Indigenous Youth Justice Support Worker

The Indigenous Youth Justice Support Worker (IYJSW) focuses on aiding and supporting Indigenous youth (aged 12yrs - 17yrs) involved with the youth criminal justice system, the child welfare system and who may be experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming unhoused. The IYJSW will play a crucial role in supporting young individuals involved with the youth criminal justice system and help bridge the ever-widening gap between the justice system, the healthcare system and social services by having a trained professional regularly attend court in-person and be available as a resource to assist Judges, Crown Counsel, Defence Lawyers, Youth Probation Officers, Native Courtworker and Restorative Justice Workers to make more informed decisions when it comes to the availability of recovery services, detox treatment, counselling opportunities and housing programs for at risk youth in the community.

**DUTIES INCLUDE**:

- Receiving and assessing referrals from various community agencies and supports
- Conducting individual intake assessments to understand specific needs, legal issues, and housing challenges of youth
- Developing and implementing individualized case plans that address both legal concerns and homelessness issues
- Ensuring youth understand their legal rights and responsibilities and connecting them with a lawyer as needed
- Providing support during court proceedings and legal appointments
- Assisting youth in finding temporary shelters or emergency housing as needed
- Facilitating access to transitional housing options for those transitioning out of homelessness
- Facilitating connections to specific youth-focused services, including education, healthcare, and social support while collaborating with organizations (i.e. John Howard Society) that offer programs tailored to the needs of youth living in or at risk of living in homelessness
- Engaging in advocacy efforts to address systemic issues contributing to Indigenous youth homelessness, including advocating for Indigenous youth-friendly shelters and supportive services
- Prepare reports and presentations on program progress and statistics for funders and community stakeholders
- Work collaboratively with community agencies and organizations in a coordinated practice model
- Ongoing professional development through training activities

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related discipline, or recognized human/social service diploma
- Must have a minimum 1-year experience working in the field of youth social services and/or youth justice services
- Must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture (Indigenous ways of knowing & being) and the impact of colonization on Indigenous youth, families and communities
- Knowledge of the youth criminal justice system including, the Provincial _Youth Justice Act_, and the Federal _Youth Criminal Justice Act_, policing, youth court processes and youth probation
- Experience working with Indigenous youth at risk
- Knowledge of the _Child, Family and Community Services Act_ (CFCSA)
- General knowledge of substance use, youth detox and treatment programs and counselling options for youth
- Must demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills, conceptual thinking skills and conflict resolution
- Ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of court-related and community service youth stakeholders
- Ability to manage time, priorities tasks and work with mínimal supervision.
- Ability to maintain client confidentiality and individual privacy
- Ability to deliver a high level of client support and deal calmly, courteously, and tactfully with Indigenous youth offenders
- Ability to identify existing gaps and to work proactively to address the needs of impacted youth
- Ability to conduct intake assessments, implement case plans and documentation
- Have knowledge and understanding of trauma informed practice
- Sound comprehension of Indigenous cultural safety and humility
- Applicant must have own vehicle, a valid driver’s licence and must be willing to submit a driver’s abstract
- Applicant must successfully undergo a Criminal Record Check.

**BENEFITS**:Extended medical and dental after successful completion of 6 months probationary period

**HOURS**:35 Hours per week

**WAGE**: $26-$28 per hour
- Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Indigenous ancestry._
- Only those shortlisted will be contacted_

Pay: $26.00-$28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Vision care

Flexible language requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Licence/Certification:

- Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: In person