Youth Custody Manager

About Us

The Youth Custody Manager of the Nova Scotia Youth Centre (NSYC), under the direction of the Manager, Correctional Services, guided by the principles of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) and Correctional Services of Nova Scotia is responsible for the allocation of human, financial and material resources to meet the needs of young persons in custody. The NSYC has a capacity of 48 individuals and is co-located with the IWK Secure Care Unit – Forensic Services. The NSYC utilizes Core Correctional and Restorative Practices as the foundation of reintegration and rehabilitative program services. Utilizing these methods, NSYC staff effectively interact, manage behavior, and help facilitate young person reintegration.

Primary Accountabilities

The Youth Custody Manager is responsible for directing and controlling the daily operation of the NSYC, accountable for the supervision and coordination of staff training, labour relations, staffing, attendance/performance management, and Occupational Health and Safety. The Youth Custody Manager will lead/participate/delegate the development, implementation, evaluation, monitoring of all young person programs, facility policies, procedures, and standing orders. Further, you are responsible for compliance, risk management, and quality assurance by utilizing audits and completing internal investigations.
As a leader in the Correctional Services Youth Division, you are responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders such as the IWK, Human Resources, Justice Finance, courts, policing services, public prosecution, NS Legal Aid, Ombudsman’s Office, Department of Labour, Fire Marshall, Nova Scotia Government Employees Union, Department of Community Services, and schools.
You will make decisions regarding operations in accordance with the Youth Justice Act, applicable collective agreements, the Nova Scotia Correctional Services Act, and Regulations while ensuring the NSYC operates within the allotted budgetary requirements.
The Youth Custody Manager is the onsite person accountable for extraordinary situations including escapes, disturbances, assaults, and police-related interventions. You have the authority to grant the conditional release of young persons within prescribed guidelines.

About You

A University Degree in a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in a Correctional facility (adult or youth) is required. Management experience in Correctional Services, would be considered an asset. An acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience in other areas of Corrections or Criminal Justice may be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their cover letter.
Knowledge of facility operations, including safety/security, case management, adjudications, crisis management, human resource management and quality assurance and risk management would be an asset. Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Corrections Act, the Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Workers’ Compensation Act and the OH&S Act, and the ability to interpret Collective Agreements would be an 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 includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation. Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information.
We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using interview(s), pre-employment questionnaire, background and reference checks.
Candidates who have successfully completed the initial interview 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.
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.
Candidates will also be asked to provide a copy of a valid driver’s license, a driver’s abstract, and proof of all stated education and training. Candidates are also asked to submit results from a vulnerable sector check and a child abuse registry check.

Benefits

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

• Standard work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.
• In performing daily duties, you will have considerable contact with all Correctional Services staff.
• At times, there is pressure to meet deadlines, make decisions, provide direction, and manage difficult situations.
• In performing daily duties, you will have considerable contact with all Correctional Services staff.

Additional Information

This is a permanent assignment located at the NSYC, Waterville, NS.

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
• Mentorship through iNSpire: a new formal, interdepartmental mentorship program that connects employees so they can gain knowledge and experience to support their career development
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules