Community Liaison Worker – Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre

Join our Amazing E Fry Ottawa Team

Community Liaison Worker – Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre

Apply Today Interviews start December 8th

Submit your résumé and cover letter to:

Job title: Community Liaison Worker – Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre (OCDC)

Reports to: Manager, Community Programs and Services

Hours: 37.5 hours/week

Language: Bilingual Imperative – French and English (candidates will be required to demonstrate that they meet the language requirements)

Salary: $23.96 plus benefits, (non-negotiable – unionized workplace)

Welcome

E Fry Ottawa is committed to employment equity, actively seeks diversity in the workplace, and welcomes and encourages applications from members of equity-seeking groups including women, transgender, non-binary, and LGBTQ+ individuals, First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals, persons with disabilities, and members of racialized and marginalized groups.

About E Fry Ottawa

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa a is not-for-profit community agency that supports and advocates for women, gender-diverse people, and men impacted by the justice system. We provide a diverse array of community-based and residential programming. Our work is aimed at reducing harm and oppression, supporting people to overcome barriers to reintegration, and empowering them to build a life of stability and resiliency. We are a feminist organization committed to working from a human rights and anti-oppression perspective, recognizing systemic barriers that lead to marginalization. We work with trauma-informed, person-centered principles to promote a respectful, diverse, and inclusive environment that promotes healing, recovery, and successful reintegration.

Core Responsibilities

The Community Liaison Worker (OCDC) provides support to women and gender-diverse people who are incarcerated at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre four days a week. One day a week, the position provides reintegration support to clients at our main office and in the community. This role is typically performed during the daytime on weekdays, with occasional evening/weekend events.

Intake and Assessment

• Complete intakes and assessments to support clients in OCDC.
• In consultation with the E Fry Ottawa Housing Team, administer the Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (SPDAT) with clients who are experiencing housing instability.
• In consultation with E Fry Ottawa Community Counsellors, consult with community service providers to identify and prioritize clients interested in treatment and make appropriate referrals.
• Complete administrative paperwork as required.

Release/Discharge Support

• Collaborate with OCDC's discharge planner/rehabilitation officer to facilitate discharge planning for clients to ensure successful reintegration into the community.
• Collaborate with other E Fry Ottawa staff to offer pre-release planning, supportive counselling, and access to E Fry programs and services.
• Assist clients with applications for release to E Fry Ottawa residences (JF Norwood House and Lotus House) as appropriate.
• Assist clients in connecting with legal professionals, friends, and family while supporting them to remain compliant with court orders.
• Assist clients in accessing community-based programs, including mental health and substance use treatment providers, health care providers, housing, and other social supports.
• Engage clients in identifying their strengths to overcome barriers upon release using a strength-based, trauma-informed approach.

Community Engagement

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with service providers, court staff, and community stakeholders.
• Represent E Fry Ottawa at the courthouse, partner agencies, and community events to enhance collaboration and organizational visibility.
• Identify opportunities for improved coordination, resource-sharing, and joint initiatives.
• Support client transitions between the jail setting and the broader community.
• Maintain effective liaison with other agencies, professionals, and the community to contribute to the success of the client's reintegration and recovery goals.

Other responsibilities

• Keep up-to-date and accurate records (including logs, records, and statistical data) in accordance with the organization's mandate and funder requirements.
• Attend and represent the Elizabeth Fry Society at weekly FIRM meetings and provide case management input to the correctional staff at OCDC.
• Participate in case management meetings and other meetings as required.
• Complete other duties that may be assigned by management.
• Promote and deliver on the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

Qualifications

Required education and experience

• Experience and/or education equivalent to a post-secondary degree in criminology/criminal justice, social work, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience engaging and collaborating with vulnerable populations, ideally women and gender-diverse people who are involved in the criminal justice system.
• Experience using a range of assessment and case management tools or willingness to be trained to use them.
• Experience working with marginalized people who face multiple barriers such as poverty, discrimination, criminalization, substance dependence, and mental health challenges.
• Have an updated clear Criminal Record Check for working with a vulnerable population.
• Valid First Aid/CPR, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), and ASIST certifications are assets.

Required knowledge, capacity, and commitment

• A solid understanding and knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• A solid understanding of social factors that contribute to the criminalization of marginalized populations.
• An understanding of mental health and substance dependence issues, including knowledge of harm reduction strategies.
• Ability to cope with challenging situations and clients where there is potential for confrontation, aggression, and/or exposure to violence.
• Strong interpersonal skills and crisis management skills (including de-escalation skills).
• Knowledge of community service organizations to assist clients with rehabilitation and reintegration, and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong motivational interviewing skills to support the creation of a release plan.
• Excellent personal and professional boundaries and sound self-care practices.
• High degree of resourcefulness, flexibility, and adaptability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and French.
• Demonstrated organizational, leadership, and time management skills including the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Please submit your application and cover letter to:

Interviews start December 8th

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.96 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Gloucester, ON K1B 4C4: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• DCS / DEC (required)

Language:

• French & English (required)

Work Location: In person