Legal System Navigator

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Under the supervision of Program Coordinator and the Manager of Community Initiatives and Mental Health, the Legal System Navigator is responsible for supporting Inuit adults who have become involved in the justice system (criminal, family law or human rights), and who may have mental health needs. The worker provides direct case management support to support clients navigating the legal system and supports with referrals and connections to other mental health, legal and other resources that are aligned with client’s goals. The Legal System Navigator works towards reducing barriers for clients, increasing their cultural safety, and providing access to relevant legal information and services. Additionally, the Legal System Navigator works to enhance cultural knowledge within the Justice System and create accessible opportunities for public legal education for the Inuit community.

**KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Evaluates client needs and provides clients with cultural and individualized supports that reflect Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Principles (IQ)
- Maintains court ordered appearances for clients so they may be notified of any upcoming court dates
- Ensures client has access to transportation and language services when required
- Attends court dates and meets with legal representatives to support clients
- Advocates for clients and supports client access to equitable treatment in the justice system
- Upholds the right for client consent and confidentiality
- Working alongside Program Coordinator team, works collaboratively with justice partners and provides cultural awareness and information to improve the capacity of the justice system to work with Inuit community.
- Refers clients involved in the justice system to appropriate mental health, social, education, employment, medical and other resources to enable them to address the underlying problems and follow-up on these referrals.
- Provides supportive counselling as a bridge into mental health services whenever possible
- Communicates and provide information on how the justice system operates
- Supports access to cultural programs and Elders based on client’s individual plan of care
- Promotes alternative justice processes when possible and applicable
- Works collaboratively with Tungasuvvingat Inuit’s justice workers and with other justice partners and provides cultural awareness and information to improve the capacity of the justice system to work with Inuit
- Provides outreach work in community
- Represents Inuuqatigiit Centre in a professional fashion and maintains positive working relations with co-workers, the community and other service providers.
- Develops and deepens program partnerships with agencies in the areas of law, education, child welfare, mental health, and the Canadian Justice System
- Participates in inter-agency collaborative meetings with Inuuqatigiit Centre and Tungasuvvingat Inuit.
- Promotes positive collaboration and effective interagency model of service delivery.
- Develops positive relationships with Inuit and their families involved in the Canadian Justice System
- Ensures documentation is complete, including files, case notes and reports using the agency’s electronic records system
- Provides written reports as needed to agencies, courts and police, community programs and collaterals.
- Maintains accurate statistics and report as required.
- Supports Program Coordinator with creating legal education tools as necessary

**QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS**
- Inuit descent preferred.
- Post-secondary education related to criminal justice, mental health or social work.
- Experience working with Inuit or Indigenous communities.
- Experience working with clients in conflict with the law.

**SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE**
- Fluency in Inuktitut a strong asset.
- Experience providing case management services.
- Knowledge of Inuit culture and teachings and the historical impacts of colonization and inter-generational trauma.
- Knowledge of the needs of Inuit and families.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Strong knowledge of community agencies and resources.
- Experience with program development and implementation
- Ability to operate computer systems and relevant software.
- Strong organizational, program planning, evaluation, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to provide trauma informed client care.
- Ability to respond effectively in crisis situations.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative staff team environment.
- Ability to function effectively in a high stress environment; and
- Enthusiasm, flexibility, dedication and commitment to Inuit children, youth, and families.

**CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT**
- Medical certification of good health;
- Negative COVID-19 test;
- TB Test, if applicable, and other immunizations up-to -date
- Police Record Check (Vulnerable Sector) required in keeping with Inuuqatigiit Centre’s Personnel Policies and Procedures; and
- CPR/F