Youth Justice Navigator

“Despite great challenges we believe unhealthy cycles can be broken, new opportunities created and, through healing, health restored.”

Reporting to Youth & Young Adult Services Program Manager the Justice Navigator is a transformative initiative dedicated to supporting at-risk youth involved in the legal system in _amiskwaciwâskahikan_ (Edmonton area) and the Boyle Street community. This role exists to empower youth in navigating the legal system, fostering healing through community, and achieving life goals by integrating care-centered, Indigenous-focused, and restorative justice practices.

Through legal navigation assistance, the program provides youth with the education, advocacy, and mentorship necessary to address legal challenges, reconnect with community, and build long-term stability. The role also ensures access to Elders, Knowledge Holders, and culturally significant practices, reinforcing a holistic approach to youth empowerment and legal system navigation.

“We stand with our clients, side by side, patiently and for as long as they want - a constant and consistent caring force”

**This position is a three-year term as part of a pilot project, with potential for extension based on funding availability.

**Position Responsibilities**
- Work collaboratively with youth workers, legal professionals and community members to build a supportive network for justice-involved youth
- Empower youth by providing the knowledge and tools to navigate the legal system, addressing both their immediate legal challenges and the broader systemic factors impacting their communities
- Provide cultural support. This may include, but is not limited to, attending sweats, smudging, connection to Elders, pow-wows, teachings, drum making, rattle making, sun dances, and round dances
- Develop and implement programs aimed at reducing recidivism, fostering accountability, and prioritizing healing over punishment
- Provide culturally relevant, consistent support and education to ensure youth feel connected, informed, and equipped to advocate for themselves
- Assist in creating a safe, secure, and supportive environment which respects the participant and their right to participate in all decisions affecting them
- Provide guidance, support and make referrals for youth participants on issues related to health, family, addictions, justice, education, employment, recreation and housing
- Ensure all data collection and reporting are carried out in a safe, efficient and timely manner
- BSCS is more than a workplace. It is a community where everyone helps and contributes to the whole, and there is an expectation that all employees will take part in events (during the work week and occasionally during weekends and evenings). This includes fundraising campaigns, running community meals, medicine picking etc.

**Qualifications**
- Post-Secondary degree in a relevant field (Human Services, Social Sciences or Social Work)
- Some experience in human services, or in the inner-city area preferred
- Experience working with high-risk youth is an asset
- Knowledge of addictions, gangs, sexual exploitation, houselessness and poverty
- Knowledge of Indigenous Culture and ceremony
- Police Check with the Vulnerable Sector and Child and Youth Intervention Check completed within the past six months
- Valid First Aid certificate or enrolled in a future course
- Valid Class 5 Drivers License & access to a reliable personal vehicle with minimum $2,000,000 liability insurance

**Why Work for Boyle?**
- All work done positively impacts the community and its members
- Access to Lumino Health, including Stress & Wellness support
- Employee activities and events throughout the year
- Various training initiatives, and development opportunities

Boyle Street Community Services (BSCS) is a values-driven organization that believes our clients are the experts in their own life. Your job will be to foster innovation with your team alongside our clients.

Clients, staff, and partners are vital members of the Boyle Street team, so we place emphasis on making sure that we address each other correctly by using preferred pronouns. We invite you to let us know how to properly refer to you and your pronouns as you explore finding a professional home with us.

Boyle Street Community Services aims to foster a work environment that is rich with Indigenous culture, teachings, ceremonies, and activities
- as a reflection of the communities we serve and the land we reside upon.