Reports To: Executive Director
Job Purpose:
The Justice Support Worker will provide guidance and practical assistance to individuals involved in the Family and Criminal Courts. The Justice Support Worker will work directly with the Child Welfare Team in the process of assuming responsibility for children who are under legal status of the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act. The Justice Support Worker will be responsible for creating an Elders Tribunal Program to support the Child Welfare program.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide community legal education on topics such as: Parental Rights, Child Welfare Rights, Rights to Privacy, Obtaining Family Violence Protection Orders, Wills, and Estates
Attend court with clients
Advocate for families in court proceedings
Mediate family circles
Liaise between the clients, support workers and court personnel
Establish an Elder's Tribunal Program
Support children, youth and families that are navigating their way through the Family and Criminal Court system
Complete family and child welfare court related applications
Create a manual and electronic filing system.
Create policies and procedures for the Justice Support Services program.
Assist the CLFN Intervention Team in the reviews of case plans, safety plans, and permanency plans in preparation for the transfer of Cold Lake First Nations child files from the Alberta Children’s Services to Cold Lake First Nations.
Provide reporting on program statistics, the success and failure of program elements
Represent CLFN as a Band Designate in court proceedings, child protection planning and family conferences.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
Human Services Diploma or bachelor’s degree plus several years of experience.
Must provide a valid Vulnerable Sector Records Check.
Must have a clear criminal record.
Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence required.
Must be proficient with computers specifically WebX and other court related programs.
Have extensive experience working in the Alberta Family and Criminal Court system.
Strong understanding of indigenous perspectives and will have had the authority to speak on behalf of individuals in the court proceedings.
Be a strong advocate for reunification of children with their family of origins.
Must have knowledge of Cold Lake First Nations band members and culture.
Time management, attention to detail and the ability to collaborate with others is critical.
Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:
Physical agility to complete duties requiring physical effort
Office environment
Work hours 8:30 – 4:30 Monday to Thursday, 8:30 – 2:00 Fridays
Some on call, evenings and weekends may be required. Overtime must be preapproved and time off in lieu is allotted.
Flexible work schedule is permitted.
