Victim Services Navigator

_Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Indigenous ancestry._

**PURPOSE**: Reporting to the Slhexun sun’ts’a’ Clinic Manager, the Culturally Grounded Victim Services Navigator is responsible for supporting, advocating for and “walking along-side” Community Members across Quw’utsun traditional lands as they navigate through victim services, healthcare, and the justice system, including individuals & families impacted by missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. In addition, the Culturally Grounded Victim Services Navigator will work collaboratively to develop and coordinate the Culturally Grounded Indigenous Victim Services Navigation and Advocacy Program. This is a full-time, 5-year term employment opportunity based in office and community settings with some evening and weekend work as required. Local travel is required.

**COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS**: Cowichan Tribes offers an excellent benefit and pension plan available after successful completion of the probationary period under the HR Policy. The position includes paid training, paid vacation and paid sick leave. Depending on experience, the position starts at $42.24-$44.80 per hour ($76,869.41 - $81,540.69 annually).

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Enhances accessibility and participation in victim assistance and justice system services for Community Members
- Provides one-on-one support to navigate through victim services, healthcare, and the justice system; including safety planning and crime prevention strategies, practical assistance, emotional support and referrals to other services as needed
- Responds to immediate crisis by helping deal with emotional, health, safety and practical issues
- Provides information about criminal justice system, rights and resources available to help community members
- Supports with Court & Court Procedures such as by helping prepare for the court experience, assisting clients with Victim Impact Statements, accompanying to appointments and to court wherever possible and appropriate; provides additional assistance to those who have special needs such as transportation or childcare needs ; supports when meeting crown counsel; Explains and provides information on Justice System Representative Roles
- Communicate & Collaborate with Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre Teams including, not limited to Primary Care, Community Health nursing, Counseling, Outreach and Harm Reduction Teams, and other health care providers as appropriate with a team-based care approach.
- Liaison with internal and external service partners to identify, analyze and work towards eliminating barriers to care; promote change through community and individual advocacy
- Facilitates and participates in Community Events such as Community Dinners or Activities to share information, build connection and seek Community Member input into program needs
- Ensures proper case management, confidentiality and security of files including, not limited to organizing notes, data entry and organizing documentation in central location.
- Attend staff meeting & relevant meetings as required
- Other related duties as required

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: (please attach all required documents)**
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field is required
- Masters degree preferred
- A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered
- 2 years experience working in a community health or mental health setting or combination of the two
- Experience working in a First Nations community and a willingness to learn about culture, customs, and traditions of Cowichan people
- Trauma & crisis intervention training
- ASIST training
- Current Basic First Aid and CPR-C certification
- Valid Class 5 BC Drivers’, Drivers Abstract, license and reliable vehicle
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check

**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES**:

- Ability to foster and build relationships within a diverse population
- Knowledge of Restorative Justice processes and the Criminal Justice System in BC
- Knowledge and experience in providing culturally competent and dignity-informed care
- Knowledge of settler-colonial impacts on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism and Cultural safety commitments
- Knowledge of internal and external community health resources
- Knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client care
- Knowledge of Harm Reduction Principles
- Violence prevention & de-escalation skills
- Written, oral and interpersonal skills including community engagement and public speaking
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to establish workload priorities, effectively multi-task and deal with competing demands under pressure

**Reference No. TWT-SSC-VSN-0125**

Cowichan Tribes Human Resources Department

435 Trunk Road - Unit 208 (second floor)

Duncan, BC, V9L, 2P5

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