Associate Legal Counsel - Mental Health and Addictions Program

 Req ID: 211317
Location: Provincial Zone
Department: Legal Services
Type of Employment: Temporary Hourly FT long-assignment (100%) x 1 
Management/Non Union Position
Posting Closing Date: 5-Dec-25

Nova Scotia Health is the largest provider of health services in Nova Scotia, with some specialized services also offered to clients throughout Atlantic Canada. We’re on a mission to achieve excellence in health, healing, and learning through working together, which is reflected in the hospitals, health centres, and community-based programs we operate across the province. Our passionate team of professionals provides a variety of high-quality inpatient and outpatient services including academic, tertiary, and quaternary care, as well as continuing care, primary health care, public health, and mental health and addictions. Join a diverse team of innovators, collaborators, and creative thinkers today.

Nova Scotia Health employs professionals in all corners of our beautiful province. We believe there's a place here for everyone to call home, from vibrant cities with exuberant nightlife to quaint towns with picturesque trails. The work-life balance that comes with a Nova Scotia Health role means you'll have the time to explore, discover, and participate in that coveted Atlantic lifestyle. Visit us today and check out www.novascotia.com to see why more people from across the globe are moving here.

About the Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Associate General Counsel as well as the Senior Director and Senior Medical Director, Mental Health and Addictions Program, the Associate Legal Counsel acts as a corporate resource to Nova Scotia Health (NSH) as an integral member of the Legal Services team. The Associate Legal Counsel provides sound legal and medical/ethical guidance to NSH employees, medical staff and senior leadership, taking into consideration other activities within NSH and established health law practices across the country. 

Associate Legal Counsel provides legal advice and strategic direction; they analyse and provide advice on complex, sensitive and multidimensional problems, both independently and as a part of a team. Associate Legal Counsel provides legal representation for NSH to external parties.  This position will be focused on providing representation and advice to MHAP, including Forensic Mental Health Services which encompasses forensic psychiatry, Correctional Health Services and the forensic sexual behaviour programs, Crisis and Acute Care, and Community Mental Health services. 

About You

We would love to hear from you if you have the following:

• Bachelor of Law (LLB/JD) required
• Practising member or eligible to become a practising member of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society required
• Minimum 8 years' relevant experience required
• Experience and expertise in subject areas important to MHAP, including mental health law, health law, administrative law, privacy law and criminal law
• Experience representing clients in legal proceedings before the Criminal Code Review Board (CCRB), the Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act (IPTA) Review Board, Provincial or Superior Courts, or administrative tribunals is a strong asset
• High degree of tact and diplomacy
• A thorough understanding of relevant common law principles, statutes and legal procedures; strong research and analytical skills; effective interpersonal skills; excellent oral and written advocacy; 
• Demonstrated ability to respond to client needs for quality legal services, to anticipate problems and to work effectively with clients toward resolutions. 
• Effective in demanding circumstances, ability to offer creative and innovative solutions to complex challenges and adapt and thrive in a continuously changing and demanding environment.
• Ability to collaborate, as well as work independently, balancing competing priorities.
• Experience advising health authorities, government departments or agencies would be considered an asset in this role
• Demonstrated competent research and practical analytical skills
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Ability to function independently and to work as a part of a team
• Demonstrated computer skills
• Willingness to assume and manage a heavy workload to meet timing and project needs
• Very high level of judgment and initiative required
• Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred

Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.

Hours

• Long, full-time assignment, 75 hrs bi-weekly
• 24 month duration

Compensation and Benefits

$52.16 - $65.20 Hourly

Successful candidates may be eligible for our benefits package which includes health, dental, travel, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage as well as a defined benefit pension plan.

Once You've Applied

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve. We encourage all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.