Equity Consultant (Education Officer 3)

About Us

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) is leading the transformation of the early years and public education system in Nova Scotia. We are doing this by designing an innovative curriculum, facilitating excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring an inclusive education experience, and working closely with our partners in education. This will provide children, students, and families with a strong foundation for success. This department is a perfect fit for those that want to be part of the future of public education in the province by supporting student learning in a progressive and responsive policy environment.

The Student Services and Equity Branch is dedicated to collaborating across the Department to build a Nova Scotian educational system that is inclusive, equitable, culturally responsive and a safe learning environment for all learners.

About Our Opportunity

The Student Equity Consultant works collaboratively to promote and enhance human rights and culturally responsive teaching and leadership practices for RCE/CSAP and EECD staff to assist in ensuring safe and inclusive schools. You will assist in the implementation and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the Department’s policies and programs in relation to educational equity and work with the RCE’s/CSAP staff in the identification, development and implementation of programs, initiatives and resources.

As the Consultant your work will also be focused on initiatives related to the Inclusive Education Policy. You will liaise with other government departments and agencies, educational organizations and associations, ethno-cultural communities and groups representing the LGBTQ community.

As the Student Equity Consultant, reporting to the Director of Student Services, you will provide leadership, training, and appropriate staff development to support educational equity for all learners in the public -school system.

Primary Accountabilities

• Provide leadership, support and direction to Regional Centres for Education and Csap on a broad range of equity issues and initiatives that support the development and promotion of safe, inclusive and equitable learning environments and schools.
• Provide leadership in identifying and promoting programs of prevention and intervention to support and promote student well-being and achievement (in particular programs which support relational approaches and social and emotional literacy)
• Research and evaluate new developments and best practices in the development of safe, inclusive and equitable school cultures. Work collaboratively across government and outside agencies in relation to initiatives and programs that support student well-being and safety. Consult with colleagues within/outside the province in relation to current trends and promising practices.
• Collect, review, research and compile reports and prepare correspondence as requested for Minister and Deputy Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, Senior Management and Director of Student Services.
• Provide strategic support and insight for EECD and regional/Csap staff in addressing issues arising in schools. This includes liaising with families and regions, Csap and EECD staff to support resolution for cases presenting challenges to resolve.
• Support regions and Csap to respond affirmatively to student requests to establish groups that support the safety and inclusion of marginalized youth.
• Facilitate the selection and activities of the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Student Issues (MACSI). This committee engages youth in dialogue with government and contributes to an increased understanding within government of the needs and aspirations of youth.
• Ensure the simultaneous release of documents in both French and English and performs other related responsibilities as may be required by the Director.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate, you will have a Masters Degree in Education (or equivalent teacher certification), and eight years related experience, including experience in developing and carrying out professional development, programs, services and initiatives in equity education.

Experience is required in working with teachers and regional centre for education and school board staff in the public school system in the areas of human rights education, safe and inclusive schools. cultural responsiveness and in the development of guidelines, strategies and policies.

You work well independently, and in team environments you apply the concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusive practice to all areas of your work and will support your colleagues to do the same. You have extensive knowledge in the research principles of inclusive education, specifically school counselling. You can build productive relationships with non-governmental and governmental members (both internally and externally). When dealing with colleagues, you exercise tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment.

You are proficient using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), have strong interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy while balancing priorities.

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.

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.

Additional Information

This is a term employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2022. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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.