Justice Officer 5 (Program Admin Officer 4)

About Us

The Court Services Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice is dedicated to excellent service and the provision of fair and accessible administration of justice, including court administration and security.

The Division provides administrative support to the courts listed: Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (including Family Division), Provincial Court, Family Court, Small Claims Court, Probate Court and Bankruptcy Court. The courts act independently from the government to address individual cases.

For more information on the Department of Justice Court Services please visit our website: Department of Justice Court Services

About Our Opportunity

As the Justice Officer 5, you will report directly to the Court Administrator as well as liaise with the Associate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, Family Division, in relation to the Civil Procedure Rules and the Statutes of Nova Scotia as it relates to the processing of family law files and regarding the development of new processes or procedures. You will support case and program management and other initiatives aimed at ensuring efficient client service, safety, and access to justice. You will provide direction in the area of complex family matters and ensure that statutes, regulations, and court rules are properly interpreted and followed.

Primary Accountabilities

The Justice Officer 5 will have the following key areas of responsibility:

• Processes emergency and complex court applications from family law clients including offering alternative dispute resolution services.
• Performs quasi-judicial functions set out in the Civil Procedure Rules including dismissing all or part of an application, motion or claim or stay the proceeding.
• Attends Court when required, including conducting conferences, holding hearings, rendering decisions, and making orders if so designated by the Associate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Family Division.
• Liaises with members of the Judiciary regarding the application of the Civil Procedure Rules in processing family law matters and developing new or amended Civil Procedure Rules.
• Analyzes affidavit evidence and applies relevant authority in a quasi-judicial manner, which may include analysis of emergency matters.
• Provides assistance and direction to court officials, the legal profession and general public, in relation to interpretation of statutes, rules and procedures which arise in the context of complex circumstances.
• Develops or assists to develop written materials for staff, lawyers, or general public use, which may include procedural or directional materials.
• Trains, or assists to train, staff members as directed.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful Justice Officer 5, you will have a bachelor’s degree and 6 years of related experience in a justice environment, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A Bachelor of Law is an asset.

• Must be able to provide oral and written information in a legal and professional manner, while providing plain language information to the public.
• Must be able to help determine approaches to promote efficient administration, which will include Triage, management and resolution of cases including those involving complexity, emergency, or urgent, and high conflict.
• Must be able to work under minimum supervision, make complex decisions independently, identify, research, provide opinions and seek direction on unusual matters, as well as recognize and take appropriate action and provide direction on more routine matters.
• You must be self-motivated and be able to make decisions which ensure appropriate and efficient case management and resolution while promoting safety, natural justice, and fairness.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, typing test, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• Three years of undergraduate study in addition to 7 years of related experience

Candidates relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

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

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day, based on operational needs
• You will deal with individuals in stressful or distraught situations, which may create a stressful environment
• There is a high demand for accuracy and attention to detail while working in a high volume and complex service area with competing priorities, varying complexity, and continuous change
• Regardless of the situation you must be able to display a completely impartial attitude at all times

Additional Information

An enhanced level of security screening is required for external applicants.

Travel may be required.

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.