Indigenous Criminal/Family Court Worker – Community Wellbeing Branch

Internal/External
Full-time/Permanent
Location: Brampton or Oshawa, Ontario
Remote Work: Fixed (In-Office)
Closes: July 15, 2022
Starting Salary: $52,220 to $59,520, per year based on experience. Salary Range Max $63,160 [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 Indigenous Criminal/Family Court Worker is responsible for providing the services of a Criminal/Family Court Worker by providing in court and out of court services to community members in Oshawa, Durham and Newmarket Courts and regions as needed.  The Indigenous Criminal/ Family Court Worker will be responsible for providing legal information, court procedures, appropriate program referrals, and to act as an advocate in and out of the Court for community members.  The Indigenous Criminal/Family Court Worker will report to the Supervisor of Advocacy, Manager of Mental Wellness and Advocacy with functional reporting to the Manager of Children and Family Services.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Ensure that Indigenous Family/Criminal Court Worker Program is delivered in the spirit and philosophy of the Métis Nation of Ontario’s Statement of Prime Purpose
2. Provide access to justice for Indigenous clients by way of advocacy, service delivery and referral
3. Provide client services using case management techniques such as relationship building, case noting, advocacy and referrals
4. Provide legal information and legal resources to clients, including assistance with Legal Aid Ontario applications
5. Assist self-representing individuals with obtaining correct court documents
6. Provide ongoing support to community members involved in the family and criminal court systems in the Oshawa, Durham and Newmarket regions, including legal information
7. Ensure clients understand the nature of their charges, the procedures in family and criminal court, and court directions specific to the client
8. Advocate in and out of court for the client, speaking where a client is unable or unwilling to speak to their matter
9. Record client services in the Online Health and Access Tracking System (OHATS)
10. Keep apprised of relevant legislation or policy changes in relation to the judicial and social services fields
11. Other reasonable duties as may be assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes: 

• 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, social work, or a related field
• A high degree of technology literacy and proficiency in standard office equipment
• Advanced communications skills, both written and verbal
• Knowledge of Métis-specific and broader Indigenous justice challenges and justice programs and services available to address them
• Knowledge of Ontario family court procedures and criminal court procedures
• Knowledge about (or familiar with) the Child, Youth & Family Services Act
• Superior organization skills
• Highly detail-oriented
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing demands and assess changing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to assess situations and problem-solve independently
• Demonstrated ability to work alone/independently with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of family and intimate partner violence, including warning signs, impacts, and resources for victims
• Knowledge of Indigenous and Métis specific rights within the justice system, and barriers to justice for Indigenous clients
• Knowledge of Métis and/or Indigenous justice principles and the legal system
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation including the Canadian Criminal Code, Ontario Human Rights Code, Child, Youth and Family Services Act

Qualifications

Required:

• Previous 1 to 2 or more years experience in Indigenous client justice services and/or case management

Preferred:

• Demonstrated ability to write high quality evidence and data-based reports and professional presentations
• Demonstrated experience in quickly acquiring and expanding knowledge and being flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment
• Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire and expand knowledge and to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment
• Demonstrated experience dealing with personal and confidential information and issues in a mature, tactful and diplomatic manner

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

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.