FT- First Nations Court - Outreach Worker

ROLE PURPOSE

This position will provide outreach services to Indigenous offenders who are referred for service through the Kamloops First Nations Court and/or by the Cknúcwentn Elders Justice Council. This will involve working closely with a variety of community agencies such as Forensics, Probation, Interior Health, as well as the Kamloops First Nations Court and/or the Cknúcwentn Elders Justice Council.

Provide outreach services as required and mobilize community resources to ensure that supported individuals are offered training and assistance with life skills to successfully follow any court ordered conditions and reintegrate into the community.

STATUS AND CLASSIFICATION

Unionized; this position will require union membership. It is open to all genders. Preference will be given to Indigenous candidates.

HOURS (35 HOURS PER WEEK)

 Monday to Friday, 0830 – 1630

REPORTING AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports and is accountable to the Justice Services Manager or their designate.
• Function as a multi-disciplinary team member of the Kamloops First Nations Court support staff.
• Liaises with staff and volunteers of community and government agencies as required.
• Liaises with the staff, managers and on-call manager of Connective as necessary.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Ensure the needs of conditionally released individuals are identified, and that special attention is given to removing barriers to community services and resources.
• Participate in, and be present for, all First Nations Court and/or Cknúcwentn Elders Justice Council meetings and court dates.
• Transport individuals to court dates, probation meetings, and/or other important events as required.
• Provide daily support and intervention based on client driven needs outlined in the Healing Plan.
• Liaise with First Nations Court, Probations and Crown Council, to monitor the individuals progress and develop strategies towards addressing his/her barriers.
• Complete required reporting detailing progress towards the individuals Healing Plan and Probation Order.
• Liaise with appropriate community resources for each individual to ensure community resources are available throughout the program.
• Assist individuals in sustaining levels of clinical and behavioral functioning.
• Meet regularly with team members to assist in providing continuity of the Healing Plan.
• Assist individual to obtain appropriate medical needs.
• Provide information to individuals on how to access appropriate community resources and assist in contacting and connecting them with appropriate resources and encouraging use of these resources.
• Provide crisis intervention by referring individuals to medical services, counselling, or working with other community professionals to meet the individual’s needs, as required.
• Ensure that the individual maintains contact with community agencies by determining if they have attended appointments/commitments as required, and follow up on non-attendance.
• As dictated by each individual’s needs and abilities, participate in the implementation and facilitation of programming that will allow each offender to develop life skills such as nutrition and food preparation, banking, shopping, and recreational and social opportunities.
• Programming which exists in the community will be accessed to the greatest extent possible, to ensure individuals develop an appropriate community support network. Where community programs or assistance are not available, the Court Worker will provide suggestions and recommendations to address the gaps in community resources.
• Participate with individuals in regular bi-monthly activities to stimulate appropriate socialization behaviours.
• Identify options and make individual referrals to agencies or persons offering adequate, safe and affordable housing, as required.
• Interact with the individuals family and friends to involve their personal support as part of the program.
• Provide ongoing verbal consultation with each individual’s Probation Officer and the First Nations Court and Elders, with reference to their progress in, and response to, the program.
• Effectively utilize various agency systems and technology platforms.
• Perform other related duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• • Function independently, while remaining a crucial member of the support team.
  • Adhere to Connective’s policies and procedures.
  • Be available to work flexible hours during the daytime, evenings, and weekends based on operational needs and program requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree or diploma in Social Work, Criminology, or a degree in a related field; or a minimum of 2-4 years related experience and education.
• extensive working knowledge and experience of indigenous culture, values,
• knowledge of the innerworkings of First Nations Court
• Experience working with individuals who are affected by substance abuse challenges
• Understanding and familiarity working with individuals who have come into contact with the criminal justice system.
• Experience working with individuals with a mental health diagnosis.
• Experience and familiarity working in an Indigenous led environment.
• An understanding of providing service to people with different learning abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop programs tailored to the needs of the individual.
• Demonstrated and clear ability to respond well in crisis situations.
• Demonstrated an ability to deal with potential violence.
• Demonstrated a strong ability to deal with crisis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

REQUIREMENTS

• Criminal Records Checks.
• Emergency First Aid (Certificates accepted in B.C. - WorkSafeBC).
• Class 5 BC driver’s license

• Personal transportation that is in good repair, insured for business up to $1,000,000 for liability, and which can be used to transport service users

• Proof of vaccination for communicable diseases may be required as mandated by Government, Health Authority, and/or funder requirements.

COMPENSATION

• As Connective is a unionized environment, the starting wage is $29.22 per hour plus benefits as per the collective agreement. The wage will increase with every 2,000 hours worked up to a maximum of $33.55 per hour.