Justice Navigator

WIN HOUSE; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

WIN House is seeking a Justice Navigator to support women and non-binary individuals impacted by gender-based violence. You will build trauma-informed relationships, assess needs, and connect clients with housing, healthcare, employment services, and legal resources.

You will also accompany clients to court and navigate legal processes with compassion and boundary-setting. The role requires a degree in social work, legal studies, or related field and experience serving vulnerable populations.

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly those affected by domestic violence and navigating legal systems.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches and confidential record-keeping.
• Ability to communicate clearly, advocate for clients, and collaborate with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Build supportive, empathetic, and non-judgmental relationships with women and non-binary individuals impacted by gender-based violence; provide guidance and referrals for mental wellness and other needs.
• Conduct client-centered assessments; identify support systems, strengths, and goals; develop personalized service plans.
• Provide information and connect clients to housing, healthcare, employment services, and legal assistance.
• Collaborate with diverse populations, including Indigenous communities and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals; ensure inclusive service delivery.

Skills

Trauma-informed practices

Legal navigation

Communication

Advocacy

Independent work

Driver's license

Education

Degree in social work, legal studies, or related field

Job description

• Build supportive, empathetic, and non-judgmental relationships with women and non-binary individuals impacted by gender-based violence, providing guidance and referrals for mental wellness, addictions, and other needs.
• Conduct client-centered assessments, identifying support systems, strengths, and both short-term and long-term goals, while developing personalized service plans.
• Provide information and connect clients to community resources such as housing, healthcare, employment services, and legal assistance.
• Work collaboratively with diverse populations, including marginalized ethnocultural groups, LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals, and clients with physical or mental disabilities.

Legal Navigation and Court Support:

• Offer guidance and education on the legal systems, including criminal, family, and child protection laws, helping clients understand their rights and the procedures involved.
• Guide clients through the legal paperwork process by clarifying which forms are relevant while maintaining clear boundaries to avoid offering legal advice.
• Assist clients with preparing for court appearances, providing emotional and logistical support during these processes.
• Accompany clients to legal appointments, court hearings, and other justice-related engagements, ensuring they feel confident and informed throughout.
• Advocate on behalf of clients during legal processes, ensuring their voices are heard and their legal needs are addressed sensitively.

Safety Planning and Crisis Intervention:

• Develop and revise safety plans in collaboration with clients to ensure their safety and security.
• Provide crisis intervention and problem-solving support, helping clients navigate critical situations and avoid re-traumatization.
• Conduct danger and risk assessments in a sensitive, trauma-informed manner.

Trauma-Informed Support and Referrals:

• Maintain a trauma-informed approach to avoid re-victimizing clients and create a safe, supportive environment.
• Facilitate access to specialized services, including mental health counseling, addiction services, and culturally relevant practices, particularly for Indigenous clients.
• Facilitate regular support groups for clients impacted by GBV and other forms of trauma, providing a space for emotional support, shared experiences, and resource sharing.

Program Coordination and Administration:

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of client interactions, including case notes, referrals, and outcomes.
• Participate in regular case management and evaluation meetings, providing insights and feedback to improve service delivery.
• Collaborate with other staff members, including case managers, crisis intervention workers, and external partners, to ensure integrated and seamless support for clients.

Community Engagement and Resource Building:

• Stay current on low-barrier, trauma-informed practices and community resources related to family violence, homelessness, mental health, and legal support.
• Develop partnerships with legal professionals, court staff, and community organizations to strengthen support networks for clients including establishing legal clinics and educational workshops

Safety and Confidentiality:

• Always ensure the confidentiality and security of client information, adhering to organizational policies and legal requirements.
• Report whereabouts and check-ins with supervisors when conducting home visits or working alone in the community to ensure safety.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Education:

• A degree in social work, legal studies, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience in outreach and legal navigation will be considered.

Experience:

• Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly those affected by domestic violence, gender-based violence and navigating legal systems.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practices and legal navigation.
• Excellent communication, empathy, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Autonomy

• Decisions affect those involved on a specific job, and at times, the entire agency
• Duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed
• Decisions consistently affect clients, the shelter, and at times, may affect the work performed in one or more shelters
• Must comply with all regulations and WIN House Policy

The Justice Navigator will work in both office and community settings, including courts, legal offices, and community resource centers. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Physical Demands

• Involves sitting, computer use, walking, and standing on a regular basis
• Ability to climb stairs, kneel, bend, reach, and stoop
• Pushes, pulls, lifts (up to 30 pounds), physical activity related to the regular cleaning of equipment and supplies
• Interacts with clients, children of clients, team members, visitors, government agencies/personnel under all circumstances, which may include traumatic situations such as violence and/or verbal escalation

WIN House will accommodate as required under applicable human rights legislation.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

WIN House is committed to making diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging central to how we deliver services, support our employees, and build our teams. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the individuals, families, and communities we serve and encourage applications from qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds, identities, abilities, cultures, and lived experiences, including women, Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized communities, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and other equity-deserving groups.

Land Acknowledgement

WIN House operates in several locations throughout Amiswacîwâskahikan, on Treaty 6 territory — the traditional and ancestral territory and gathering place of diverse Indigenous peoples, including the Papaschase, Cree, Nakota Sioux, Dene, Ojibway, and many others, and the homeland of the Métis Nation.