FAMILY COURT SUPPORT COUNSELLOR - Contract

FAMILY COURT SUPPORT COUNSELLOR

This position is to cover a Maternity Leave

Contract until March 2028       40 hours per week

The Family Court Support Counsellor will provide supports to victims/survivors of domestic violence involved in the family court process

Responsibilities will include:

Providing information, legal support and referrals to clients who access the Family Court Support program by:

• Assessing client's legal and non-legal needs for appropriate response and/or effective referral to legal and community-based service
• Providing up-to-date information about the family court process and court-based services
• Liaise on clients’ behalf with justice system professionals within the family court and within the legal community at large
• Assisting the victim/survivor to record the history of abuse to prepare for family court proceedings
• Provide the victim/survivor with individually tailored safety plans, including safety planning related to court attendance, transition plans, goal setting, problem-solving and conflict resolution support, and referrals for risk assessments where appropriate
• Assist the victim/survivor with the legal aid process
• Support the victim/survivor to follow through on requests received from lawyers
• Debrief with victims/survivors following family court appearances, lawyer appointments, Family Law Information Centre meetings, and consultations with duty counsel
• Communicate with criminal court-based services, such as the V/WAP, where appropriate, and in accordance with the appropriate protocol
• Communicate with other family court-based services and referral sources to ensure seamless delivery of appropriate information and support
• At the victim’s/survivor’s request, accompany the victim/survivor to a family court proceeding, where appropriate, and resources permit
• Facilitate the provision of Language Interpreters for the delivery of Family Court Support services or other court-based legal services as needed
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with court staff, lawyers, police and victim/witness programs for advocacy purposes
• Engage in outreach activities with the broader community to raise awareness and connect clients with appropriate resources
• Provide brief emotional and trauma informed support to clients
• Participate in internal and external committees and collaborate with community groups to respond to clients’ needs
• Plan, develop and facilitate educational groups

Participating with the Transitional Support team in the planning and organization of services by:

• Developing and maintaining current resources on legal information
• Acting as a resource to staff regarding legal issues
• Completing client information records, reporting and statistical information according to agency requirements
• Assessing the effectiveness of services based on client feedback and evaluation
• Conducting relevant evaluation and research and recommending and implementing changes as appropriate
• Actively participating in team meetings

Working on community advocacy projects by:

• Maintaining a current understanding of how patriarchy and oppression perpetuate violence against women
• Participating in agency and sector based social justice awareness initiatives
• Building partnerships in the community aimed at ending violence against women by developing protocols, policies and procedures that promote equality, consistent responses and accountability
• Providing occasional presentations to clients, professional and community groups
• Providing support, options and referrals to community, legal and social service resources

Committing to the agency’s core values of: Compassion, Integrity, Equity and Social Responsibility

Adhering to FTP policies and procedures and compliance with required legislative and regulatory requirements such as OHSA, AODA, etc.

Performing other duties or responsibilities as negotiated or assigned

Qualifications and Core Competencies:

• Post-Secondary Education in the Social Service field or equivalent experience and specialized training
• Knowledge of gender-based violence, violence against women and children’s issues
• Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act, Family Law, Legal Aid and the Family Responsibility Office
• Understanding of criminal processes as they interact with the family court system
• Feminist working perspective
• Ability to solve problems in innovative and creative ways
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and independently
• Sound knowledge of and experience in serving clients of diverse backgrounds, as well as clients with disabilities
• Demonstrated skills in case management, assessment and intervention, documentation, advocacy, supportive counselling, conflict resolution techniques, and domestic violence risk assessment
• Computer proficiency and experience using a client database system
• Access to a vehicle and a valid driver’s license (limited public transportation is available)

Employment Requirements:

• Vulnerable Sector Police Clearance Certificate and maintaining of clearance requirements during course of employment
• Valid driver’s license and insurance to allow for client transport
• CPR and First Aid Certification

Physical / Mental Effort:

Based on the work schedule/flow the frequency of the following tasks will vary according to need:

• Changing priorities and workflow to accommodate needs of others, and imposed deadlines
• Working with individuals in crisis situations
• Working under pressure to meet imposed deadlines while performing daily duties
• Using interpersonal skills, empathy and acute listening skills
• Using good problem solving and crisis management skills

Working Conditions:

• Shared office environment
• Busy environment with many interruptions
• Many activities occurring in community settings
• Rural and urban driving conditions in all seasons

Hours of Work:

• 40 hours per week in person. 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM.

Salary Range:

• $25.93 - $32.41 per hour + allowance in lieu of benefits

The successful candidate will join a compassionate, caring and forward-thinking family of professionals.

Our steadfast feminist and family-first approach guides the work we do. We are committed to ensuring that FTP continues to boast strong staff retention and satisfaction through consistent collaboration, communication, skills and culture development opportunities throughout our organization.

Our commitment to our internal agency values of compassion, respect, inclusion, continuous learning and integrity is unwavering, and we are striving to create a culture rooted in inclusiveness. We are committed to unlearning biases and working towards undoing systemic racism and oppression towards, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, 2SLGBTQ+ and all marginalized identities.

We are focused on innovation and enhancement of our services for our clients; we are equally focused on creating a workplace that works with our staff. We are deeply proud of the culture we have developed, and the staff who continue to help us shape it. We’d love to have you join us!

Family Transition Place is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of employment. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those with diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Family Transition Place is dedicated to achieving a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community it serves and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We thank all applicants, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

AI will not be used to filter candidates