General Accountability:
The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia (JHSNS) has been actively serving our communities since 1950. Our mission is effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime. We work collaboratively with clients, government and community agencies to support individuals and families who have come into conflict with the law or who are at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Our core activities include direct service provision, community education, research and resource development and advocacy. We seek capable, dedicated people to join our team and engage in this exciting and rewarding work.
JHSNS recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in creating a strong and capable workforce. JHSNS works towards improving representation of designated groups at all levels.
This approach reflects our values of respect, integrity, fairness, diversity, and accountability.
We believe such values must be demonstrated in our relationships with participants, students, volunteers and community partners .The caseworker is responsible for the delivery of the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program and Community Work Programs from the Central Region as well as facilitating restorative approaches outside of the criminal justice system. The ideal candidate will be someone whose values align with the principles of the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice program. Someone who is collaborative, a good listener, supportive, knows how to sit with people, empowering, open- minded and a life-long learner. In addition to The Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program, the caseworker will support the work of The John Howard Society. Our core activities include direct service provision, community education, research and resource development and advocacy.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The caseworker is responsible for delivering practical casework and services under the
direction of the Director as guided by DOJ Best Practice Standards, Nova Scotia Restorative
Justice Program Protocol, and the Guiding Principles. Support the activities of staff and Board of Directors of the John Howard Society of Nova Scotia. Work in alignment with the mission and mandate of The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia and its Core Values
● Under the supervision and support of the director, manage assigned caseload
● Make contact and meet individually with all parties, including (but not limited to) the
referred person, harmed parties, community and referral sources
● Design and facilitate Restorative Justice circles in collaboration with the Restorative
Justice team
● Fulfill the responsibilities of a facilitator in the Restorative Justice Circle
● Work in collaboration with Correctional Services as a partner in the Adult Restorative
Justice Program.
● Assist with volunteer recruitment and the delivery of volunteer training and speaking
engagements
● Transport volunteers when necessary to facilitate the Restorative meetings
● Maintain and record appropriate case notes on the internal operating system keep
clear, concise and timely case note
● Ability to capture and articulate themes/challenges/barriers across files
● Attend regularly scheduled collaboration sessions with team members to map and
design next steps in restorative justice processes
● Identify and articulate the needs of clients and the communities we serve
● Support clients throughout the restorative justice process and forward-focused
restorative plans
● Prepare reports for the judicial partners
● Respond to inquiries from Probation, Crown Attorneys, Judges, Police Officers and
other justice officials in a timely manner
● Network with community agencies and justice system stakeholders to foster
relationship building and promote partnerships
● Provide information, support or referrals to outside agencies for all participants
● Programming and Facilitation: develop and implement programs aimed at supporting
individuals in their reintegration process. Facilitate group sessions, workshops, and
activities designed to enhance social and life skills.
● Reintegration Support: Provide individualized support to clients as they navigate the
challenges of reintegration into the community.
● Engage in outreach efforts to support clients & community
● Supervision of Community Service Hours: Assist with community service activities
assigned to clients as part of their reintegration plan/court order
● Recruitment of New Placements: Actively engage in outreach efforts to recruit new
placement opportunities within the community.
● Support clients with community navigation, outreach, and resource connection.
Employment and Working Conditions:
This position is subject to the personnel policies of The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia and works from a principled position adhering to the Nova Scotia Department of Justice NSRJP Protocols. The position requires the use of a private vehicle.
Qualifications
Essential:
● Possession of an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, or equivalent, from a
recognized and duly accredited school, and/or related education and experience. Proof
of graduation/education must be provided by the prospective employee prior to
completion of the employment agreement
● Experience managing a caseload
● Experience working with marginalized and/ or criminalized groups
● Strong knowledge of the social determinants of health and their impact on crime and
criminal behavior
● Knowledge of The Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program/Principals/Goals &
Objectives
● Experience with group facilitation and conflict resolution skills
● Must pass the appropriate Criminal and Child Abuse Registry checks;
● Must have a valid Driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle and carry a 2 million
liability car insurance. Must possess a suitable driver’s abstract.
● Portray a positive and professional image when representing JHSNS
● Experience working in a non-profit organization
● Trauma-informed, with the ability to be present with people in a way that makes them
feel safe, heard and valued
● Keen awareness of systemic barriers and issues facing marginalized communities
● Strong written and verbal communication skills.
● Strong computer skills required (typing, data entry and record keeping, creating
documents and files, email correspondence, virtual meetings, etc.). It is an asset to be
familiar with Microsoft Office and G Suite applications.
● Must be able to work as part of a team.
● Portray a positive and professional image when representing JHSNS
● Demonstrated track record of working effectively within and across equity-seeking
communities including consultation and consensus-building.
● Strong communication skills in both oral and written. Communicates effectively with
individuals who experience mental health difficulties; communicates effectively with
other organization personnel and community/government partners. High degree of
cultural competence or cultural sensitivity/understanding of intersectionality and
societal barriers.
● Valid driver’s license, access to personal vehicle and willing to travel (financial
compensation provided).
Preferred:
Preference will be given to candidates who have knowledge of The Nova Scotia Restorative
Justice Program and any experience working/volunteering with people who have come into conflict with the law. Knowledge of the Justice System, Federal, Provincial and Municipal laws is an asset.
HOURS OF WORK:
● Full time employment, 35 hours per week; primarily Mondays to Fridays, but may
require limited availability on evening, weekends and holidays
This is a term of 5 months for the full time position and term of 6 months for part time position
Closing date: June 23, 2026
Pay: From $31.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
