benefits Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria. Working Conditions   May be required to work overtime on occasion Typically located in comfortable office environment Considerable periods of time sitting at desk interspersed with movement to and from printers, file storage areas or to deposit/retrieve mail At times required to bend and lift file boxes from storage shelving and transport to review area. Regular need to read and analyze information and significant time focusing on a computer monitor Must balance multiple priorities and the demand for accuracy and attention to detail in the preparation of legal documents requires acute concentration and may increase physical and mental stress The nature of the work environment may bring staff into contact with individuals who are verbally abusive and physically threatening, exposure to disturbing images or content in some files may occur Additional Information This competition is to fill two (2) Term positions in the Truro Office

The Legal Services Division is the government's law firm, providing a full range of legal advice and services to support government operations and help government achieve its corporate priorities. With a staff of more than 160 lawyers, paralegals, researchers and administrative professionals, the Division is one of the largest law offices in the Province. For more information on the Department of Justice Legal Services please visit our website: https://novascotia.ca/just/Legal_Services/   About Our Opportunity   Under general supervision from the Legal Services Supervisor, as the Legal Assistant you will provide high quality, specialized legal administrative assistance, and file management support under the direction of two or more lawyers. You will utilize strong secretarial/administrative skills, knowledge of legal terminology and specialized procedures pertaining to certain areas of law. You will perform effectively under the pressures and strain of inflexible deadlines in a highly confidential office setting under minimal supervision. You will be responsible for creating, tracking, and managing litigation files. The opportunity requires you to be able to adapt to shifting priorities, balance your efforts between providing legal assistance and administrative support, respond in a timely and appropriate manner to inquiries and to be organized in your day to day file management.   Primary Accountabilities   Legal Assistance / Support to Lawyers Provide specialized legal assistance for lawyers who provide legal advice/litigation services to government departments and various agencies, boards, and commissions Ensure documents assigned by a lawyer are prepared, filed, and/or served within prescribed or assigned deadlines Query and retrieve legal case law, precedent materials/documents, or other relevant information as identified by a lawyer Secretarial / Administrative Support Prepare correspondence, presentations, and documents of a legal and non-legal matter Respond to inquiries from internal and external clients and the public Schedule appointments and maintains lawyers’ calendar and schedule and book rooms, court reporters, travel, discoveries, witnesses, interpreters, case conferences Books travel and related accommodations when necessary Works in a team environment, providing coverage to assistants on their team and other teams as assigned by the Legal Services Supervisor Responding to Inquiries and File Management Acts as a point of contact to ensure clients have the appropriate information including file updates, process or procedural changes, Division updates and other general matters Manages files in the Central Registry filing system, electronic shared directory and in the file/document management databases Organize all hard copy and electronic files including filing of documents, data entry and the use of the STAR/STOR classification system Ensures that files/filing is up to date and brought forward for review by lawyers as required   Qualifications and Experience   As our successful candidate, you will possess a certificate/diploma from a Legal Assistant or Paralegal program and 3 years of experience in a legal practice or an acceptable combination of education/training and experience.   You have experience and competency in an automated environment, with proficient and accurate typing, dicta typing, MS Word, and data entry skills. You have knowledge of legal terminology, procedures, and documentation, as well as excellent research, analytical and organizational skills. Your excellent communication skills, both written and oral, give you the ability to deal with clients, lawyers and co-workers in a fair, caring, and impartial manner communicating in a clear and concise manner while maintaining confidentiality and impartiality.   Assets include:   Knowledge of the various levels of Court Knowledge of Civil Procedure Rules Knowledge of provincial government departments and agencies Experience utilizing STAR/STOR record classification system, or other file management systems   We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.   Equivalency   Include, but not limited to-   at least 5 years of legal support experience.   Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.   Benefits   Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.   Working Conditions   May be required to work overtime on occasion Typically located in comfortable office environment Considerable periods of time sitting at desk interspersed with movement to and from printers, file storage areas or to deposit/retrieve mail At times required to bend and lift file boxes from storage shelving and transport to review area. Regular need to read and analyze information and significant time focusing on a computer monitor Must balance multiple priorities and the demand for accuracy and attention to detail in the preparation of legal documents requires acute concentration and may increase physical and mental stress The nature of the work environment may bring staff into contact with individuals who are verbally abusive and physically threatening, exposure to disturbing images or content in some files may occur   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. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies. countless career paths. Department Specific Flexible working schedules.

Department: Justice Location: Fredericton, NB Type of Employment: Permanent Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG Closing Date: 09-Nov-23 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time) About Us   The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) independently investigates all serious incidents which arise from the actions of police in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. SiRT’s mandate is to investigate all matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and domestic violence or other matters of significant public interest. There does not have to be an allegation of wrongdoing. If an incident meets the SiRT's mandate, the SiRT will conduct a thorough and objective investigation to determine what happened. At the conclusion of every investigation, the Director of the SiRT will determine whether criminal charges should result from the actions of the police officer. SiRT is independent of the police and government. The Director of SiRT is a civilian and is responsible for the general direction of all investigations. This ensures a more transparent and independent way to investigate serious incidents involving police. The SiRT recently opened an office in New Brunswick.   For more information on the Serious Incident Response Team please visit our website: https://sirt.novascotia.ca/   About Our Opportunity   Reporting to the Director in charge of the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT), the Assistant Director will be part of a civilian led team responsible for investigating incidents under Section 26 of the Nova Scotia Police Act and Section 24 of the New Brunswick Police Act . This includes incidents or allegations involving serious injury, death, or sexual assault of any person, domestic violence, or any matter of public interest, that may have resulted from the actions of a police officer.   Primary Accountabilities The Assistant Director is accountable to oversee and review investigations conducted by the SiRT to ensure impartiality, objectivity, independence, high investigative standards, and the completeness of investigative reports in a timely and expeditious manner. The Assistant Director is also accountable to promote, foster and create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment and team to lead and foster the development of relationships in diverse communities. Other accountabilities include:   Responsible to conduct investigations into all matters that fall within section 26 of the Nova Scotia Police Act and section 24 of the New Brunswick Police Act. Provide legal oversight and management, advice, and opinion on a variety of matters including warrants and wiretap authorizations. Provide legal advice and opinion, direction, and guidance on investigative files. Manage operations in New Brunswick at the direction of the Director by assisting with establishing policies and practices for daily operation of the unit to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of investigative, administrative, and professional programs and services. Lead and supervise SiRT staff by direct supervision of Team Commanders and seconded officers. Indirect supervision of police and support staff. Liaise with municipal Chiefs of Police and Commanding Officer of “J” Division of RCMP as required. Establish and maintain effective relationships between the SiRT and a broad range of community groups, police services, media liaisons, other stakeholders, and the public. Ensures public confidence in SiRT’s independence   Qualifications and Experience   To be considered for this opportunity, you hold a Bachelor of laws degree with experience in criminal law. The successful applicant will have experience in managing major case files. The Assistant Director must understand and exercise the proper use of discretion. They must have knowledge and a sound understanding of law enforcement principles and techniques; and federal and provincial legislation, statutes, regulations, and policies related to law enforcement. The incumbent will possess excellent administrative, organizational, management, mediation and conflict resolution skills and be able to provide leadership to investigative staff in a high energy and sometimes challenging working environment. To ensure there is no perception of bias, the Assistant Director must not be and must never have been a police officer in any jurisdiction.   The Assistant Director must demonstrate good judgement, integrity, objectivity, tact, and strong ethical values. You also possess excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and demonstrate understanding and sensitivity to the needs of all persons involved in the investigative process and to the public and its communities.   Bilingualism (English/French) is required.   Candidates will be assessed for the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.   Equivalency   Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.   Benefits   Based on the employment status and Union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.   Working Conditions   This position may involve irregular working hours, including nighttime and weekend work; and, considerable travel, at times during inclement weather. The incumbent will be required to hold a valid driver’s license and pass all appropriate background clearance checks. 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. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies. Countless Career Paths. Department Specific Flexible working schedules.   Salary Range: $6,277.51 - $6,779.71 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 and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities 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.   Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:     PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.   Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.        

Department: Justice Location: HALIFAX Type of Employment: Temporary Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG Closing Date: 17-Oct-23 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time) About Us   The Legal Services Division is the government's law firm, providing a full range of legal advice and services to support government operations and help government achieve its corporate priorities. With a staff of more than 160 lawyers, paralegals, researchers and administrative professionals, the Division is one of the largest law offices in the Province.   For more information on the Department of Justice Legal Services please visit our website: https://novascotia.ca/just/Legal_Services/   About Our Opportunity   Under general supervision from the Legal Services Supervisor, as the Legal Assistant you will provide high quality, specialized legal administrative assistance, and file management support under the direction of two or more lawyers. You will utilize strong secretarial/administrative skills, knowledge of legal terminology and specialized procedures pertaining to certain areas of law. You will perform effectively under the pressures and strain of inflexible deadlines in a highly confidential office setting under minimal supervision. You will be responsible for creating, tracking, and managing litigation files. The opportunity requires you to be able to adapt to shifting priorities, balance your efforts between providing legal assistance and administrative support, respond in a timely and appropriate manner to inquiries and to be organized in your day to day file management.   Primary Accountabilities   Legal Assistance / Support to Lawyers   Provide specialized legal assistance for lawyers who provide legal advice/litigation services to government departments and various agencies, boards, and commissions Ensure documents assigned by a lawyer are prepared, filed, and/or served within prescribed or assigned deadlines Query and retrieve legal case law, precedent materials/documents, or other relevant information as identified by a lawyer   Secretarial / Administrative Support   Prepare correspondence, presentations, and documents of a legal and non-legal matter Respond to inquiries from internal and external clients and the public Schedule appointments and maintain lawyers’ calendars and schedule and book rooms, court reporters, travel, discoveries, witnesses, interpreters, case conferences Book travel and related accommodations when necessary Work in a team environment, providing coverage to assistants on their team and other teams as assigned by the Legal Services Supervisor   Responding to Inquiries and File Management   Act as a point of contact to ensure clients have the appropriate information including file updates, process or procedural changes, Division updates and other general matters Manage files in the Central Registry filing system, electronic shared directory and in the file/document management databases Organize all hard copy and electronic files including filing of documents, data entry and the use of the STAR/STOR classification system Ensure that files/filing is up to date and brought forward for review by lawyers as required   Qualifications and Experience   As our successful candidate, you will possess a certificate/diploma from a Legal Assistant or Paralegal program and 3 years of experience in a legal practice or an acceptable combination of education/training and experience.   You have experience and competency in an automated environment, with proficient and accurate typing, dicta typing, MS Word, and data entry skills. You have knowledge of legal terminology, procedures, and documentation, as well as excellent research, analytical and organizational skills. Your excellent communication skills, both written and oral, give you the ability to deal with clients, lawyers and co-workers in a fair, caring, and impartial manner communicating in a clear and concise manner while maintaining confidentiality and impartiality.   Assets include:   Knowledge of the various levels of Court Knowledge of Civil Procedure Rules Knowledge of provincial government departments and agencies Experience utilizing STAR/STOR record classification system, or other file management systems   We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.   Equivalency   Equivalencies include, but not limited to:   at least 5 years of legal support experience.   Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.   Benefits   Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.   Working Conditions   May be required to work overtime on occasion Typically located in comfortable office environment Considerable periods of time sitting at desk interspersed with movement to and from printers, file storage areas or to deposit/retrieve mail At times required to bend and lift file boxes from storage shelving and transport to review area Regular need to read and analyze information and significant time focusing on a computer monitor Must balance multiple priorities and the demand for accuracy and attention to detail in the preparation of legal documents requires acute concentration and may increase physical and mental stress The nature of the work environment may bring staff into contact with individuals who are verbally abusive and physically threatening, exposure to disturbing images or content in some files may occur   Additional Information   Candidates that have a certificate or diploma from a Paralegal program or Legal Assistant program (with less than 3 years of experience) are encouraged to apply and will be considered if these opportunities are not filled by candidates with a diploma and three years of experience. The bi-weekly salary for candidates that do not meet the 3 years experience requirement is $1,626.82 (at the CL 18 level).   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. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies. Countless career paths. Department Specific Flexible working schedules.   Pay Grade: CL 21 Salary Range: $1,824.96 - $2,034.28 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 and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities 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.   This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:     Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.   External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.   Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.