Manager, Agreements

Competition # : 44358
Department: Community Services
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Term
Union Status: Exclusion – Non Union – NSPG
Closing Date: 23-Oct-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

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 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.

About Our Opportunity

Are you an experienced lawyer, accountant, or someone with significant contract experience? Are you passionate about driving positive change and building strong, accountable partnerships? Do you have great attention to detail? Do you enjoy connecting the dots and making logical links to inform strategic outcomes? If any of these sound like you, please continue reading and consider applying.

The Manager, Agreements has a central role in establishing and maintaining third-party agreements for the Department. Reporting to the Director, Service Provider Support, the Manager is responsible for leading the Agreement Management team. This may be an exciting opportunity for you if you enjoy a team-based approach, have an eye for detail, strong writing skills, and find interest in working in multiple subject areas.

This team is responsible for liaising with multiple Program areas (Disability Support, Child and Family Wellbeing, Employment Support and Income Assistance, which includes Homelessness and the Nova Scotia Status of Women) to create service level agreements (SLAs) that reduce risk, and maximize outcomes for DCS, and Program participants. It also is the central repository for the agreement database and associated reporting documents.

In this role, you will be a valued and vital team member, contributing to these efforts by ensuring timely and appropriate guidance is given to Program areas and Agreement team staff. You will achieve this by establishing yourself as a subject matter expert in the creation of SLAs. This will be done by following existing processes and providing valuable feedback on key aspects of SLAs; including service descriptions and outcome documentation. You may also have an opportunity to act in the Director’s role, and/or lead various internal/external communications regarding SLAs.

Primary Accountabilities

You will contribute to the organization, process development, documentation, and administration of team deliverables, and supervise the creation and tracking of the agreements. A few key responsibilities include:

• Liaise with Program area team members in the efficient building of funding agreements.
• Supervise, review, create, and communicate new agreements; efficiently responding to feedback and incorporating changes in future assignments.
• Evaluate draft documents against requirements and assess appropriateness.
• Document existing processes and identify options for improvement.
• Work with Agreement team to maintain a reliable database to generate meaningful reporting.
• Contribute/ provide expertise at meetings, workshops, and other supporting activities.

Qualifications and Experience

As our next Manager, Agreements, you have gained progressive people leadership experience along with experience in the legal and or accounting sectors. While we will not limit our search to only candidates with this experience, transferable skills from these sectors will serve you well in this role. We will consider an equivalent combination of education and experiences.

You are a collaborative team player with proficient skills in the use of a variety of Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook or equivalent, as well as with Adobe or PDF Editor. You are also an excellent mentor, with a focus on developing and supporting team members to achieve their full potential. You have sound judgment along with strong time management skills to ensure the timely completion of tasks. You are a strong communicator, both verbally and in writing. Attention to detail is essential. Knowledge of, and the ability to conduct data analysis and create reports is essential. You must always maintain confidentiality and a strong focus on client service. You can work effectively under pressure, with competing priorities, in this fast-paced environment.

A designated Accountant, Lawyer, and/or knowledge of DCS programs would be an asset.

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• extensive agreement management experience

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

LEADS

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviors and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains include Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS for more information.

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.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Most of your work is spent in a comfortable office environment. There is a need for you to balance competing priorities and meet strict deadlines.

Additional Information

This is a term employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of January 27, 2027. 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.

Pay Grade: EC 12
Salary Range: $3,687.15 – $4,608.93 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: http://hcm17.sapsf.com/sf/careers/jobsearch?company=novascotiaP

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.

Public Service Commission, Government of Nova Scotia