Correctional Officer 1-2

Role overview

The Department of Justice in Nova Scotia is looking for a Correctional Officer to work in an adult correctional facility in New Glasgow on a rotating shift schedule. This permanent position focuses on maintaining safe, secure custody and supervision of sentenced and remand individuals, while supporting rehabilitation, pro-social conduct, and orderly facility operations.

What the role involves

You will rotate through different parts of the institution and handle duties in living units, admission and discharge, reception and visitation, recreation, laundry, and canteen services. The position involves regular contact with people in custody, plus administrative work in systems such as JEIN and the Offender Behavioural Management System. You will also follow policy, standard operating procedures, post orders, and all applicable directives.

Day-to-day work includes person-in-custody counts, searches, report writing, security and safety checks, and tasks related to physical plant cleanliness and maintenance.

Primary accountabilities

• Provide active supervision and help maintain safe, secure custody and control within the facility.
• Support case management activities for people in custody.
• Arrange and approve professional and personal visits, professional phone calls, and escorts within the facility.
• Respond to complaints and requests and assist with completion of related forms.
• Oversee work activity for people in custody both inside and outside the facility.
• Monitor cleaning duties completed by people in custody and supervise trustees on outside work details.
• Submit maintenance requests when needed.
• Share information about available programs and follow the posted program schedule.
• Support program-related work in the living units.
• Complete records and communication through reports, forms, logbooks, email, and JEIN entries.
• Take part in committees or meetings when requested by the Superintendent or designate.
• Contribute to a respectful, healthy workplace by supporting teamwork, leadership, diversity, and wellness initiatives.

Qualifications and experience

You need a high school diploma and 2 years of related experience. A suitable mix of training and experience may also be accepted. Examples of equivalent preparation include a certificate or diploma from an accredited Correctional Officer program or a university degree in a related field such as Criminology, Psychology, or another Social Science discipline.

Relevant background that may strengthen an application includes prior work as a Correctional Officer or in adult/youth custody, experience in law enforcement such as police, sheriffs, border services, or military police, and related experience in security, military (other than military police), firefighting, social work, residential counselling, casework, support work, or occupational health and safety. Experience with computerized or automated environments and leadership experience working with youth programs, groups, committees, or vulnerable populations are also considered assets.

Applicants using equivalencies must clearly show those equivalencies in their application.

Working conditions and requirements

• Shift work is required and the work can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding.
• You must stay alert at all times when interacting with the facility population, as lapses in awareness can create risks of violence or injury.
• The job includes person and area searches and use of restraint equipment, which can be physically demanding.
• Facility disturbances may affect your personal and family life.
• A significant portion of the custody population is considered high risk for hepatitis, MRSA, HIV, and/or AIDS exposure.
• You may face non-compliant individuals, assaults, threats, and in extreme situations hostile surroundings during rounds that could require further intervention.
• The facility operates 24 hours a day and is tobacco-free.
• A valid driver’s licence, driver’s abstract, Standard First Aid/CPR certificate, and proof of all stated education and training must be provided at interview.
• If selected for interview, you must upload copies of your valid driver’s licence, driver’s abstract, proof of education and training, and references to your candidate profile if not already submitted.
• If offered the job, you must provide a current Emergency First Aid certificate and a Vulnerable Sector Check that includes a Criminal Record Check.
• An in-depth medical form signed by a medical doctor confirming your fitness to work as a Correctional Officer must be submitted for review if you are selected for interview.
• You will also need to complete a Pre-Employment Questionnaire before meeting with staff to discuss your responses.
• All questionnaire responses must be accurate and truthful; dishonesty or non-disclosure will disqualify an applicant.
• The position is part of a bargaining unit and is initially limited to current civil service employees represented by NSGEU. Candidates from outside a government office must apply using the correct process to be considered as bargaining unit applicants.
• External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates are available.
• Incomplete applications or missing information will not be considered for interview.
• If you receive a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan or related plans, pension payments must stop if the new role requires contributions to the same plan.
• Employment is conditional on successful background checks and credential verification.

Benefits and what the employer offers

• Access to career development support, tools, resources, guidance, and ongoing training.
• A workplace designed to be engaging, valued, respectful, connected, and forward-looking.
• Multiple career paths within the organization.
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
• Health insurance.
• Dental coverage.
• Life insurance.
• General illness coverage.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Vacation entitlement.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.

Equity and accommodation

The Government of Nova Scotia encourages applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, other racially visible persons, persons with disabilities, and women in occupations where they are under-represented. Applicants from these groups are invited to self-identify on the electronic application. The employer is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and accommodations may be requested for any ground protected by the Human Rights Act by contacting competitions@novascotia.ca.

Additional position details

Competition number: 49324. Department: Justice. Location: New Glasgow. Employment type: Permanent. Union status: NSGEU - NSPG. Closing date: 22-Jul-26, with applications accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time. Pay grade: ACC 09 - ACC 11.

Compensation

The pay range is $2,460.91 to $3,137.82 every two weeks.

Selection notes

Qualified candidates will take part in a competency-based interview. During the interview, you must show strong communication, interpersonal, interviewing, counselling, and conflict-resolution skills, along with sound observation, decision-making, problem-solving, teamwork, and crisis-response abilities. Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted.