Assertive Outreach Worker/Social Navigator

Job description

The Warriors Way Project is a partnership with Edmonton Police Service, Warriors Way provides intervention and community reintegration services to Urban Indigenous Peoples and Ethnic Cultural residents of Edmonton. Our project provides two streams of services, one that provides prevention and intervention services to BIPOC who are involved with the criminal justice system and the other stream provides community reintegration to BIPOC who are being released from incarceration.

The Social Navigator position is an essential position that will assist the offender with their willingness to participate in desistance of criminal behavior in the Edmonton community. The Navigator will be responsible for supporting and working directly with the IOM and/or BAU Clients, in collaboration with EPS Detectives to develop appropriate case management strategies for each individual.

Responsibilities:

• Establish relationship-based practice with participants and build rapport with caseworkers, family members & other supports.
• Attend case conference meetings with clients as needed.
• Provide support and resources to clients and families or caregivers in accessing community resources.
• Build rapport with clients, family members & other professional and natural supports.
• Provide crisis intervention and safety planning to the clients and their family.
• Advocate ensuring basic needs of participant are being met.
• Respect and meet the various cultural needs of the participant.
• Provide guidance and support and make referrals for participants on issues related to health, family, addictions, education, employment, recreation and housing.
• Provide support during court proceedings.
• Establish working relationships with other community service agencies within the field.
• Evening Work/Shift Work as required.
• Any other related tasks assigned by Supervisor/Edmonton Police Sergeant.

Primary Areas of Responsibility Offender Case Management (65%)

• Integrates Diversion & Desistance's mission and vision into the development and implementation of client-centered case management plans.
• Collaborate with the unit's RSW and sworn members to complement EPS's case management/supervision strategies for social support and resources for high-risk clients by identifying the clients Risk Need Responsivity and Criminogenic Needs.
• Ongoing case management with the clients to foster coordinated and timely services that meet the client's basic needs.
• Ongoing response along with consultation and collaboration with multiple professionals and agencies within the community to develop effective safety and support systems for clients as well as the public.
• Work with clients who are incarcerated to implement reintegration plans to ensure smooth transition back into the community.
• Engage directly with clients both in person and/or via telephone, on and off-site.
• Attend daily meetings to discuss various clients, locate clients, and provide client updates to Detectives on a timely basis.
• Provide regular reports on progress and case management.
• Ensure ongoing follow-up for clients by connecting with various agencies to ensure completion of tasks
• Refer and assist clients with completion of application processes and referrals when necessary, including but not limited to detox facilities, addictions recovery treatment programs, employment/educational programs and mental health programs.
• Report to Diversion and Desistance Sergeant on daily activities and whereabouts.
• Provide support during crisis intervention should a client be in distress and report immediately to Detective or Patrol.
• Prioritize tasks, take initiative and maintain flexibility in case plans with timely documentation of same
• In collaboration with the assigned EPS Detective, the Navigator would be responsible for the execution of social case management decisions that would relate to the client's housing, education, employment, and addictions treatment, mental and physical health status while following basic RNR principals with respect to the clients' specific criminogenic needs. These decisions would be in consideration of the client's needs and be balanced with public safety concerns.

Documentation & Reporting (20%)

• Document assessments, services rendered, client outcomes, so that records are accurate and adequate.
• Ensure documents and client files are complete, organized, and up to date, as per Diversion & Desistance business rules.
• Prepare and maintain accurate, timely and complete file documentation on the designated EPS system and submissions in the professional community, in accordance with the EPS file expectations.
• Submit weekly highlights and/or reports as required.
• Provide input into program evaluation upon request.
• Improve overall system performance by identifying, addressing and reporting any system gaps and redundancies.

Community Involvement and Leadership (5%)

• Attending and representing the Diversion & Desistance Branch at appropriate internal and external meetings as needed.
• Participate in professional development training.

Agency Engagement (5%)

• Complete agency specific administrative tasks.
• Attend agency directed training and meetings.

Other (5%)

• The Navigator may need to assess and address client/offender personal and family crisis both inside and outside of regularly scheduled work hours in relations to the needs of the client. Position may require flexibility to work alternate shifts and some weekends when required.
• Identify and prioritize resources and issues of access (based on need, potential outcomes and equity) and refer individuals and families to appropriate services in a timely manner. Report any gaps in service to the Sergeant for further review.

Qualification Requirements:

• Must have own vehicle and be willing to transport clients.
• Must have a valid driver's license and willing to obtain a drivers abstract
• Must have 2-million-dollar liability insurance coverage
• Must provide a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector and Intervention Record Check (within a 6-month period from date of completion).
• Must successfully pass an Enhanced Security Clearance through Edmonton Police Service.
• Candidates have completed training in Suicide Intervention
• Standard First Aid,
• Crisis Intervention and De-escalation skills.

Core Competencies:

• Organization
• Critical Thinking
• Accountability
• Ethical Decision Making
• Communication
• Empathy

Education:

Degree of Diploma in social or human services or related field, or a minimum of 3 years' relevant experience working with complex, high risk populations. It is expected that they maintain and are in good standing with any relevant professional bodies they may be members of.

Experience:

• Knowledge of indigenous peoples, new immigrants, ethno-cultural groups and vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of addictions, gangs, sexual exploitation, homelessness, poverty, use and neglect.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system would be an asset
• Basic computer and report writing skills, including Microsoft Office and experience working with data base.
• Ability to model and teach appropriate behaviors such as communication, conflict management, problem solving, decision making and non-abuse behavior management.
• Strong interpersonal skills with good oral and written communication.
• Knowledge of the Indigenous culture and language is an asset.
• Strong understanding and knowledge of community resources, knowledge of issues faced by high-risk individuals who have experienced significant trauma with high criminogenic factors and are now experiencing homelessness, poverty, and both mental health conditions and substance use.
• Strong leadership, teamwork and effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Prior experience completing professional documentation.
• Experience working with and understanding the unique challenges that Indigenous and multicultural individuals and families face, particularly those with significant criminal histories.
• Capacity for conflict resolution.
• Effective risk management.
• Advocacy in systems.
• Group facilitation.
• Role and scope navigation.
• Inclusion and equity.
• Digital literacy.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary - $53, $55,893.20 annually
• Monthly auto allowance
• Paid sick and wellness days after 3 months' probation (pro-rated)
• Extended Health Benefit (50/50 cost sharing) after 6 months' employment
• Working approximately 34.5 hours per week

Start Date

This position is a permanent position and will be open until a suitable candidate is found

Closing Date: Posting will be open until a suitable candidate is found

Job Type: Full-time

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Edmonton, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $53,231.62-$55,893.20 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Work Location: In person