Gladue Report Writer

**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 Report Writer will follow the traditional model and complete the Gladue report from start to finish. The writer will prepare a Gladue report for the court that gives a comprehensive picture of the life circumstances, background factors and systemic barriers of the Indigenous person's life that played a part in bringing them before the courts.

As the Gladue Report Writer, you will schedule and conduct interviews with the accused, their family members, and other people who know the client. You are experienced at conducting interviews to gather information required to prepare a high-quality Gladue report. As the Gladue Report Writer, you liaise with service providers and community resources to prepare a well-organized healing plan.

This position demands a high level of social facilitation and mediation, independent analysis, problem-solving, case management and supervision, the ability to communicate and requires strict confidentiality, and exceptional writing skills.

**Job Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Accept Gladue Report requests through the Gladue Information Management System (aka GIMS), to ensure service provision, efficacy and confidentiality.
- Meet with clients, in a variety of locations, to prepare, research, and write the Gladue Report.
- Develop and maintain knowledge of the local Indigenous culture, communities, history, along with important local and regional issues important to Indigenous communities in the region.
- Liaise with Indigenous and non-Indigenous resources/service providers to prepare a well-organized healing plan for all clients.
- Maintain collaborative working relationships with Justice Personnel (judges, defence lawyer, crown attorney, RCMP) to produce Gladue reports.
- Prepare and submit all reports as required.
- Develop and maintain knowledge regarding community resources (Indigenous & non-Indigenous) available to offenders in British Columbia or the region you work in.
- Collaborate with appropriate community resources to develop ways to meet the identified needs of the client.
- Adhere to professional guidelines concerning client confidentiality.
- Endeavour to keep well-informed of issues, information and education related to the position.
- Attend appropriate Gladue Writer training sessions.
- Work with families and other community groups as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned

**Qualifications and Work Experience**:

- College or University education in social work, law, corrections, mental health or related field, or a combination of experience and other academic qualifications will also be considered.
- Experience working with Indigenous peoples and knowledge of Indigenous culture and traditions.
- Experience with, or willingness to learn trauma-informed interviewing skills.
- Knowledge of the R. v. Gladue case and related court decisions regarding Indigenous offenders.
- Knowledge of the history of colonization on Indigenous peoples in Canada/British Columbia.
- Demonstrated ability to show empathy, patience and understanding to build good working relationships with clients who may be initially hostile.
- Demonstrated ability to assess situations based on individual client’s needs, family needs, program needs, agency policy and Correctional guidelines (e.g., duty to report).
- Compassionate, caring, patient and able to work well with others
- Ability to be respectful, non-judgmental and committed to supporting people in difficult circumstances.
- Ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
- Ability to travel throughout the province, which includes but not limited to travel between work and the detention centers in the region (by car, taxi, uber, public transit).
- Ability to accommodate interview schedules based on the needs of the client, their family members or others who know the client.
- Resilient, assertive and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
- Effective communication and listening skills
- Criminal Record Check (RCMP - Working with Vulnerable Sector)

**Reporting**: This position will report collaboratively to the Gladue Manager of Reports

**Location**: Chilliwack, BC