Coordinator, Youth Restorative Justice – Community Wellbeing Branch

Internal/External
Full-time/Permanent
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Remote Work: Fixed (fully in-office role, no regular remote-work available)
Closes: June 26, 2023
Starting Salary: $53,260 per year based on experience. Salary Range Max $69,260 [2022 Rates]

All applicants are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to qualified applicants who meet the requirements for MNO Citizenship as per the MNO Bylaws and who are in good standing.

What We Offer

As an employer, the Métis Nation of Ontario offers a collaborative work environment with competitive salary

Further, permanent employees benefit from:

• Comprehensive employer-paid health benefits,
• Pension plan,
• 10 days’ vacation to start,
• Annual paid two-week holiday closure in December-January,
• 16 paid public and employer holidays,
• Early closures on long weekends,
• 15 paid health & wellness days (sick leave),
• Employee Assistance Plan, and
• Telemedicine plan.
• Preferred membership pricing at Goodlife gyms.

The Role

The Youth Restorative Justice Coordinator (YRJC), MNO Justice Program, reports to the Supervisor of Justice.  The Coordinator oversees the MNO’s Youth Diversion Program, and volunteers, in locations throughout region 8, with a focus on the downtown Toronto court house region.

The Coordinator works with court staff and other partners providing legal supports to receive referrals, provide information to queries about the criteria for the program, vet candidates for justice circle participation, facilitate the justice circles and develop and ensure the client follows through with the recommendations. The Coordinator is responsible to report back to the justice parties involved regarding the status of the client’s progress with the goal of providing restorative justice alternatives within the criminal justice system (CJS).

The YRJC assists Indigenous youth (aged 12-17), to secure legal counsel, attend court on occasion, present testimonial (both written and/or verbal) before the Court on behalf of clients, collaborate with clients to develop a reasonable restorative justice plan in response to summary offences, assist with bail hearings, make referrals and coordinate justice circles – including volunteer recruitment and restorative justice training. Additionally, the YRJC is responsible for liaising with Crown Attorneys, defense counsel and other partner organizations.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Work directly with Indigenous youth who have been accused of committing an offence.
• Assist with the development and documentation of the region 8 MNO Justice Circle, including intake and a process to track progress of accused through diversion plans.
• Develop a communication strategy, including education and awareness-building materials, required to support and market the Youth Restorative Justice Program in Region 8 (Toronto Courthouse), and to encourage self-identification of Métis youth accused who would benefit from the Youth Restorative Justice Program.
• Recruit and develop a roster of community members and volunteers who are available to participate in Justice Circles for the Youth Diversion Program.
• Develop Restorative Justice training programming for Volunteer community members that is mindful of the principles within the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).
• Build awareness of the Youth Restorative Justice Program internally with MNO client-service staff by actively networking and connecting with existing clients. Additionally, provide information and education about the Youth Criminal Justice Act and Métis Youth in conflict with the CJS.
• Build awareness about the Justice Circle Program with regional Métis Community Councils throughout Ontario, and other relevant community partners.
• Develop strategic collaborative partnerships at the courthouses and within the community with court workers, legal counsel, Crown Attorneys and other partner organizations throughout Region 8, particularly, Toronto.
• Organize and deliver Justice Circles for Indigenous youth in conflict with the CJS in Region 8.
• Maintain accurate records and reports on accused’s progress on diversion plans in accordance to PHIPPA standards as well as adherence to records management of Youth involved in the CJS
• Conduct program evaluation activities.
• Implement annual project work plans and activity reports.
• Other reasonable duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong desire to act in the service of the Métis Citizens, to advance and uphold rights and culture
• Completion of post-secondary education in justice, legal studies, criminology or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Working knowledge of the criminal justice system, the YCJA and barriers for Indigenous youth involved in the CJS
• Knowledge of justice related resources to assist youth clients and the community to navigate legal information and resources throughout the catchment region
• A high degree of technology literacy and proficiency in standard office equipment
• Advanced communications skills, both written and verbal
• Strong project coordination, including the design and implementation of project work-plans
• Demonstrated ability to work alone/independently with minimal supervision.
  Previous 1 to 2 or more years experience in Indigenous client services and/or case management
• Previous 1 to 2 or more years experience working with Indigenous youth.

All positions at the MNO may require the following:

1. Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain
2. Completion and maintenance of Vulnerable Sector Verification
3. A reliable vehicle (or ability to rent), driver’s licence, $1,000,000 liability insurance, and a clean driving record
4. Flexibility to work extended hours as necessary
5. Ability to occasionally travel within Ontario for limited periods of time

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Métis-specific and broader Indigenous justice initiatives, key challenges, and programs
• Knowledge of Indigenous and Métis specific rights within the justice system, and barriers to justice for Indigenous youth
• Knowledge of Métis and/or Indigenous justice principles and the legal system
• Understanding of relevant legislation including the Youth Criminal Justice Act, Canadian Criminal Code, Ontario Human Rights Code, Gladue Principles.
• Previous 2 years or more experience in a similar/comparable role
• Demonstrated ability to write high quality evidence and data-based reports and professional presentations
• Demonstrated ability in policy and program development and evaluation
• Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire and expand knowledge and to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment
• Previous experience dealing with confidential information
• Bilingualism
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage project budgets and project deliverables using project management software or other processes

Who We Are

In 1993, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) was established through the will of Métis people and Métis communities coming together throughout Ontario to create a Métis-specific governance structure and vision, encapsulated in the Statement of Prime Purpose. Today, the Métis Nation of Ontario represents over 25,000 Métis citizens.

The MNO delivers programs and services to its citizens through these branches: Healing and Wellness; Community Wellbeing; Education and Training; Housing; Lands, Resources and Consultation; Intergovernmental and Community Relations; Self-Government and Registry. Through these various branches, the MNO maintains 30+ offices and community spaces across the province, administers over $50 million annually, and employs about 350 staff across the province.

AODA Statement

The Métis Nation of Ontario commits to providing accommodation as required by the Ontario Human Rights Act, unless to do so would cause undue hardship. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the principles of dignity, individualization, and inclusion. The Métis Nation of Ontario will work cooperatively and in the spirit of respect with all partners in the accommodation process. These accommodations will extend to all aspects of the employment relationship including recruitment and selection.

Please email humanresources@metisnation.org if you require an accommodation during the hiring process.

Please note, all employees, regardless of role or location, are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless the employee has a valid medical exemption.  This condition of employment is effective for all employees, full or part-time, permanent or contract, whether working remotely or not, as of November 1, 2021.