Family Court Counsellor

**Job Information**

Job Requisition ID: 61549
Ministry: Justice
Location: Red Deer
Full or Part-Time: Full-Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary: Four (4) permanent positions
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: October 8, 2024
Classification: Human Services Worker 5

**Salary**: $2,628.47 to $3,397.79 bi-weekly ($68,603 - $88,682 per year)

The Court and Justice Services (CJS) Branch provides a wide range of resolution and court services for people involved in legal disputes. In collaboration with the courts of Alberta, Court and Justice Services provides various programs and services including: educating and helping Albertans finding solutions for legal issues, navigating the court system, offering programs at no cost or a nominal charge, and administrative support to all courts in Alberta.

**Role Responsibilities**:
Are you a dedicated, hardworking, and caring individual looking to make a difference in the lives of Alberta families? Alberta Justice has multiple opportunities in Red Deer waiting for you

As a Family Court Counsellor, you will report to the Team Lead, Assessment Services and work independently and collaboratively with colleagues in the same location and across the province to ensure seamless service delivery to Albertans. Your strong working relationships with Court Operations, Judiciary, and the legal community are required to ensure services are delivered to clients and the operations of the Alberta Court of Justice and/or King’s Bench family docket court.

At the direction of Management and the Team Lead, you will complete data collection and participate in program development initiatives to ensure services are provided in a user-friendly, cost-effective manner.

Operating within a team structure, you will be responsible for, but not limited to the following:
**Screening, Assessment, and Referral**
- Provide triage and intake services including safety screening, needs assessment, referrals as necessary, and limited assistance completing and filing Family Law Act court documents.
- Inform clients about communication and dispute resolution skills to assist clients in resolving their disputes.
- Identify and outline options available for the client to decide on a course of action. Deliver ongoing assessments, information, support, guidance, and assistance to clients prior to, during and following court.**Case Management**
- Negotiate and facilitate terms of consent with parties in attendance at court, for the courts review and endorsements.
- Provide ongoing court support, referrals, and resources to clients as needed. Provide ongoing case management services for all self-represented parties to a related court action.
- Follow up on procedural matters, including subsequent court filings and legal service requirements.
- Continually assess for safety risks or possible barriers to service delivery and provide supports accordingly.
- Negotiate resolution of issues between the parties using conflict resolution skills including identifying the needs and interests of the parties. Liaise with Children’s Services workers, Alberta Supports staff, legal counsel, and community agencies to coordinate services and best support the family.**In-Court Support**
- Assist families with their various concerns in the fast-paced environment of the Resolution Services office and the Provincial Family docket court and Chamber. Respond to actions, directions and requests from the judiciary that fall within the scope of the role.**Consultation and Public Relations**
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with external stakeholders (i.e., Lawyers, Legal Aid, Community Legal centers, women’s shelters, native counselling services and police services) to ensure information sharing and optimal client services.

**Role continue**:
**Administration**

Complete timely and accurate entries on the Resolutions Services provincial database relating to client services and court activity in accordance with policy/procedure.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Attention to detail relating to file and legal documentation.
- Exceptional interpersonal, interviewing, assessment, negotiation, dispute resolution and decision-making abilities.
- The ability to work under pressure and assist clients in highly emotional circumstances is essential.
- A strong ability to work independently and work well as a team member with internal and external stakeholders. Knowledge and awareness of changing processes, legislation, social trends, best practices and new research in family, law matters; utilizing this knowledge to maximize effectiveness of responsibilities to inform, educate and assess.Please

**Qualifications**:
Bachelor of Social Work Degree or related education, plus some related experience in areas such as negotiation, mediation and conducting client interviews and assessments.

All applicants must include a cover