BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE JOB
Reporting to the Legal Supports Supervisor or other delegate, the Resource & Support Worker provides culturally safe and trauma-informed support to Indigenous Justice Center clients. Working collaboratively with the legal team, the Resource and Support Worker assists clients in accessing resources, referrals, community services, and short-term supports while maintaining case management and follow-up services. The role works closely with Elders and community organizations to support safety planning, pathways to healing, and the development of strong referral networks that support clients both locally and across the province.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Resource & Support Worker (RSW) is responsible for the following key functions.
Wrap-Around Supports
- Works collaboratively with the Client Service Team and supports the legal strategy established by legal counsel.
- Stay apprised of wait lists for housing, treatment facilities or mental health services.
- Establishes connections to food security and family resources.
- Provides assistance completing forms and gathering necessary documents.
- Preventative care and aftercare client supports such as supporting parents and families during and after court procedures as established by the client and the lawyer and assist with development of client healing plans when required.
- Facilitating connection or reconnection to available cultural supports.
- Creates and maintains strong communication and connection with client throughout the legal process and ensures the client feels informed, supported and connected to the Client Service Team.
- Provide up-to-date and case-specific resource information to IJC staff to assist them in meeting their clients' legal, social, housing, transportation, and health and wellness needs.
- Refer clients to community programs, health agencies, treatment facilities, housing agencies, and any other required program or service; undertake and complete all research, applications, intake documents, and other necessary requirements, meetings and paperwork.
- Assist clients with travel arrangements, when necessary, to attend appointments, treatment, and other necessary services.
Community Engagement
- Facilitate a close working relationship with local Indigenous communities and organizations.
- Ensure Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and service providers are aware of services offered by the BC First Nations Justice Council.
- Ensure availability of printed IJC materials such as pamphlets, handouts and business cards.
- Work closely with BCFNJC communications department regarding promotions and event planning in the community.
Service Provider Collaboration
- Consult regularly with community service providers or agencies that provide assistance, programs, services and resources to Indigenous people.
- Consult with and be available to other IJC staff to be aware of the needs of IJC clients and provide information and services to ensure appropriate services are delivered to clients in a timely and effective manner.
- Compile and maintain comprehensive and up-to-date resource binders to be available electronically and in hardcopy at the Indigenous Justice Centre as a public resource manual.
Reporting & Compliance
- Compile and submit statistical data regarding clients served and services delivered, as required by BCFNJC policies.
- Compile information for annual and other reports, ensuring comprehensive statistics are maintained.
- Comply with BCFNJC policies and procedures.
- Maintain confidentiality of client-related information.
Team & Community Support
- Support the IJC team in maintaining a welcoming, high-functioning centre by assisting colleagues and community partners as assigned.
- Participate in IJC’s proactive approach to staff wellness.
- Cover reception desk as required.
- Perform other tasks and duties as required at the discretion of the Staff Lawyer or Management Team.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
CHALLENGES OF JOB
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Effective organizational and file management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to engage with people, build trust and rapport.
- Active listening skills.
- Self-driven and able to work with minimal supervision in a team-oriented setting.
- Great interpersonal skills, patience, caring personality, and ability to work well with others.
- Demonstrated ability to solve problems and take initiative.
- Ability to be empathetic and compassionate while knowing when to set personal and professional boundaries.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Required
Indigenous Perspective/Foundations
Strong Knowledge and/ or some living/working experience (1-4 yrs) in or with an Indigenous community and/or practices with broad knowledge/experience Indigenous culture, art, land rights, language and history or traditions.
Western Ways
- Min. 3 years of experience (including lived experience) working with social, community, or government agencies, preferably Indigenous.
- Experience related to workshop facilitation, program intake or delivery, event planning, advocacy, or health & wellness.
- Knowledge of provincial and local agencies that offer support services to Indigenous peoples, in particular for offenders, children, youth and families.
- Knowledge of person-centered and trauma informed approaches to care.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
- Valid BC Driver’s License, and ability to travel.
- A clear criminal reference check (CPIC) and vulnerable sector clearance will be a condition of employment.
Preferred
- Education in a related field (psychology, community development, social work, human services, etc.).
- Knowledge of First Nations funding agreements and programs / services offered directly by First Nation bands.
WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Mental:
- Dealing with large amounts of data and confidential information.
- Dealing with tight timelines/budget constraints/competing priorities.
- Dealing with highly sensitive situations.
- Dealing with vicarious trauma
Physical:
- Work long hours using computer.
- Work long hours may include standing, sitting, and/or walking.
Environmental Conditions:
- Work is performed primarily in IJC office.
- Some travel throughout the Province, including remote communities, may be required.
Job Description: Resource and Support Worker
Reporting: This position will report to the Legal Supports Supervisor
Location: Vancouver
Office type: In-office, Vancouver IJC
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, 8:30am - 4:30pm
While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided 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.
