Justice Navigator

The Indigenous Justice Centre is a pro-bono law firm located in Calgary, also known as Moh-kíns-tsis (Blackfoot)/Wincheesh-pah (Stoney)/Kootsisáw (Tsuut’ina/Dene) and Otos-kwunee(Cree). The IJC is committed to providing service and access to justice to the Indigenous population within Calgary and the surrounding regions. The IJC is committed to providing a supportive and collegial team environment where staff works together to provide excellent and holistic legal services to our clients.

Ideal candidates are those looking for a challenge and an opportunity to play a role in the implementation of an innovative organization focused on reducing the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the justice system and in restorative justice. Additionally, those interested in being on the front-line working in a fast-paced litigation-based office environment.

The Justice Navigator position will support individuals accessing and navigating services to assist them with addressing their basic needs, referring resources and supports to meet the needs of the Gladue Healing Initiatives of their Gladue Reports, and connecting them to cultural supports and resources.

The Justice Navigator will work in collaboration and partnership with the Soksipaitapiisin Case Management Team working on the healing plans for the Calgary Indigenous Court.

Key Outcomes:

· Indigenous peoples will receive immediate, timely and culturally effective resources to address the core issues related to their criminalization.

· Indigenous peoples will be given support to connect and fulfill their Gladue Healing Initiatives from their Gladue Reports

· Indigenous peoples will have access to culturally relevant resources, services and supports which support their connection or reconnection to their culture.

· Indigenous peoples are empowered to achieve their full potential and reduce their interactions with the criminal justice system.

A. Key Responsibilities Include:

· Build relationships and supports for individuals requiring supports and services to achieve access in addressing their court matters

· Provide resources and referrals to those accessing services at the IJC

· Develop relationships and engage with community sector organizations to identify, build networks and referral processes to support individuals who require basic needs supports, access to resources for addictions and mental health, and resources for those on Gladue Report Healing Initiatives.

· Attend appointments or virtual meetings where appropriate

· Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of reliable online information and resources as well as in-person supports and services Collaborate with the Soksipaitapiisin Case Management Team and attend the weekly Soksipaitapiisin community Case Management Table

· Connect individuals to Elders, cultural resources and supports

· Work in collaboration with the IJC Legal Counsel and the Intake Receptionist for direct client support for resources and referrals for IJC clients in need of support.

· Provide emotional support to those IJC clients attending Calgary Indigenous Court and engage with existing court stakeholders on collaborating on resourcing and supports systems reflective of the gaps in existing services.

B. Knowledge and Skills

Exhibited Skill Sets:

· Strong oral and written communication skills;

· Effective problem solving and interpersonal skills;

Ability to think strategically;

· Effective time management skills;

· Exhibited capacity to build on professional network

· Ability to take direction and achieve quality results

· Self motivated with the ability to work independently, and proactively as a team player;

· Strong commitment to the vision and values of the Indigenous Justice Centre;

· Strong knowledge of the structure and procedures of Canada’s Criminal Justice System, including understanding the Gladue principle and subsequent case law.

Cultural:

· A strong understanding of Indigenous issues, social justice advocacy, diversity and anti-oppressive practice;

· Understanding of Indigenous restorative justice approaches;

· Knowledge of the structure of the Calgary Indigenous Court (asset not required)

· Strong cultural knowledge and/or understanding of traditional and ceremonial teachings (particularly regarding local Indigenous peoples and diverse Indigenous populations);

· Understanding of how to work effectively with Elders, Sacred Teachers and Knowledge Holders and follow traditional protocols;

· Ability to speak an Indigenous language (asset not required);

· Understanding of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.

Formal Education

Applicable Experience and Requirements

· Completion of an undergraduate degree in Justice, Law and Society, Social work or another related discipline is considered an asset

· Entry Level position – however 1-2 years experience an asset.

· Vulnerable Sector Check required

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $48,750.00-$50,995.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Mileage reimbursement
• On-site gym
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Application question(s):

• Describe your level of understanding of the justice system?
• Do you have case management experience?

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2025-09-02