Director, Court Services

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 system 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.

About Our Opportunity

As Director, Court Services, you report to the Executive Director and are a member of the Division's Senior Management Team, which is accountable to ensure the Division's policies, procedures and activities support its strategic goals. In this position, you are responsible for the overall operation and management of Justice Centres and program delivery.

Primary Accountabilities

• Ensure the cost-effective provision of court services to a varied client base and help shape the corporate vision of the Division;
• Motivate and provide strategic and operational direction to staff, and maintain close working relationships with staff, senior government officials, the judiciary and the legal community;
• Create and maintain a team approach to planning, service improvements and problem solving in the Division;
• Lead the delivery of programs, services and support to the courts, while ensuring judicial independence is respected;
• Take the lead in developing and sustaining strong relationships with clients, and stakeholders with widely divergent interests;
• Co-ordinate, develop, implement, and review new or amended legislation, policy, procedure, and program development in all areas of court services;
• One position is responsible for family law matters and has specific responsibilities to lead delivery of provincial and court-based family law programs and services throughout the province;
• One position is responsible for civil law matters and has specific responsibilities to lead delivery of provincial and court-based civil law programs and services throughout the province;
• Manage Externally Funded Programs delivered under Memoranda of Understanding and report on activities.
• Participate in the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committees, Sub-committees, and Task Groups.
  

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you hold a hold a university degree in an appropriate discipline, i.e. law, public administration, business administration, in addition to several years of progressive management experience at a senior level, in the public service or justice system, particularly in the criminal law justice system. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. You also have experience in several of the following areas: finance, human resources, facilities, project management, program and service development and delivery, legislative and regulatory development, policy development, program evaluation, planning, and intergovernmental involvement. Furthermore, you are also highly motivated and achievement-oriented, can analyze and problem-solve effectively, and work collaboratively with others to achieve common goals. Experience in family litigation, civil litigation and/or probate law or practice would be considered a strong asset.

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.

Equivalency

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

Benefits

Based on the employment status, 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

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day
• Regular overtime work required
• Travel throughout, and occasionally outside, Province is required
• Will work under time pressure and with competing priorities
• Will work in a dynamic environment of varying complexity and in a constant state of change
  

Additional Information

This competition will be used to fill two (2) permanent vacancies.

What We Offer

• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus