The Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (NSLAC) is currently accepting applications for the position of Service Delivery Director (SDD). A copy of the position description can be found at:  SDD Position Description

Nova Scotia Legal Aid (NSLA) delivers quality legal services to qualified applicants in the three core areas of criminal, family and social justice law. Some level of help is available to all Nova Scotians on a continuum of service which includes information, summary/duty counsel services, limited retainer and full service.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF POSITION

The SDD reports to the Executive Director (ED) and the NSLAC and has a focus on what services the NSLAC can and should provide.  The SDD works closely with the ED and must be ready to assume all responsibilities in the event that the incumbent is not available to discharge the duties of that office.  The SDD works closely with other Justice Stakeholders and is a member of the Executive Committee, which provides management for the NSLA program.

REPORTS TO

• The Executive Director
• The Commission

TYPICAL DUTIES

Include: the service delivery management of the NSLA program; working closely with the ED, the Chief Financial Officer and the Internal Operations Director in developing policies, protocols and processes in service delivery management; developing criteria and data for service evaluations and day-to-day management issues and consultation.

REQUIRED ABILITIES AND SKILLS

The SDD, a full-time Administration Office position, must meet or exceed the following requirements:

• Must work in the Office of the ED located in HRM
• Bachelor of Law Degree
• Practicing member of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, in good standing
• Possess management experience
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Strong writing skills
• Ability to represent NSLA effectively when working with other justice system stakeholders and the community
• Broad understanding of the Province’s justice and legal services systems and current issues
• Exceptional planning, organizational, analytical and administrative skills
• Ability to foster effective working relationships with colleagues and external contacts
• Ability to speak both English and French will be an asset

References required.

SALARY:   Legal Services Pay Plan MCL 32-127 – this is a five-year (renewable) contract position

CLOSING DATE:  January 9, 2017 at 4:00 pm ADT

REPLY TO:

Barry Whynot
Internal Operations Directr
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission
920-1701 Hollis Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3M8
(902) 420-3471 Fax
barry.whynot@nslegalaid.ca

NSLA has an employment equity policy and encourages candidates from historically disadvantaged groups.  While we appreciate all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  All applications held in confidence.

Krista Forbes, Managing Lawyer, Halifax Office (Family), Nova Scotia Legal Aid was a featured speaker at the November 7, 2016 CBA Women’s Forum Section Meeting.  This was a Forum where the presenters talked about their career path and use of their law degrees, from private practice to government solicitor, to Legal Aid and the Public Prosecution Service and all the other options, including taking breaks in their practice to have a family, or go back to school, or take another job

It was an opportunity for members to ask about the experiences of the speakers, good and bad, as women in law.

Pictured in the photo are:  Michelle Higgins, Executive Director, Court Services; Krista Forbes, Managing Lawyer, Nova Scotia Legal Aid Halifax Office (Family); Julia Cornish, QC, Partner, Sealy Cornish Coulthard; Susan MacKay, Senior Crown Attorney, NS Public Prosecution Service. Missing from the photo is Dana MacKenzie, Managing Director of Employee Relations with the Public Service Commission.

The Government of Canada is seeking input from the public, including individuals with a criminal record, federal, provincial and territorial stakeholders, and organizations that are involved in the corrections and criminal justice system on the review of record suspensions. The online consultation closes on December 7, 2016. For further details and to access the online consultation please visit: Review of Record Suspensions

Below please find a November 1, 2016 communication from the Deputy Minister of Justice.  Please note the November 30, 2016 deadline for completing the survey.

In collaboration with the provincial Departments of Health & Wellness, Community Services and Seniors, the Department of Justice has reviewed the Incompetent Persons Act. 

 The Department of Justice intends to replace the Act with modernized guardianship legislation that would better respect the rights of those who have experienced some loss of mental capacity and help to ensure their needs are met.  We are seeking your feedback on the proposed changes.  

 An online survey is available at:

https://surveys.gov.ns.ca/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=8lM1mn55   

More information can be found at:

http://novascotia.ca/adultguardianship/  

The deadline for submitting comments is November 30^th.  The Departments of Justice, Health & Wellness, Community Services, and Seniors will use the feedback received to help inform the new legislation. 

 Yours sincerely,

 Karen Hudson, Q.C.
Deputy Minister of Justice

The Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission’s 2015/2016 Annual Report can be viewed by clicking this link: 2015/2016 Annual Report.   This Report and Annual Reports for past years can be found in Legal Aid Publications under the About Us tab.