Community Housing Financial Officer (Program Admin Officer 1-2)

About Us

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing is dedicated to working with municipalities to build healthy, vibrant, and safe communities throughout Nova Scotia. Municipal Affairs provides programs, grants, and funding opportunities for municipalities and community groups. The Department also provides services and guidance to municipalities in many areas including land use planning, budget planning and finance, infrastructure development, policy and program development, and support for economic development through the management of the Regional Enterprise Network program.

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing is also responsible for ensuring the availability of safe, suitable, and affordable housing for all Nova Scotians. Our work involves making strategic investments, leveraging new funding, and building on critical partnerships to help further position ourselves to meet current and future housing challenges.

About Our Opportunity

Join our team and make a meaningful impact in community housing administration. As a member of our team, you will work under the general supervision of the Community Housing Specialist to deliver community housing programs. Responsibilities include determining program eligibility, monitoring compliance with operating agreements, and providing innovative solutions to complex housing issues. You will be responsible for effective case management and workload management to determine applicant eligibility in a timely manner. You have an understanding of the challenges faced by the community housing sector and will support proponents in addressing challenges through progressive program/initiative implementation.

As the successful candidate you will help coordinate and advance capacity-enhancing strategies and transformative solutions to support sector renewal and modernization, with a focus on achieving long term sustainability and meeting provincial targets under the National Housing Strategy.

This position offers a unique chance to be part of positive change and to help shape the future of housing in Nova Scotia.

Primary Accountabilities

Your expertise will be invaluable in assisting with the implementation of progressive housing programs and initiatives. Key accountabilities include:

• Assessing applicant eligibility for housing programs (including grant, loan, or mortgage recommendations).
• Administering community and social housing programs, including disbursement of program funds and case management through the Integrated Case Management (ICM) system.
• Calculating operating subsidies based on operating agreements for social and community housing organizations.
• Identifying and providing specialized care for Projects in Difficulty (PIDs) in collaboration with regional office staff.
• Coordinating inspections of social housing units, monitoring compliance with Community Housing agreements, and analyzing co-operative and non-profit housing projects.
• Responding to inquiries from regional staff, housing organizations, and partners, and addressing project-related concerns.
• Assisting in preparing various documents, including Ministerial replies, briefing notes, and information notes.
• Organizing and attending public meetings, seminars, conferences, and educational sessions related to housing programs and services.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a bachelor's degree in a related discipline plus a minimum of one (1) year of related experience in finance/ policy/ or program delivery.

To excel in this role, you will need to have a deep understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by the community housing sector. In addition, you have proficiency and demonstrated capabilities in:

• financial analysis, business and strategic planning, and report writing.
• Microsoft Office Suite and computer literacy.
• Critical thinking, and analytical skills along with problem-solving, risk assessment and consultation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, time management skills and the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Working independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and managing multiple projects.

Though not required, it is considered an asset if you have:

• Knowledge of the construction industry.

• Experience in retail/small business/commercial lending.
• Familiarity with government processes and government structure.
• Knowledge of evaluation and research methodologies, data analysis methods, and data interpretation.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• A completed 2-year diploma and three (3) years of related experience.
• A completed related master's degree.
• Five (5) years related experience.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, 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

Most of your work is in a comfortable office environment. There is a need for you to balance competing priorities, attend multiple meetings, and meet strict deadlines. Provincial travel may be required.

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.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.