Community Safety & Justice Coordinator

Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to providing direct support, advocacy, and guidance to clients involved in the criminal justice system. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking Community Safety & Justice Coordinator to join our team, working collaboratively to assist clients, offer practical help, and complete referrals to support their healing path.

Under the direction of the Program Manager of Families and Wellness, the Community Safety & Justice Coordinator assists clients involved at various criminal justice system stages, such as local police, corrections Canada, victim’s services, parole services. The Community Safety & Justice Coordinator will also engage in community relations activities to support clients and the community. This position will support the implementation of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy and the goal of autonomy and self-determination for Indigenous people involved in the criminal justice system. The work will vary depending on the clients’ particular needs and based on referral goals. Challenges can include (but won’t be limited to) drug and alcohol abuse, involvement with corrections, housing and financial difficulties and instability along with intellectual deficits and/or mental health issues.

Work that matters 

Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values First Nations knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members.

Become a part of our team and help us continue making meaningful impacts every day.

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Benefits and perks 

• Extended health and dental benefits,


• Accrued vacation and sick time,


• Pension plan with matching employer contributions,


• Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement


• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team


• Equitable hourly rates


• Casual dress code
  

What you'll do 

• Accepts referrals for medium to high-risk adults and youth involved in various stages of the criminal justice system.
  


• Monitor and track client progress through the justice system and ensure follow-up on any necessary actions, such as attending court dates or meeting with legal professionals.
  


• Provides direct service to individuals to assist them in relevant areas; meets with clients, clients' families, along with a variety of community practitioners, and/or justice partners to establish the
  collective goals and plan for the service period.
  


• Ensure that services are conducted to promote and ensure the safety of all clients and the community.
  


• Recognizes potential client crises, analyzes circumstances and dynamics with sound judgment, develops strategies to deal with emergencies and unusual incidents, documents unusual incidents and informs all individuals and agencies as necessary. Where and when appropriate, integrates culture, teachings and traditions into all resource/program referrals and recommendations.
  


• Assist clients with navigating court processes, connecting with legal aid, and understanding their rights.
  


• Attend court hearings with clients as a support person when necessary.
  


• Conduct community outreach to raise awareness about restorative justice principles and available resources.
  


• Meets regularly with Direct Supervisor to assess case progress, intervention effectiveness and debrief; keeps them informed of caseload and outcomes. At times, will be expected to attend and participate in client case conference sessions.
  


• Maintains up to date client files on applicable caseload.


• Researches and develops information and programing related to the promotion and maintenance of safe and healthy community with a focus on justice. Documents viable options which might be implemented in the community or through various programs.
  


• Networks and liaises with various staff from partnering legal agencies, maintain close working relationships with local police, Crown Counsel, Legal Aid, BC Corrections, MCFD, Youth Justice, and other applicable agencies.
  


• As requested, collaborates on the enforcement banishments, and monitoring of Lands Code laws.
  


• May assist in setting up appointments and providing transportation when necessary to help individuals access community resources relating to the service goals.

Other Duties 

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
  

What you bring 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree in human services, criminology, social work, or a related field. We also recognize and value cultural knowledge and experience gained through other forms of education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
  


• At least 5 years of relevant experience working within Indigenous communities, working within the justice system.
  


• Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
  


• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
  


• Experience working with adults or youth dealing with any of the following: family issues, criminal justice issues, substance use, behavioral problems, mental health issues.

Working / Special Conditions 

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
  


• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
  


• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively transport clients, students, or children.
  


• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

Preferred:

• First Nations candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.


• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.


• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.


• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.


• Excellent writing, editing, charting and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to show empathy, patience and understanding to build good working relationships with clients who may be hostile.
  


• Develop and maintain respectful, cooperative working relationships with clients, their families, communities, and service workers to promote integrated, seamless service delivery.

Cultural Competency:

• In-depth knowledge of Canadian colonial impacts on Indigenous people in social and health contexts, supported by significant knowledge of Canadian and First Nations ideologies, including understanding of Indigenous cultural safety, cultural humility, Indigenous-specific racism, and anti-racism.
  


• Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Site Report (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), and Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls calls for justice, and how they intersect across the health care system.

Reports to:  Program Manager of Families and Wellness

How to apply

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email [email protected].

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to justice work. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Pre-Employment Screening 

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.