FAMILY COURT SUPPORT COUNSELLOR
Contract until March 2028 35 hours per week
The Family Court Support Counsellor will provide supports to victims/survivors of domestic violence involved in the family court process
Responsibilities will include:
Providing information, legal support and referrals to clients who access the Family Court Support program by:
Assessing client's legal and non-legal needs for appropriate response and/or effective referral to legal and community-based service
Providing up-to-date information about the family court process and court-based services
Liaise on clients’ behalf with justice system professionals within the family court and within the legal community at large
Assisting the victim/survivor to record the history of abuse to prepare for family court proceedings
Provide the victim/survivor with individually tailored safety plans, including safety planning related to court attendance, transition plans, goal setting, problem-solving and conflict resolution support, and referrals for risk assessments where appropriate
Assist the victim/survivor with the legal aid process
Support the victim/survivor to follow through on requests received from lawyers
Debrief with victims/survivors following family court appearances, lawyer appointments, Family Law Information Centre meetings, and consultations with duty counsel
Communicate with criminal court-based services, such as the V/WAP, where appropriate, and in accordance with the appropriate protocol
Communicate with other family court-based services and referral sources to ensure seamless delivery of appropriate information and support
At the victim’s/survivor’s request, accompany the victim/survivor to a family court proceeding, where appropriate, and resources permit
Facilitate the provision of Language Interpreters for the delivery of Family Court Support services or other court-based legal services as needed
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with court staff, lawyers, police and victim/witness programs for advocacy purposes
Engage in outreach activities with the broader community to raise awareness and connect clients with appropriate resources
Provide brief emotional and trauma informed support to clients
Participate in internal and external committees and collaborate with community groups to respond to clients’ needs
Plan, develop and facilitate educational groups
Participating with the Transitional Support team in the planning and organization of services by:
Developing and maintaining current resources on legal information
Acting as a resource to staff regarding legal issues
Completing client information records, reporting and statistical information according to agency requirements
Assessing the effectiveness of services based on client feedback and evaluation
Conducting relevant evaluation and research and recommending and implementing changes as appropriate
Actively participating in team meetings
Working on community advocacy projects by:
Maintaining a current understanding of how patriarchy and oppression perpetuate violence against women
Participating in agency and sector based social justice awareness initiatives
Building partnerships in the community aimed at ending violence against women by developing protocols, policies and procedures that promote equality, consistent responses and accountability
Providing occasional presentations to clients, professional and community groups
Providing support, options and referrals to community, legal and social service resources
Committing to the agency’s core values of: Compassion, Integrity, Equity and Social Responsibility
Adhering to FTP policies and procedures and compliance with required legislative and regulatory requirements such as OHSA, AODA, etc.
Performing other duties or responsibilities as negotiated or assigned
Qualifications and Core Competencies:
Post-Secondary Education in the Social Service field or equivalent experience and specialized training
Knowledge of gender-based violence, violence against women and children’s issues
Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act, Family Law, Legal Aid and the Family Responsibility Office
Understanding of criminal processes as they interact with the family court system
Feminist working perspective
Ability to solve problems in innovative and creative ways
Good written and oral communication skills
Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and independently
Sound knowledge of and experience in serving clients of diverse backgrounds, as well as clients with disabilities
Demonstrated skills in case management, assessment and intervention, documentation, advocacy, supportive counselling, conflict resolution techniques, and domestic violence risk assessment
Computer proficiency and experience using a client database system
Access to a vehicle and a valid driver’s license (limited public transportation is available)
Employment Requirements:
Vulnerable Sector Police Clearance Certificate and maintaining of clearance requirements during course of employment
Valid driver’s license and insurance to allow for client transport
CPR and First Aid Certification
Physical / Mental Effort:
Based on the work schedule/flow the frequency of the following tasks will vary according to need:
Changing priorities and workflow to accommodate needs of others, and imposed deadlines
Working with individuals in crisis situations
Working under pressure to meet imposed deadlines while performing daily duties
Using interpersonal skills, empathy and acute listening skills
Using good problem solving and crisis management skills
Working Conditions:
Shared office environment
Busy environment with many interruptions
Many activities occurring in community settings
Rural and urban driving conditions in all seasons
Hours of Work:
35 hours per week in person. Including afternoon and evening hours to be established.
Salary Range:
$28.60 - $35.30 per hour + allowance in lieu of benefits
The successful candidate will join a compassionate, caring and forward-thinking family of professionals.
Our steadfast feminist and family-first approach guides the work we do. We are committed to ensuring that FTP continues to boast strong staff retention and satisfaction through consistent collaboration, communication, skills and culture development opportunities throughout our organization.
Our commitment to our internal agency values of compassion, respect, inclusion, continuous learning and integrity is unwavering, and we are striving to create a culture rooted in inclusiveness. We are committed to unlearning biases and working towards undoing systemic racism and oppression towards, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, 2SLGBTQ+ and all marginalized identities.
We are focused on innovation and enhancement of our services for our clients; we are equally focused on creating a workplace that works with our staff. We are deeply proud of the culture we have developed, and the staff who continue to help us shape it. We’d love to have you join us!
Family Transition Place is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of employment. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those with diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Family Transition Place is dedicated to achieving a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community it serves and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We thank all applicants, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
