Manager, VWAP Des

Ontario Public Service Leadership | Leadership dans la fonction publique de l’Ontario; Brockville, Eastern Ontario, L'Orignal; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The East Region Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) within the Ontario Public Service seeks a collaborative, people-focused leader to guide a multi-site team delivering trauma-informed, client-centered services to victims and witnesses. This role includes mentoring staff, fostering inclusion, and advancing service excellence across three offices in Brockville, Cornwall, and L’Orignal.

As VWAP Manager, you will partner with justice sector and community stakeholders, oversee daily operations,

Qualifications

• Superior ability for oral and written communication in French.
• Leadership and team development: experience coaching staff in a service-focused environment.
• Stakeholder relations: ability to build partnerships with justice sector and community groups.
• Sound judgement and decision-making in sensitive or high-pressure environments.
• Operational and program management: govern delivery, resources, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop high-performing teams delivering client-centered services.
• Build strong community and justice sector partnerships.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership across regional programs.
• Navigate complex and sensitive situations with integrity.
• Champion service excellence and continuous improvement.
• Manage regional programs and resources in line with ministry policies.

Job description

The East Region Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) is seeking a collaborative and people-focused leader who is passionate about supporting teams that make a meaningful difference in the lives of victims and witnesses. As the VWAP Manager, you will lead a dedicated group of professionals across multiple communities, fostering an environment of inclusion, accountability, and continuous learning. This is an opportunity to mentor and develop staff, champion service excellence, and create a workplace culture where employees feel supported, engaged, and empowered to deliver compassionate, client-centered services during some of the most challenging moments in a person's life.

In this dynamic leadership role, you will build and maintain strong partnerships with justice sector and community stakeholders across a diverse service area, ensuring effective collaboration in support of victims and witnesses. Success will require sound judgement, the ability to navigate complex and sensitive situations, and the leadership presence to balance operational priorities with strategic objectives. If you are a relationship-builder who can foster trust while maintaining professional boundaries, adapt to the unique needs of different communities, and lead through change with confidence and integrity, we encourage you to bring your skills and experience to the East Region VWAP team. As this position serves bilingual communities across the region, candidates must possess superior oral and written French language skills and be able to communicate effectively in both official languages.

The successful candidate may select their primary work location from one of three office locations; however, regular travel to and presence at all three sites is required to effectively support staff, stakeholders, and service delivery across the region. Office locations are located in Brockville (41 Court House Square), Cornwall (216-218 Pitt Street), and L'Orignal (59 Court Street).

Leadership That Makes a Difference

At its core, leadership in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) is about creating positive change for people and communities across Ontario. We're looking for leaders who are authentic, accountable, and courageous. People who bring others together, ask bold questions, and lead with purpose.

About the job

We believe great leadership starts with high standards and strong support. In the OPS, that means showing up with authenticity, acting with integrity, and having the courage to do what's right.

As a leader, you'll shape a team culture that sparks innovation, supports collaboration, and champions inclusion. You'll help build a workplace that is diverse, anti-racist, and accessible, where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to thrive.

You won't be doing it alone. We invest in our leaders through mentorship, learning opportunities, and cross-ministry networks that help you grow your impact and connect with peers across the organization.

Leadership is about impact, and in this role, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful one. You will:

• Lead and Develop High-Performing Teams by providing coaching, guidance, and performance management to staff while fostering an inclusive, engaged, and accountable workplace culture focused on delivering exceptional service to victims and witnesses.
• Build Strong Community and Justice Sector Partnerships by collaborating with courts, police services, Crown attorneys, Indigenous partners, community organizations, and other stakeholders to support effective and coordinated service delivery across the region.
• Provide Strategic and Operational Leadership by overseeing daily program operations, setting priorities, allocating resources, and ensuring services are responsive to the needs of clients, communities, and stakeholders.
• Navigate Complex and Sensitive Situations by exercising sound judgement and making informed decisions on matters involving vulnerable clients, workplace issues, service challenges, and other time-sensitive situations.
• Champion Service Excellence and Continuous Improvement by monitoring program performance, identifying opportunities to enhance services, implementing best practices, and supporting innovation to improve client outcomes.
• Manage Regional Programs and Resources by overseeing financial, administrative, and operational responsibilities while ensuring compliance with ministry policies, service standards, and organizational objectives.

Your ability to align your team's efforts with broader organizational goals will be key to your success, and to the success of the people we serve.

Meet Your New Team

The East Region Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) plays a critical role in supporting victims and witnesses as they navigate the criminal justice system, providing compassionate, trauma-informed services that help individuals feel informed, supported, and safe throughout the court process. Serving diverse communities across Eastern Ontario, the program works closely with Crown Attorneys, police services, Indigenous partners, court staff, and community agencies to deliver timely assistance, crisis support, referrals, and court preparation for individuals affected by crime.

The East Region VWAP is recognized for its strong culture of collaboration, community partnership, and client-centered service delivery. With offices serving communities in Brockville and Cornwall, including areas supported by multiple police services and justice sector partners, the team is committed to building trusted relationships and ensuring responsive support tailored to local needs. This is a rewarding environment for leaders who are passionate about public service, value meaningful stakeholder engagement, and are motivated by the opportunity to lead teams that make a lasting impact on the lives of victims and witnesses.

What you bring to the team

Mandatory:

Superior ability for oral and written communication in French.

Leadership and Team Development:

• Experience leading, mentoring, coaching, and supporting staff in a service-focused environment.
• Demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive, respectful, and accountable workplace culture.
• Ability to provide clear direction, manage performance, and support employee growth and development.
• Proven leadership presence with the ability to establish professional boundaries while building trust and engagement within small teams.

Stakeholder Relations and Community Partnership Building:

• Experience developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with justice sector partners, community organizations, Indigenous partners, and service providers.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to influence, negotiate, and build consensus across multiple groups.
• Experience representing an organization and addressing stakeholder needs within diverse communities.

Sound Judgement and Decision-Making:

• Ability to assess complex situations, identify risks, and make informed decisions in sensitive or high-pressure environments.
• Experience handling confidential information with professionalism, discretion, and integrity.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and unexpected challenges.
• Ability to provide guidance and support on complex client, staff, and operational issues while maintaining a client-centered approach.

Operational and Program Management:

• Experience overseeing program delivery, operations, or service areas to ensure quality and effective outcomes.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and prioritize resources across multiple locations or teams.
• Experience monitoring performance, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing operational enhancements.
• Knowledge of financial, administrative, and reporting processes to support effective program management and accountability.

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