Job Description
Join our Amazing E Fry Ottawa Team!
Community Liaison Worker – Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre
Interviews starting July 20, 2023
Job title: Community Liaison Worker – Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre (OCDC)
Reports to: Manager, Community Programs and Services
Hours: 30 hours/week
Language: Bilingual Preferred
Salary: $22.15 plus benefits (non-negotiable – unionized workplace)
Welcome!
E Fry Ottawa is committed to employment equity, actively seeks diversity in the workplace, and welcomes and encourages applications from members of equity-seeking groups including women, transgender, non-binary, and LGBTQ+ individuals, First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals, persons with disabilities, and members of racialized and marginalized groups.
To protect vulnerable clients and staff, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as per our immunization policy. The successful candidate will be required to provide an updated Criminal Record Check (for vulnerable sectors).
Our Community Liaison Worker…
- Provides support, advocacy, and assistance with community reintegration to adult women and gender-diverse folks at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre (OCDC)
- Assesses client’s needs, identifies resources, coordinates discharge plans and facilitates referrals
- Is client focused and fosters an environment of respect and dignity
About E Fry Ottawa
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa a is not-for-profit community agency that supports and advocates for women, gender-diverse people, and men impacted by the justice system. We provide a diverse array of community-
based and residential programming. Our work is aimed at reducing harm and oppression, supporting people to overcome barriers to reintegration, and empowering them to build a life of stability and resiliency. We are a feminist organization committed to working from a human rights and anti-oppression perspective, recognizing systemic barriers that lead to marginalization. We work with trauma-informed, person-centered principles to promote a respectful, diverse, and inclusive environment that promotes healing, recovery, and successful reintegration.
Core Responsibilities
Intake and Assessment
- Complete intakes and assessments to support clients in OCDC using E Fry Ottawa tools.
- In consultation with the E Fry Ottawa Housing Team, administer the Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (SPDAT) with clients who are experiencing housing instability.
- In consultation with E Fry Ottawa Community Counsellors, consult with community service providers to identify and prioritize clients interested in treatment and make appropriate referrals.
- Complete administrative paperwork as required.
Release/Discharge Support
- Work collaboratively with other E Fry Ottawa staff to offer pre-release planning, supportive counselling, and access to E Fry programs and services.
- Assist clients with applications for release to E Fry Ottawa residences (JF Norwood House, Lotus House, and Safe Bridge) as appropriate.
- Assist clients to access community-based programs, including mental health and substance use treatment providers, health care providers, housing, and other social supports.
- Using a strength-based, trauma-informed approach, engage clients in identifying their strengths to overcome barriers upon release.
Ongoing supports/responsibilities
- Attend and represent the Elizabeth Fry Society at weekly FIRM meetings and provide case management input to the correctional staff at OCDC.
- Keep up-to-date and accurate records (including logs, records, and statistical data) in accordance with the organization’s mandate and the requirements of the detention centre.
- Assist clients to connect with community resources, including legal professionals, friends, and family while ensuring compliance with court orders.
- Maintain effective liaison with other agencies, professionals, and the community to contribute to the success of the client’s reintegration and rehabilitation goals.
Other responsibilities
- Collaborate with other community agencies to share information, problem solve, identify emerging issues and trends, and coordinate services.
- Complete ongoing reporting to meet the requirements of the funder (Ministry of the Solicitor General) and E Fry Ottawa.
- Participate in case management meetings and other meetings as required.
- Complete other duties that may be assigned by the Manager, Community Programs and Services.
- Promote and deliver on the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
Qualifications
Required education and experience
- Experience and/or education equivalent to a post-secondary degree in social work, criminal justice, or a related field.
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience engaging and collaborating with vulnerable populations, specifically, women and gender-diverse folks who are involved in the criminal justice system.
- Experience using a range of assessment and case management tools or willingness to be trained to use these tools.
- Experience working with marginalized communities who face multiple barriers such as poverty, discrimination, criminalization, substance dependence, and mental health challenges.
- Have an updated clear Criminal Record Check working with a vulnerable population.
- Valid First Aid/CPR, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), and ASIST certification are considered an asset.
Required knowledge, capacity, and commitment
- A solid understanding and knowledge of the criminal justice system.
- A solid understanding of social factors which contribute to the criminalization of marginalized populations.
- An understanding of mental health and substance dependence issues, including knowledge of harm reduction strategies.
- Ability to cope with challenging situations and clients where there is the potential for confrontation, aggression, and/or exposure to violence.
- Strong interpersonal skills and crisis management skills which include resolution/de-escalation experience.
- Knowledge of community service organizations to assist clients with rehabilitation and reintegration, and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong motivational interviewing skills to support the creation of a releaseplan.
- Excellent personal and professional boundaries and sound self-care practices.
- High degree of resourcefulness, flexibility, and adaptability.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and French.
- Demonstrated organizational, leadership, and time management skills including the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $22.15 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Schedule:
Supplemental pay types:
- Overtime pay
- Retention bonus
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Ottawa, ON K1B 4C4: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2023-07-28
Apply
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