At the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre, we transform trauma into triumph.
We transform lives by providing a safe and supportive environment where children and youth can speak about their experiences to professionals, heal from adverse childhood experiences and build resilience so they can overcome the debilitating effects of childhood trauma and realize their potential.
Working collaboratively with the Niagara Regional Police Service, and Family and Children’s Services Niagara, the Centre is a charitable, community supported organization that serves Niagara’s 12 municipalities helping children, youth and families cope with the life altering impact of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or of being an unwilling witness to violence.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Support Worker to provide support to children, youth and their families who are required to testify in criminal court proceedings, including but not limited to court preparation sessions, meetings/collaboration with Justice Partners and court accompaniment.
This is not a clinical or therapy-based role; however, you will need a strong understanding of crisis intervention and case management. You will collaborate with police, child protection agencies, counsellors, medical professionals, crown attorneys and victim services professionals to provide a holistic service to the children, youth and their supportive families who attend the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre and are involved in the criminal justice system
Key Responsibilities
Court Support Services & Case Management
- Coordinate and deliver individualized court preparation sessions for children and youth, including: Exploring and addressing fears or concerns about the court process; Providing age-appropriate information about the criminal justice system and court procedures; Explaining courtroom roles and the child’s role as a witness and; Developing strategies to help children manage stress and anxiety related to testifyingAccompany children and youth to court, provide emotional support and, where applicable, act as a Designated Support Person under judicial order.
- Offer guidance and emotional support to caregivers throughout the court process to help them support their child.
- Assist in the preparation and submission of Victim Impact Statements and other court-related documents.
- Prepare testimonial aid requests and affidavits where necessary; may be called upon to provide supporting documentation or testimony regarding accommodations.
Collaboration with Justice Partners
- Liaise regularly with justice system partners, including Crown Attorneys, Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP), police, and child protection staff, to coordinate court support and advocate for testimonial aids and other accommodations.
- Conduct assessments and provide recommendations regarding testimonial accommodation (e.g., remote testimony) or witness competency, when requested by the court.
- Share relevant disclosures or updates with appropriate justice partners in a timely and professional manner.
- Attend regular case meetings and community committee meetings to support collaborative service delivery.
Post-Court Support & Referrals
- Provide post-court debriefing sessions with clients and their families to support emotional recovery and closure.
- Facilitate appropriate referrals to internal and external services, including trauma counselling, ongoing therapy, and other community supports.
- Ensure all case files are accurately maintained and updated throughout service delivery and appropriately closed following completion.
Qualifications
Education:
- A BSW or equivalent degree or diploma preferably in the field of social work, child & youth care social services, etc.
Experience:
- A minimum of three (3) years relevant work experience, preferably working directly with victims of violence, abuse and trauma.
- Familiarity with criminal court proceedings and victim support.
Skills:
- Ability to meet the needs of a diverse client base, through knowledge of and application of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist and cultural competency practices.
- Understanding of the Child & Youth Advocacy Model and some experience collaborating with teams of multidisciplinary professionals (MDT) and community partners.
- Awareness of the variety of different types of traumas (e.g., sexual, physical) and trauma-experiences (e.g., race and gender-based trauma) that may be experienced by children, youth and families.
- Ability to respond to crisis situations, screen for suicidality or other high-risk concerns and develop safety plans. ASIST training is considered an asset.
- Sound knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.
- The ability to employ self-care strategies and maintain a positive attitude in relation to potentially stressful situations.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient computer skills and experience with client databases.
Attributes:
- Passion for the Centre’s mission and commitment to supporting vulnerable children and youth.
- Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
- Innovative, creative, future-oriented; focused on identifying opportunities and new and better ways of effectively making change.
Other Requirements
- Proficiency in French is highly preferred to support service delivery in designated French-speaking communities.
- Participate in agency-wide initiatives such as public awareness, fundraising events, and community education activities to support the Centre’s mission.
- Criminal Reference Check for the vulnerable sector.
- Valid Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation.
Working Conditions
- Travel throughout Niagara Region may be required for court attendance or partner meetings.
- Work may be emotionally demanding due to exposure to trauma-related cases.
- Primarily office-based with flexible scheduling options.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Flexible work environment with opportunities for professional development.
- The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in Niagara.
Application Process
Interested and qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to Brian Bratt, Executive Director at bbratt@kristenfrenchcacn.org.
Potential employees will be required to provide references as part of the pre-employment process. No telephone or agency enquiries.
The Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free workplace. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know.
We thank all candidates for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $48,155.00-$53,505.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Work Location: In person