Indigenous Restorative Justice Court Worker

**AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY**:
**CORE DUTIES**:
**Direct-service users**: Indigenous Adults charged under Criminal Code of Canada, Youth Court 12-17 yrs., (date of the offence), Child Protection and Family Court Matters

1.To assist Indigenous persons with Federal, Provincial, Municipal and First Nations laws. These will include, but are not restricted to; Criminal Code of Canada, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Child and Family Services Act, First Nation and Municipal by-laws and provincial offences.

2.To provide consistent and ongoing attendance in advance of and during Criminal Court, Bail Court, Youth Court, Child Protection, and Family Court, and to assist Indigenous people who come into contact with the law, ensure that the direct-service user receives unbiased treatment from the legal system.

3.First Appearance, Bail and Child Protection Court are to be priority with the perspective to divert cases to a restorative justice circle.

4.To advocate for the restorative justice resolution process between the direct-service user and court administrators in assisting the Indigenous person who comes into contact with the law, to ensure information is brought forward relevant to the various stages of the legal processes.

5.To explain to direct-service users their right to obtain a lawyer (private, legal aid, or duty counsel) or to inform them of their right to speak for themselves in court, understanding they have a right to prepare a full defense/case which may involve initial consultations with legal counsel.

6.To ensure the direct-service user understands the charge(s)/matters before the court and that they understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to their matters. This includes criminal matters for adult and youth as well as child protection/family matters.

7.To advocate for the direct-service user/court in locating Indigenous cultural and/or language interpreters if the direct-service user requires or requests one.

9. To explain to the direct-service user the nature and meaning of any sanctions/conditions/requirements taken against or applied to the direct-service user and/or their family by the courts and any other processes that arise because of contact with the mainstream justice system.

10. To contact the appropriate Native Inmate Liaison Worker or community agency contact, should the accused receive a jail/custodial sentence for support in remand, detention, custody, or release.

11. To visit the local/district jails, or detention facilities or any other institutions to provide moral support and pertinent information to the accused as necessary if no services are being provided by a Native Inmate Liaison Worker.

12.To provide equal services and treatment to separating parties when both voluntarily agree.

13.To assist victims of offences, to understand their rights and responsibilities and to refer them to appropriate supportive services if not in conflict with the accused person. When conflict arises, the Court worker shall refer the direct-service user to another community resource or Friendship Centre program(s).

14.To work with Friendship Centre programs and Restorative Justice Committee and Elder Experts to promote a coordinated direct-service user service approach to ensure the direct-service users’ needs are being addressed.

**Salary**: $24.00-$28.00 per hour

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Parry Sound, ON P2A 1M6: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person