Internship - Community Liaison (Designated)

Designation Status

This opportunity is designated to applicants that identify as African Nova Scotian and/or Racially Visible Persons. You must self-identify during the application process.

African Nova Scotian - is any Nova Scotian who chooses to declare African ancestry, regardless of how long they have lived here and regardless of how much African ancestry they can declare.

Racially Visible Persons - persons, other than Indigenous people or African Nova Scotians, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour.

About Us

At the Department of Community Services (DCS), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child Youth and Family Support (CYFS), Employment Support (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support (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.

About Our Opportunity

We are hiring a Community Liaison to join our Inclusion, Diversity and Community Relations division, and your fresh perspectives, ideas, and energy will contribute to the ongoing work in our unit.

As our Intern, you will gain extensive knowledge of the public sector, social service delivery systems, government decision-making and communications, and other concepts. This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your creative abilities in a diverse environment that fosters collaboration and incorporates your feedback to enhance our services.

In this role you will report to the Manager of the unit and will offer support and provide an Africentric lens in response to DCS’s anti Black racism (aBr) strategy. You will also support recommendation(s) from the Restorative Inquiry, the International Decade of People of African Descent and the Count Us In Initiative.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role, you will leverage your lived experiences, navigate, and effectively collaborate with community leaders and offer solutions. Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Identifying questions/ concerns within the African Nova Scotian community
• Researching current issues and initiatives, and responding
• Collaborating with the Executive Director to remain updated on all current issues and initiatives within the department
• Drafting and editing documentation for various projects and programs,
• Record keeping and organization of electronic and paper files,
• Assisting in the planning, and organization of a broad range of project activities
• Supporting the coordination with Community Stakeholders

Qualifications and Experience

The following skills and experiences are considered essential:

• You must have graduated from a post-secondary institute, such as a university, community college or recognised trade school within the past three (3) years
• Have background in public administration or social sciences field
• Experience conducting research and analysis;
• Strong written and verbal communication capacities;
• Capacity to manage various tasks while maintaining task deadlines and multiple competing priorities

The following skills and experiences are considered assets but not required:

• Basic knowledge of the Department of Community Services;
• Experience in change management initiatives; and
• Experience with social service programs.

Additionally, you are an individual looking to actively contribute to an innovative environment. You demonstrate the value of a diverse and respectful workforce in your work experience. It is essential that you have a connection to one of the 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities and an understanding of the lived experience of those within and connected to the Black African Nova Scotian communities. These engagements should be respectful and ensure the communities are seen, heard, and valued.

It is important you also demonstrate an understanding of the barriers and impact associated with systemic racism, as well as a thorough understanding of bias, inclusion, equity, discrimination. You have experience working in collaboration with diverse communities, stakeholders and community leaders and have a well-established diverse network in relation to the above.

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

Your work is primarily in an open office environment. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

Additional Information

This is an internship opportunity for approximately two (2) years in length. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

• Career Possibilities: gain exposure to our multiple career paths
• Opportunity: to enhance your career, learn from our diverse staff, and build your networks
• Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in
• We have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Rewarding and versatile work; daily, you will get to see the impact you have in and around your community