Deborah Pellerine is youth program co-ordinator for the Nova Scotia Youth Secretariat. (Eric Wynne / Staff)

WHEN THE province wants to consult young people on problems or initiatives, there is a good chance Deborah Pellerine will be involved.

Ms. Pellerine is youth program co-ordinator for the Nova Scotia Youth Secretariat, which operates through the Education Department.

Consultations will involve youth input on anything from anti-smoking legislation to an informed response to the government's response to a major inquiry like that undertaken by the Nunn Commission.

"Any government department involved with providing something new for youth can seek input," said Ms. Pellerine.

As youth program co-ordinator, she handles research and logistics for both the province's youth advisory council and also the provincial student education council.

"I'm sort of a connector between these two organizations," she explained.

The youth advisory council is appointed by the province and regularly brings together about 15 people aged 15 to 24 to provide some written input on government youth initiatives or on a particular social problem such as smoking.

The provincial student education council is more focused on what is happening in high schools and brings together about 29 students (Grades 10 to 12) on a monthly basis.

"Much of my time is consumed with finding out what is happening with government," said Ms. Pellerine.

"I act something like the eyes and ears of government policy for both groups."

Bringing all these young people together also involves a lot of planning, accessing required reports and having them available, and handling basic logistics, such as meeting locations and even arranging for catering.

A big part of the job involves research and getting input back to the government department that requested it.

Does a career in social policy sound interesting? Read on.

NATURE OF THE WORK
Social policy researchers provide consultation and advice to government and business related to social policy and program development, health promotion, regulations, standards and financing. They conduct research; interpret demographic, social and economic studies; and develop and monitor legislation, policies and programs.

Home economists focus on issues related to consumer affairs and the selection and proper use of food products, textiles and other goods. Housing policy analysts research, implement and administer housing policy and programs. International aid and development project officers specialize in the research, development and implementation of international aid and development programs. Social survey researchers study issues related to employment, immigration, corrections, housing, labour and family services. Social services planners develop new social programs and evaluate, co-ordinate and develop awareness of existing programs.

SKILLS
To work in these fields, you should be organized, resourceful and able to co-operate with others in a team. You must be able to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing. You will need an interest in research and familiarity with computers. Advanced computer and technical skills for data manipulation and statistical analysis may be required in some positions.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
A bachelor's degree in a social science or related discipline, or in business administration, is generally required.

A master's degree in a social science or related discipline, or in business administration, is a requirement for some positions. Home economists require a degree in home economics, human ecology, nutrition and food science, or family and consumer studies.

WORK PROSPECTS
Social policy researchers, consultants, and program officers work in a wide variety of areas. They are employed by government departments and a wide variety of agencies, industries and professional associations, but most people in this occupation (56 per cent) work for municipal, provincial or federal government.

Many of the jobs in these occupations rely upon government funding. Therefore, changes in government spending levels will affect job opportunities for policy and program officers.

Because of Nova Scotia's demographic changes and other such issues, social policy researchers will be challenged in the coming years to find solutions to a wide range of public concerns, such as how to maintain the quality of health care and education in the province despite a shrinking tax base. Employment prospects for this occupation are rated as good.

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