Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility
Please quote Competition #JH-1747BA-CB

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 Aboriginal 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 the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, on your application form, cover letter, or on your resume.

Duties:
Under the general supervision of the Captain, the Correctional Officer is responsible, on a rotating shift basis for: (a) the safe secure custody, control and supervision of sentence and remand offenders in an adult correctional facility; (b) performing all CO duties associated with the shift assignment in areas of the facility such as Offender Living Units, Admission & Discharge, Reception/Visitation, Recreation, Laundry, Canteen Services and for administrative functions related to JEIN and the Offender Behavioural Management System; (c) regular and ongoing interaction with offenders, encouraging pro-social behaviour; promoting and adhering to policy and procedures, standard operating procedures, post orders and directives by conducting offender counts and searches, report writing, offender security and safety and physical plant cleanliness and maintenance requirements.

Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma, and a post-secondary certificate or diploma from an accredited Correctional Officer program or a University degree in a relevant field of study (i.e. Sociology).  Previous experience as a Correctional Officer is preferred.  Relevant experience in law enforcement, security or the military would be an asset.  Other combinations of education, training and relevant experience may be considered.   Knowledge or experience working in a computerized/automated environment would also be considered an asset. Some previous leadership experience, i.e. leading youth programs, groups or committees, would be an asset.

Qualified applicants will be invited to complete a written test to assess knowledge and judgement.  Those who pass the test will be required to complete the Correctional Officer Physical Abilities Test (COPAT) to be eligible to attend a job interview.  Click here for more information on the Corrections Recruitment & Selection process, the COPAT and the suggested 6-week, pre-test training program.  Candidates should not expect to pass the COPAT if they are not currently physically fit and do not undertake some preparatory training.

Applicants who successfully complete the COPAT will be invited to attend a competency-based job interview.  During the interview, applicants must demonstrate well developed communication, interpersonal and interviewing/counseling and conflict resolution skills to deal effectively with offenders and function well as a member of the team. Correctional Officers serve as role models to offenders and therefore must possess sound observation, decision making and problem solving skills, as well as the ability to respond effectively in crisis situations.

At the job interview candidates will be issued a pre-employment questionnaire.  If you are called for the next phase, the pre-employment interview, you will be asked to submit the completed questionnaire in advance of your appointment.  The questionnaire focuses on honesty and integrity and candidates must answer all questions accurately and truthfully.  Dishonesty or non-disclosure will result in elimination of the candidate’s application.   Click here to review the pre-employment questionnaire.

Candidates must provide a copy of a valid Driver’s License, a Driver’s Abstract, Standard First Aid/CPR Certificate, and proof of all stated education and training.  Candidates must also submit results from a Vulnerable Sector Check with fingerprinting, and a Child Abuse Registry Check.

Correctional Officers are required to work shift work with minimal supervision.  If successful, you must be available to work varying 12-hour shifts – days, evenings and overnights, including weekends and holidays.  Scheduling and time off is granted based on length of service.  The facility is a 24-hour operation and is a tobacco-free environment.

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 or will result in termination of your employment.

Pay Grade:  ACC 04

Salary Range:  $49,525.14 – $60,715.28

Closing Date:   May 27, 2015

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union. Applicants applying for this opportunity must clearly indicate in their covering letter or resume that he/she is currently a Nova Scotia Government Civil Service Employee and a member of the NSGEU and include their Employee ID.  Failure to do so means that your application will not be given first consideration and will only be included if external applications are pursued. Your Employee Self-Serve access will allow you to confirm what your employment status and ID number are prior to applying for this restricted position.

External applicants and current casual Nova Scotia Government employees will only be considered if there are no qualified Nova Scotia Government Civil Service NSGEU bargaining unit candidates.

To Apply:
• Please demonstrate in your application how you meet the above qualifications. In your cover letter identify the competition number, position and department.
• To apply for this position, simply click on the “Apply Online Now” button. To serve you better, we are using a user-friendly on-line application system through Career Beacon. Online applications are required and will provide benefits for you, as outlined below.  All submissions must be received by midnight on the closing date.
• First time users to this on-line application system simply need to complete a quick basic registration to receive a username and password. If an email is not immediately received, please check your junk mail folder to ensure that it did not get directed there. Once registered, you will be able to upload your resume and cover letter in seconds or create them using the editor option in the system. Clicking on the “Apply Online Now” button will bring you to the registration or sign on screen. If you encounter any difficulties with your registration or technical issues, simply call 1-888-878-7637 for assistance (Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30).
• If after speaking with Career Beacon you are still unable to apply using this online system (check with your local library or CAP (Community Access Program www.nscap.ca) site for free computer/internet access), please call (902) 424-3709 to make other arrangements to submit your application. It is important that you contact us prior to the closing date.
• Benefits of applying online – The system will allow us to send an immediate confirmation email that your application was received. In addition, you can store your application on the system and access a copy of it as well as the posting at a later date if needed.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.