Resource & Support Worker

Empowered by the First Nations Leadership Council and in partnership with the provincial and federal governments, the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) is responsible to 204 First Nations in BC. Our mandate is to reduce the overrepresentation of First Nations Métis and Inuit people in the criminal justice system and the child protection system, and to support Nations as they move to sovereignty over justice.

We are a rapidly growing and dedicated team (6 Council members & 100+ employees) We currently have 10 IJCs (Merritt, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Chilliwack, Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Nanaimo, and Surrey and the Virtual IJC which serves Indigenous people across the rest of BC). We are opening 6 new IJCs this year. Indigenous people in BC deserve world-class legal services and programs. To this end, we are seeking team members who share our vision, understand the gravity of the work, are excited by the opportunity and will not stop until we reach our goal. We take our mandate seriously but also strive for a balanced, caring work environment that is respectful and supportive.

Indigenous Justice Centres

The Indigenous Justice Centers (IJCs) are spaces where those facing involvement in the colonial justice systems can come for legal support. BCFNJC recognizes that Indigenous people are significantly overrepresented in both the correctional and child welfare systems and often face intersecting systemic and social barriers to navigating the colonial systems. Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples are among the most impacted as victims, survivors and families of gender-based violence and of MMIWG2S+.

The IJCs houses Legal and Outreach teams that bring together a range of community, cultural and professional expertise that are available to people navigating criminal and child protection cases. The interdisciplinary team works together with a client-centered approach to access the legal and social supports that effect their housing, employment, physical and mental health and wellness, necessary to address the challenges facing them in the child protection and criminal justice systems.

IJCs integrates staff wellness into daily operations, recognizing that IJC teams may carry the weight of IJC clients’ experiences of injustice and trauma. All staff are part of a proactive approach to wellness that includes access to cultural supports, attention to physical and mental health and reasonable workloads. Staff are expected to take vacation and personal leaves and work collaboratively to cover absences, ensuring that the team remains healthy and able to provide high quality services.

Position Summary:

The Resource and Support Worker (RSW) works from a wholistic, culturally grounded, and trauma-informed lens. Working collaboratively in the IJC team, the RSW assists the legal team by providing short-term supports to IJC clients to leading up to trial or after their involvement with the justice system. The RSW helps clients to access resources and connect with services. The. RSW makes referrals and assists the IJCs Elder(s) to provide culturally safe and relevant services, including the development of safety plans and pathways to wholistic healing.

RSWs liaise with community agencies and partners to build referral networks between community organizations. They promote the IJC services and raise the profile of the IJC by facilitating connections in the community. This advances BCFNJC’s efforts to reduce the disproportionate number of Indigenous children in government care and of Indigenous people within the criminal justice system by ensuring that Indigenous communities and organizations are aware of the services offered by the Indigenous Justice Centre (IJC). The RSW works collaboratively across the network of IJC to build up a referral networks accessible to IJC teams across the province.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

· Contribute to the client experience (greeting clients, attending to the general office environment).

· Facilitate a close working relationship with local Indigenous communities and organizations, including local First Nations, Tribal Councils, delegated Indigenous agencies and all other Indigenous organizations.

· Ensure Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and service providers are aware of all services offered by the BC First Nations Justice Council.

· Ensure widespread availability of printed materials that explain the work and mandate of the BCFNJC and IJC materials such as pamphlets, handouts and business cards.

· Maintain strong connections for reciprocal referrals with child, youth and family service providers, criminal justice organizations and agencies, health agencies, community housing and poverty organizations and all other service providers or agencies that can provide assistance, programs, services and resources to Indigenous people.

· Keep apprised of waitlist times, eligibility criteria or service specific matter or information that will benefit IJC clients.

· Consult with and be available to other IJC staff to provide information and services to ensure the appropriate services are delivered to IJC clients in a timely and effective manner.

· Facilitate workshops for the community, IJC staff and/or clients to increase awareness of community social programs/services and IJC services and mandates.

· Assist with the development of client healing plans when required.

· Provide up to date information on available community resources to IJC staff to assist them in meeting their clients’ requests for legal, social, housing, transportation and health and wellness supports.

· Work collaboratively with the IJC Elder to share referral information and manage organizational demands on the team.

· When requested by the legal team, refer clients to community programs, health agencies, treatment facilities, housing agencies and any other program or service required and undertake and complete all research, applications, intake documents, and all related documentation, including travel arrangements if required.

· Compile and maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date electronic database of community resources and services, shared across the IJC network

· Work closely with BCFNJC communications department regarding promotions and event planning in the community.

· Contribute to the collaborative approach to wrap-around services in the Indigenous Justice Centres

· Work together with the IJC team to maintain a welcoming, high-function centre by supporting colleagues and community partners, as assigned

· Provide backup support for front desk coverage as needed. Contribute to BCFNJC-wide office management and records keeping

· Comply with BCFNJC policies and procedures with particular attention to client confidentiality

· Provide positive contributions to the team dynamics.

Qualifications & Work Experience:

• Education in a related human / social service.
• 3+ years of relevant education and/or other (including lived) experience related to working with Indigenous or non-Indigenous social, community or government agencies or organizations where duties included: workshop facilitation, education program intake or delivery, event planning, health or wellness program delivery, advocacy, or other related duties relevant to satisfying the mandate of the BCFNJC.
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures and an understanding of the local Indigenous cultural environment.
• Understands what it means to provide a culturally safe environment for clients and co-workers.
• Knowledge of provincial and local agencies that offer support services to Indigenous peoples, in particular for offenders, children, youth and families.
• Knowledge of First Nations funding agreements and programs / services offered directly by First Nation bands is an asset.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications, including MSWord, Teams, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Strong organizational and file management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport.
• Effective communication and listening skills.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work with minimal supervision in a team-oriented setting.
• Compassionate, caring, patient and able to work well with others.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, problem solve and take initiative.
• Valid BC Driver’s License, the use of a vehicle and ability to travel.
• A clear criminal reference check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Clearance will be a condition of employment.

Job Title: Resource and Support Worker

Reporting: This position reports to the Regional IJC Manager

Location: Kamloops, BC

Office type: In-office

Pay Range: $65,000-75,000 annually

Benefits: Extended benefits package that includes extended health and dental, personal days, paid vacation, and RRSP/TFSA savings plans

Hours: Full-time (35 hours / week); Mondays to Fridays

Anticipated start: November 18, 2024

Applications Received until October 20, 2024

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be given to Indigenous applicants in accordance with section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. Candidates of Indigenous background are encouraged to self-identify on their application.