Coordinated Entry Program - Justice Navigator
Start Date - Immediate
About SORCe and Distress Centre Programs
The Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre (SORCe) is a multi-agency collaborative that connects individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness to essential programs and services.
As the backbone agency, Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) leads service integration at SORCe while also providing direct support. DCC operates the Coordinated Entry Program, the primary intake, assessment, and referral hub for housing and other services, including System Navigation & Referrals, CAA housing strategists, financial empowerment, and Justice Navigation.
DCC ensures cohesive collaboration among all partners, strengthening system navigation and community connections. Through its leadership and direct services, DCC helps prevent homelessness, reduce barriers to housing, and enhance integration across the social services sector.
What to expect in the role:
Job overview
The Justice Navigator provides frontline service delivery to connect participants experiencing or facing homelessness to programs and services that will address concerns regarding the criminal justice system as victims or offenders. The Justice Navigator’s primary focus will be navigation for those who have experienced being either victims or offenders of a crime, ensuring access to available resources throughout the city. This role will support this work and provide ongoing support to individuals connected with other supports of the Coordinated Entry Program, and/or with the CAA system while awaiting a housing referral through an individualized housing plan.
Primary Duties
This is not an exhaustive list of duties but meant to give you a sense of what you’ll be doing on a regular basis. Other related duties may be required.
Justice Navigation (85%)
- Navigation and education on addressing legal infractions and other justice-related needs to reduce difficulties around housing, income, and employment barriers.
- Advocacy and Court support for individuals navigating the Criminal Justice System as victims and offenders.
- Facilitate connections and referrals for individuals
- In-person support for individuals to alleviate fear, trauma and stigma around court and court proceedings.
- Support case management for program participants through participation in Action Table and Indigenous Case Management committees.
- Maintain partnerships and collaborations with Calgary Legal Guidance, Elizabeth Fry, Calgary Police Services, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Calgary Transit Officers, and programs such as CTT and PACT.
- Provide support for individuals fleeing Domestic violence, Family Violence and Human Trafficking and provide referrals and facilitate intakes for shelters and agencies in this specialization.
- Assist in connecting individuals with Parole and probation officers for upcoming dates or appearances.
- Provide insight and knowledge regarding the Criminal Code of Canada, the Youth Justice Act, and Rental/Tenant disputes in criminal-related matters.
- Interpersonal connections with Crown prosecutors and duty counsel for individuals attempting to navigate the criminal justice system.
SORCe Operations & Collaborative Work (15%)
- Build rapport and trust with individuals accessing services to reduce barriers to housing and support wellness and stability.
- Develop and maintain strong partnerships with SORCe agencies and community organizations to ensure coordinated access and seamless referrals.
- Collaborate with all SORCe partner agencies and the Crossroads Collaborative to deliver integrated, participant-centered services.
- Use de-escalation and assertive engagement strategies to maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants.
- Maintain accurate and timely records in the HMIS database, ensuring data quality and program accountability.
- Support the team through cross-training and occasional coverage of other roles as needed.
- Assist with shared operational tasks such as stocking supplies, organizing shared spaces, and general administrative support.
- Contribute to the onboarding, supervision, and development of practicum students engaged in SORCe programming.
Hours of work and conditions
- General work hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30-4:30pm with a one hour lunch break
- Offsite outreach work expected
- Working in a fast-paced environment requires de-escalation skills and an ability to respond to crisis
- Universal precautions knowledge and ability to complete specialized training applicable to service delivery
- Reports to the CEP Manager; Partnerships & Innovation
What you bring to the role:
Qualifications/Experience
- An undergraduate degree or diploma in Criminal Justice, Human services, or social services. Commensurate education and experience may be considered.
- In-depth understanding of and demonstrated experience in Risk assessments and safety planning.
- Knowledge of Emergency Protection Orders, Restraining orders, No contact orders and Peace bonds is an asset.
- Experience with witness statements, affidavits and victim impact statements.
- Demonstrated experience working with highly complex individuals and the ability to maintain composure under pressure.
- Knowledge of and experience working with homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, and mental health.
- Knowledge of community resources both within and outside of the homelessness system of care and the Criminal Justice System.
- Demonstrated experience working effectively and independently in a team environment.
- Experience working with individuals and families in crisis or experiencing homelessness would be an asset.
- Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in the delivery of homelessness support services.
- Knowledge and experience with Indigenous culture, supporting Indigenous people, and social services for Indigenous people is an asset
Skills/Abilities:
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt to diverse individuals and situations.
- Effective organizational and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Flexibility in responding to unexpected challenges, such as participant needs, operational changes, or technical issues.
- Ability to assess situations quickly and make informed decisions in crisis or high-stress scenarios.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and navigate databases or case management systems (e.g., HMIS).
- Ability to maintain professionalism and composure while supporting individuals in distress or exhibiting challenging behaviors.
Core Competencies:
Client/Service Centred Work – you make clients the ultimate focus of our agency, team, and individual choices and actions.
Partnerships, Relationships, & Teamwork – you build and maintain productive, collaborative working relationships within and across groups, both internally and externally, to accomplish our common goals.
Growth Mindset/Learning – you actively identify new areas for learning and take advantage of opportunities to learn in whatever form they come. You apply your newly gained knowledge in your jobs and share these skills with others.
Communication – you clearly convey information and ideas through a variety of media in a way that engages the audience and helps them to understand and inviting dialogue and inciting action where appropriate.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – we build and sustain an inclusive work environment where all individuals are welcomed, supported, respected, and valued for their unique experiences, perspectives, talents, and contributions.
Change Management – you maintain your team and personal effectiveness when being impacted by changes within the organization.
Self-Management – you take responsibility for yourself and your actions.
What Distress Centre has to offer:
- Opportunity to work for an organization that’s making a difference in our community
- A great working environment with supportive colleagues
- Opportunities for learning and mentorship, including paid development days and a staff development fund
- Competitive salary
- Benefits that include a matching RRSP
- Vacation time starting at 3 weeks
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