Gladue Support Worker

**Organization Summary**:
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 Indigenous people in the criminal justice system and to support Nations as they move to sovereignty over justice.

The BCFNJC is rapidly growing, and we are seeking team members who understand the gravity of this responsibility and are excited by the opportunity. Indigenous people in BC deserve world-class legal services and programs. We are seeking to hire staff who share our vision 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.

**Position Summary**:
The Gladue Worker assists Indigenous peoples involved at various stages of the criminal justice system, including police, courts and corrections. Whenever possible, the Gladue Worker will work with clients to offer practical help and emotional support along their path to healing. The goal is that every client is provided assistance within their family and/or community, to be healthy, safe and build their own support and strengths. This position will support the implementation of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy and the goal of autonomy and self-determination for Indigenous people involved with the criminal justice system.

The work will vary depending on the service recipient's particular needs and based on referral goals. Challenges can include (but will not be limited to) drug and alcohol abuse, involvement with Corrections, housing and financial difficulties and instability along with intellectual deficits and/or mental health issues.

Under the Gladue Manager, Reports & Aftercare supervision and direction, this position provides intake and discharge of clients and acts as an identified contact for other professionals' programs.

**Job Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Ensure that services are conducted to promote and ensure the safety of all clients and the community.
- Work in and with the Gladue Information Management System (aka GIMS), to ensure service provision, efficacy, and confidentiality.
- Conduct an intake assessment with each client to assess the client's needs and determine the appropriate intervention.
- Participate effectively with identified resources to provide services to address clients’ needs.
- Where and when appropriate, integrate Indigenous culture and traditions into all resource/program referrals and recommendations.
- Collaborate with appropriate community resources to develop ways to meet the identified needs of the client.
- Adhere to professional guidelines concerning client confidentiality.
- Ensure that adequate case coordination is maintained between the BCFNJC Gladue Services Department, Correctional Services, and other social service agencies when deemed necessary.
- Endeavour to keep abreast of issues, information and education related to the position, specifically as it relates to the region in which the position is located.
- Attend appropriate staff training sessions and professional development, as necessary.
- Undertake other duties as may be assigned by the Gladue Manager, Reports & Aftercare, to improve or enhance service delivery.
- Maintain appropriate statistical information for monthly and annual reporting purposes.
- Develop and maintain relationships with Nation based Indigenous resources, especially those who work in criminal justice, social justice, health and other areas that address the social determinants of crime.
- Processing aftercare plans, networking with community services to facilitate effective and enduring healing outcomes.
- Perform other duties as assigned

**Qualifications and Work Experience**:

- Post-secondary training; preferred degree in human services, criminology, social work or a related field and/or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience is required.
- Have combined knowledge and experience about community services that support and assist individuals.
- Experience working with Indigenous peoples and knowledge of Indigenous culture and traditions.
- Ability to show empathy, patience and understanding to build good working relationships with clients who may be initially hostile.
- Develop and maintain respectful, cooperative working relationships with clients, their families, communities and service workers to promote integrated, seamless service delivery.
- Able to assess situations based on individual client’s needs, family needs, program needs, agency policy and Correctional guidelines (e.g., duty to report).
- Able to make service adjustments based on individual levels of competence and emotional state.
- Able to be non-judgmental and committed to supporting people in difficult circumstances.
- Resilient, assertive and the ability to stay calm under pre