In one embodiment, a method is provided for reducing soft-start delay and ensuring soft recovery from a short circuit or brown out condition in a power converter. The method includes: providing a feedback signal indicative of the output voltage of the power system at a first input terminal of an error amplifier; providing a soft-start reference voltage at a second input terminal of the error amplifier; comparing the feedback signal against the soft-start reference voltage to generate a control signal for regulating an output voltage of the power converter; sourcing current for pre-charging a soft-start capacitor associated with the soft-start reference voltage, thereby reducing soft-start delay; and sinking current for discharging the soft-start capacitor in the event of a short circuit or brown out condition, thereby providing soft recovery after short circuit or brown out events.