108R1-26-5 Indigenous Victim Services Advocate

Six Nations•Ohsweken, ON

64d•CA$52,900 - CA$66,200•Hybrid

About The Position

The Indigenous Victim’s Services (IVS) Advocate is responsible for providing service intakes and delivery to victims of crime and other social tragedies in the Indigenous communities of Brantford, Six Nations, Hamilton, and Cayuga. The (IVS) Advocate will provide support to individuals experiencing trauma such as physical and sexual assault, car accident, house fires, homicide, or a sudden death of a loved one. The (IVS) Advocate will work with the other Indigenous Justice staff to help ensure that wrap around services, referrals and supports for indigenous victims is provided. The (IVS) Advocate will be flexible and is able to respond quickly to the needs of Indigenous victims. The (IVS) Advocate will be flexible to work after hours when required. There are 2 positions available: 1 evening and 1 day shift worker.

Requirements

Must have a Bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, with strong counselling background with two years of experience in the court system/justice field or trauma-informed care; OR A two-year accredited social service worker diploma with three to five years’ continuance experience in the court system/justice field or trauma-informed care; OR A High School diploma with five to 7 years’ experience in the court system/justice field or trauma-informed care;
Minimum three (3) year experience working with Indigenous organizations or within First Nations communities.
Must be registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers, or respective regulatory body. Or willing to be registered.

Nice To Haves

Excellent communication, critical thinking and interpersonal skills.
Has excellent report writing skills.
Flexibility and adaptability in a fast paced environment.
High-level understanding of the mainstream legal and court system.
High level of communication skills: interoffice, telephone, and written.
High level of computer software skills: Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point and Publisher.
High level of office and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong level of organizational skills for self.
Must be a team player.
Possess research and data collection skills.
Has a valid G license.
Aware of Six Nations Community and services available in the area.
Possess the ability to adapt and relate effectively with people of all ages.
Will participate in recommended training.

Responsibilities

Responsible for conducting intakes with victims and making appropriate community referrals to Ontario Works, mental health and addictions, Jordan’s principle programing, housing, family violence and sexual assault counselling etc.
Responsible for the coordination of accommodations, transportation, and providing grocery vouchers for victims in need; as well as meeting clients at grocery stores when needed.
Responsible for completing VQRP+ applications when needed.
Responsible for writing and regularly updating progress notes on clients using the agency database.
Responsible for assisting and responding to tragedies on site with staff when needed.
Responsible for educating victims on IVS’s model of victims’ rights and responsibilities.
Responsible for providing program outreach on IVS to Six Nations and outside communities when directed.
Responsible for calling court services for the outcomes of accused regarding bail, pretrial and trial matters and reporting to IVS and victims.
Responsible for collaborating with other staff in creating intake forms and all necessary forms to deliver services when required.
Responsible for learning and assisting victims in filling out court and legal documents.
Responsible for assessing and making appropriate referrals to justice staff and outside community agencies.
Responsible for responding appropriately to clients in times of crisis and those facing tragic circumstances – by phone and physically when appropriate.
Responsible for accompanying and supporting victims to hospital, police station and to court with client consent, and when it is appropriate to do so.
Will work from a strengths-based approach and a resolution-focused approach with clients and staff.
Will provide program outreach to bring awareness on IVS programming and other justice department programming when required.
Knowledge of Haudenosaunee Principles, and how to apply them in a team environment, with clients and community members
Knowledge of the family, criminal justice system, Gladue principles and understanding of crisis and peer counselling intervention
Knowledge and experience of challenges and issues facing vulnerable, socially excluded individuals.
Represent Six Nations Justice Department at inter-agency meetings when appropriate.
Keep monthly program statistics (in coming calls, face-to-face meetings with clients, number of intakes completed, referrals to and from outside agencies, attendance to court etc.
Create weekly work plans and weekly activity reports to keep manager apprised.
Create monthly work plans and activity reports to keep manager apprised
Will keep progress notes on clients and will enter into program database.
Ensures and adheres to confidentiality for clients, staff and Six Nations Justice Department matters.
Keeps the manager apprised of activities on a weekly basis both verbally and in a written weekly and monthly reports.
Will write memorandums and/or briefing notes when making program requests, advocating for clients with special needs, and making innovative program recommendations.
Will consult with the manager prior to writing emails or any communication to individuals in higher positions (eg. Ministry, Directors, other managers) and copy the IVS Manager on these emails.
Will have a general understanding of communication procedures within an office setting.
Performs other job related duties as may reasonably be required by the IVS manager and/or Justice Director.
Attend and participate in scheduled training as directed by IVS manager.
Participates in Justice Department community events.