Sentence Administrator (Temporary)

The Government of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Justice and its Correctional Services Division, is looking for a temporary Sentence Administrator to join the team onsite in Burnside, NZ. This role supports the administration of sentences for people in custody, handling admissions, releases, court appearances, transfers, and fines, while keeping detailed records and data in the Justice Enterprise Information Network (JEIN). It’s a role that fits someone with solid criminal justice experience who can stay accurate under pressure and collaborate with a range of court, facility and administrative partners. This opportunity is identified as Competition #49766 and closes on 15-Oct-26 at 11:59 PM Atlantic Time. The appointment is temporary, with an anticipated end date of March 14, 2027, and involves a tobacco-free, 24-hour facility environment where background checks are required.

As the Sentence Administrator, the daily work centers on documenting all admissions and releases, tracking court appearances, and recording transfers to other provincial and federal facilities, as well as fines. The role also involves entering and maintaining custody information in JEIN, including loss of remission, levels of misconduct, temporary absences, and relevant court orders and forms. A key part of the job is interpreting warrants and other court orders and calculating sentences for each individual in custody, following policy procedures and orders found in various court documents. The incumbent maintains steady communication with video court staff, Court Services, Admission & Discharge staff, Justice Centre and Sheriff Services staff, and facility management to anticipate and manage potentially high-risk situations, while conducting information searches and preparing reports as needed.

In this role, success hinges on careful attention to detail, strong organization, and the ability to handle multiple tasks in a high-volume environment. The work requires discretion with confidential records and the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team, using solid judgement to support decision-making and reporting. Prior experience with JEIN is a definite asset, and the organization will assess candidates with a mix of tests, interviews, and reference checks.

The Right Candidate For This Role

Must‑have qualifications: completion of Grade 12 plus five or more years of related experience in the criminal justice field, with background in corrections, court services, policing, or working in a law office. An acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered, and experience in accounting and research and analysis will also be considered. Competence in typing, word processing, and other standard computer applications is required. The position demands the ability to handle high volumes of work, interruptions, and priorities while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.

Nice-to-have qualifications: previous experience using JEIN would be a definite asset, along with well-developed interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work harmoniously as part of a team. Sound judgement and a solid respect for confidential records are essential, and any related experience in accounting or analysis can be advantageous.

Equivalency: applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Pay, Schedule And Workplace Details

The position pays NZD 54,000.00 to NZD 60,000.00 per year. The role operates onsite in Burnside, with typical hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though overtime and disruptions to personal life may occur depending on operational needs. There is no regular shift work, but weekend and holiday work may be necessary at times. The facility operates around the clock, and it is tobacco-free. The appointment is contingent on successful background checks, including a criminal record check with fingerprints and employment references. Prior to appointment, candidates must submit a Pre-Employment Questionnaire (PEQ) via the linked form. For internal and external applicants, there are specific application pathways; external applicants will be considered only if no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates are available. The competition is for one temporary opportunity with an anticipated end date, and the NSGEU - NSPG union status applies. The PEQ form can be accessed here: PEQ form. Applications close on the stated date, and the employer notes that external applicants should apply through the correct portal to be given proper consideration.

Advice For Applicants For The Sentence Administrator Position

Put the must‑have qualifications right up front on your resume. Lead with Grade 12 and five-plus years in the criminal justice space, highlighting any work in corrections, court services, policing, or law offices, and call out any experience with JEIN or similar data systems. If you can show accounting or analytics tasks, mention those too as they’re noted as beneficial.

Demonstrate the must‑have skills with concrete examples. Provide real-world scenarios where you managed high-volume workloads, kept confidential information secure, and collaborated with multiple teams to meet deadlines. If you’ve used JEIN or tracked court orders, remission and misconduct details, spell that out and quantify how you kept data accurate and timely.

Be ready for interview formats beyond a traditional Q&A. The government may use written examinations, standardized tests, oral presentations, interviews, and reference checks. Prepare to discuss how you’ve handled complex records, interpreted warrants or court orders, and coordinated with video court staff, Court Services, Admission & Discharge staff, and facility management in the past.

Think of a smart question to ask that shows you’ve considered the role’s day-to-day reality. For example: How does the Sentence Administration team measure success in managing high-volume entries and ensuring timely reporting to all stakeholders? Or, what training and support are available to help new staff become proficient with JEIN and court-order workflows?

How To Apply For This Temporary Opportunity

Applications are open for one temporary position with an anticipated end date of March 14, 2027. The closing deadline is 15-Oct-26 at 11:59 PM Atlantic Time. This is a bargaining unit role initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). External applicants will be considered only if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates. If you are applying from outside a government office, you must apply via the external portal. Prior to appointment, a Pre-Employment Questionnaire (PEQ) must be submitted via the form linked here: PEQ form. It’s important to complete applications carefully and provide all requested information, as incomplete submissions may not be considered. For internal applicants, use the internal job portal; external applicants should use the external portal to ensure your application is treated as a bargaining unit candidate. The government will request background checks and credential verification, and only those selected for interview will be contacted.