About Us

The Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner is a civilian, independent office which monitors complaints and investigations involving municipal police in Nova Scotia. The OPCC provides support to the Nova Scotia Police Review Board which is empowered to hear and rule on appeals from complainants or police officers dissatisfied with decisions of police agencies.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Police Complaints Commissioner and the Chair of the N.S. Police Review Board, the Coordinator of the Adjudicative Branch oversees the adjudicative portion of Nova Scotia’s civilian oversight process. Once a complaint is referred to the Police Review Board for hearing, the Coordinator of the Adjudicative Branch is responsible for all arrangements and administrative functions relating to the hearing, the processing of documents and subpoenas, the formatting and release of all Police Review Board decisions, as well as providing expert level advice to complainants and other stakeholders, regarding procedures of the Board.

The Coordinator will be the Clerk to the Police Review Board (administrative tribunal) much the same as a person will act as a clerk to a court of law.

Primary Accountabilities

• Coordinate and manage all conference calls and hearings (including venues, accommodations, file materials) in relation to the Police Review Board
• Set up hearing equipment, record the proceedings, swear in witnesses, collect and mark exhibits
• Prepare subpoenas, format and transcribe Police Review Board decisions
• Provide administrative support to the Chair/Vice-Chair of the Police Review Board by preparing and drafting correspondence to all parties involved in the proceedings before the Board
• Query and retrieve legal case law, precedent materials/documents, or other relevant information as identified by the members of the Police Review Board
• Obtain and review all expenses/fee claims from the Police Review Board members and submit for payment
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

A post secondary certificate/diploma from a Paralegal program or four years of experience in a legal environment or an acceptable combination of education/training and experience.

As the ideal candidate, you have previous experience providing support in an environment that requires processing of sensitive information on a regular and timely basis. You demonstrate sound judgement, initiative, and creativity. You possess exceptional communication skills by interacting and corresponding with complainants and lawyers and providing procedural advice that can be understood and acted upon. You demonstrate good time management skills, are able to determine work priorities, mange work with competing deadlines and can also quickly adapt to change. You are a self-motivated individual who works well independently and participates fully in a team environment. You possess excellent grammar, proofreading, multitasking and organizational skills. You have experience and competency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).

You must be experienced in ensuring confidentiality in all your work as well as establishing and building relationships with a variety of stakeholders. You demonstrate commitment to a high standard of ethics.

An in-depth knowledge of and the ability to interpret, apply, and implement civilian oversight legislation would be an asset.

Assets include:

• Certification as a Court Reporter (required to successfully complete the Nova Scotia Court Transcriber course)
• Commissioner of Oaths (can be obtained if the successful candidate)
• Regardless of the situation you must be able to display a completely impartial attitude at all times
• Knowledge of government organizations, structures and operations
• Working knowledge of administrative law and procedures
• A high level of professionalism
• Valid driver’s license
  
  

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. When hearings are scheduled, you may be required to work overtime on occasion
• Typically located in a comfortable office environment
• Considerable period of time sitting during Police Review Board hearings
• Travel within the province is required for hearings. May be away from home for an extended period of time.
• Equipment and files must be moved to and from hearing venues. Bending, kneeling, and lifting is required to set up recording equipment.
• Matters before the Police Review Board are sensitive, and staff could be exposed to emotional and sensitive issues.
• High demand for accuracy and attention to detail.
  
  

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of February 14, 2028.

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
• Countless career paths
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus