Victim Services Case Worker

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent, full-time position of Victim Services Case Worker in the Support Division of Halifax Regional Police.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality's core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Under the supervision of the Victim Services Coordinator, the Victim Services Case Worker works within the Victim Services Unit of the Halifax Regional Police to enhance police response to victims of crime with a focus on victims of sexualized violence and victims of domestic violence, particularly those at high risk for homicide. This will be done through case coordination and ongoing information sharing with primary service agencies. The position also provides support and information to other victims of crime.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

High Risk Case Designations

• Accept high risk file referrals from police officers or HRP Victim Service staff.
• Coordinates information from primary service providers in regard to high risk files.
• Conducts risk management and related safety planning with the goal of increased safety and domestic violence homicide prevention
• Contact victims to offer support, services and/or referral to primary services agencies and inform of High Risk designation
• Manage the Domestic Violence Alarm Program
• Create collateral contacts with community and government agencies to share case information provided victim confidentiality is maintained, and victim's consent has been obtained.
• Liaise with police members to discuss files and/or cases.
• With the victim's informed consent, coordinate case conferences with relevant service providers.
• Work closely with designated Domestic Violence Police Officer to assist with offender accountability and increased victim safety.

Domestic Violence Offender Navigator (DVON)

• Contact charged offenders to have a beginning conversation about taking responsibility, understanding the effects of domestic violence on their family, and creating a safety plan to prevent further harm.
• Working with offenders, along with the Domestic Violence Officer (DVO)and Domestic Violence Case Coordinator (DVCC), to access resources, referrals and services.
• Liaise with other agencies such as the Domestic Violence Court, Child Welfare and other partners in the high-risk protocol, for planning, assessment and support purposes.
• Case management and data tracking for DVON related work.
• Participate in the creation of protocols, processes, policy and procedures related to the DVON program.
• Create community relationships and collaborative partnerships with service providers
• Participate in the development of methods for tracking progress, barriers, research, ongoing policy and best practices.
• Participate in developing methods for receiving input from victims, probation/parole officers and other direct contacts.
• Consult with DVO and DVCC to manage caseload and method for referrals.
• Process new referrals for the DVON program.

Direct Client Work

• Provide on-scene crisis intervention and practical support to victims of crime, which may include sudden deaths and suicides, as requested by officers
• Provide crisis intervention and practical support to victims of all types of crime, as referred by police officers
• Provide short term (informal counselling) support and follow-up sessions and court support to clients, when needed
• Interview victims to obtain case history and background information
• Help victims navigate the police investigation and criminal justice process
• When required, conduct general mental health assessment of clients to determine whether a referral to MHMCT or police need to be called for suicide intervention

Administrative

• Pro-actively contact victims to offer support and/or services, as well as police case updates when requested
• Maintain files by writing case notes, updating file information on each contact with victim and case management
• Answer phones and provide information to victim's inquiries, including the general public.
• Assist with providing support to volunteers.
• In the absence of Victim Services Coordinator and in conjunction with other Victim Services staff, review daily police incident reports for follow-up, and assign files to staff accordingly
• Advocate a victim centered approach within HRP
• Assist in increasing the accessibility of services to victims of crime at HRP and within the community

Education/Outreach/Training

• Provide training to volunteers in crisis support and mobile on-scene response
• Develop, prepare and conduct public education sessions to community groups i.e. dating violence, intimate partner abuse, sexualized violence
• Prepare and conduct training to police on domestic and sexualized violence including during Block Training, Trauma Response to SA and training new laterals

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Post secondary degree in counselling, social work, psychology, criminology with 3-5 years of progressive experience
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• Extensive experience in crisis intervention
• Valid driver's license
• Extensive knowledge of issues relating to domestic/intimate partner abuse, and sexualized violence an asset.
• Extensive knowledge in working with offenders (DVON)

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Excellent knowledge of community resources.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Extensive knowledge of crisis intervention and suicide intervention.
• Extensive knowledge of various social and counseling issues.
• Knowledge of family law.
• Strong listening and support skills
• Strong teamwork skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Computer skills including Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook, Internet and Versadex
• Strong crisis intervention skills.

Security Clearance Requirements: Before an offer is made the top candidate will be required to complete the background & security clearance process. You will be given a security & background booklet to complete and return to Human Resources. The results of the Background & Security screening are confidential and only a pass or fail result is released to Human Resources. You will be thoroughly investigated to determine your suitability to meet security clearance requirements. Your references and previous employers may be contacted, and family and friends may be contacted and/or visited during this stage.

Please Note: Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates whoare selected for testing may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer's discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Decision Making, Valuing Diversity, Communication, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Teamwork and Cooperation, Networking/Relationship Building, Organization and Planning

WORK STATUS: Permanent, Full-time

HOURS OF WORK: Core hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week. Staff in this position are required to perform one shift per week which will be from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

SALARY: Range of $66,830 - $86,490, NU5, Non-Union. Salary will be determined based on relevant experience and qualifications related to the specified pay band and job. Placement above the midpoint of the pay band is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications, such as those with exceptional experience, specialized skills, or demonstrated achievements relevant to the role. This ensures fair and consistent compensation practices across the organization.

WORK LOCATION: 7 Mellor Avenue, Dartmouth. Work location can be changed according to operational requirements.

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Tuesday, October 28,

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview / testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link; Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

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