011 - Métis Family Court Worker

About the Role:

The Métis Family Court Worker is responsible for providing in and out of court services to community members in MNO Region 7 (Barrie, Midland, and surrounding area). They assist clients in navigating the legal system, understanding court processes, and accessing necessary resources, including counselling and community programs. The role involves liaising with legal professionals, offering culturally relevant services, and promoting equitable outcomes. The worker helps clients prepare for court appearances, and facilitates communication with justice stakeholders.   The Métis Family Court Worker will report to the Supervisor of Advocacy.

What you will be doing: 

• Ensure that the Métis Family Court Work Program is delivered in the spirit and philosophy of the Métis Nation of Ontario’s Statement of Prime Purpose;
• Facilitate access to justice for Métis clients by way of advocacy, service delivery and referral during family law matters;
• Provide client services using case management techniques such as relationship building, intake assessments, case noting, advocacy, individualized support plans and referrals;
• Provide legal information and legal resources to clients, including assistance with Legal Aid Ontario applications for family law matters;
• Advocate for clients’ needs and ensure their voices are heard in court proceedings;
• Assist self-representing individuals with obtaining correct court documents and supporting clients with skills and information to complete court documents;
• Provide ongoing support to community members involved in the family court systems in the Barrie and Midland region, including attending court to provide emotional support and advocacy, facilitate communication between clients and legal professionals, such as lawyers or mediators;
• Ensure clients understand the procedures in family court, and court directions specific to the client
• Connect clients with community resources, such as counseling services, housing support, or parenting programs;
• Provide referrals to culturally specific services to meet the diverse needs of clients;
• Develop and maintain relationships with external organizations and service providers;
• Participate in inter-agency meetings and case conferences to coordinate service delivery;
• Prepare reports and statistical data for funding or evaluation purposes;
• Maintain accurate records and reports on the client’s court case, ensuring all documentation is complete, up-to-date, and compliant with organizational standards.
• Keep apprised of relevant legislation or policy changes in relation to the judicial and social services fields; and
• Promote the values of the organization within the workplace and in the community by demonstrating positive and professional relationships with others (employees, citizens, council, volunteers, advocates, etc.)
• Report all unsafe conditions, hazards or practices, accidents and incidents in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and adheres to all Health and Safety requirements within the MNO’s policies and procedures and provincial legislation.
• Perform other job/branch-related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• College Diploma (1 or 2 year) in justice, social work, or a related field
• 1 to 3 years of experience in Indigenous client services, social work and/or case management
• Demonstrated experience writing high quality evidence and data-based reports and professional presentations
• Demonstrated experience to quickly acquire and expand knowledge and to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment
• Demonstrated experience dealing with personal and confidential information and issues in a professional, tactful and diplomatic manner   
• Strong desire to act in the service of Métis citizens, to advance and uphold rights and culture
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation including the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and the Family Law Act, and Divorce Act
• Superior organization skills
• Highly detail-oriented
• Knowledge of Métis-specific programs and services available to support clients with other presenting needs such as employment help, housing, mental health support, etc.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches
• Demonstrated case management experience and ability to manage a case load that is high at times
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with justice system officials, stakeholders and community members,
• Firm understanding of the Gladue principle, how it applies to Métis people and the role of introducing Gladue factors in a legal proceeding as well as an understanding of the function of Gladue reports and Gladue letters
• A high degree of technology literacy and proficiency in standard office equipment
• Advanced communications skills, both written and verbal
• Knowledge of Ontario family court procedures
• Knowledge of FIPPA and PIPEDA legislation;
• Must possess a valid G-class driver’s license;
• Willing and able to travel throughout Ontario, and occasionally throughout Canada for the purpose of meeting Advocacy Program objectives as well as Advocacy Program and Community Wellbeing training.
• Willing and able to occasionally work hours outside of the regular Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm schedule.
• Knowledge of FIPPA and PIPEDA legislation;