Restorative Healing Advocate

Southern Chiefs’ Organization; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional First Nation organization in Manitoba is seeking a Restorative Healing Advocate to empower victims through a trauma-informed approach. The role involves case management, facilitating workshops, and collaborating with community justice workers. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in criminal justice, excellent communication skills, and the ability to apply culturally holistic methods. A valid driver's license and satisfactory background checks are required for this role.

Qualifications

• Two years' experience in case management within criminal justice.
• Knowledge of the judicial system and restorative justice principles.
• Experience with victim services or similar programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management for referred files.
• Build supportive relationships with clients.
• Organize trauma-informed workshops for victims.

Skills

Case management

Excellent communication skills

Networking

Trauma-informed approach

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or Indigenous studies

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Community Justice Manager, the Restorative Healing Advocate (RHA) works closely with victims where criminal charges have been diverted through restorative justice. This may include those who have been impacted by intimate partner violence and/or family violence. The RHA helps empower victims through a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach with wrap-around support services and culturally holistic programming. The RHA may also provide support and advocacy outside the diversion process, by assisting and supporting victims throughout the criminal justice system such as attending court, parole board hearings, or mediations.

This position is located in either Brandon or Dauphin and will require travel to various SCO member First Nations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide case management for all files that are referred to the program
• Establish a solid working relationship with clients
• Establish a supportive healing plan that fits the client’s needs
• Offer one-on-one counseling to clients, using a broad, inclusive perspective and applying culturally holistic methods and interventions
• Provide trauma-informed, victim-centered workshops, tailored to crime specific circumstances (i.e. IPV, bullying, etc.)
• Facilitate culturally holistic programming such as justice circle processes
• Work closely with the Community Justice Workers and Community Justice Committees to allow for victim input and ensure accountability is taken
• Present referrals to the Community Justice Committees from the victim’s perspective
• Collaborate with other SCO staff, such as First Nation Court Workers, Mobile Crisis Unit, MMIWG2S+, etc.
• Travel to SCO member First Nations, circuit court locations, and/or correctional institutions
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of high school diploma is required; a diploma or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or Indigenous studies and counseling certifications are considered an asset. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Minimum two years’ experience providing case management and advocacy within the criminal justice system
• Knowledge and understanding of the judicial system, the Criminal Code of Canada, court procedures, restorative justice, mediation services, and legal terminology
• Experience facilitating and coordinating community-based programs
• Demonstrated success in networking, relationship building, and cultivating trusted relationships with clients, collaterals, First Nation communities and their leaders or key stakeholders
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience working in the justice or legal field such as victim services, probation services, First Nation restorative justice or court services
• Experience communicating with clients using a trauma-informed process that is non-judgmental and empathetic
• Ability to be organized, detailed oriented, and take initiative where appropriate
• Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative team environment
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to adapt to each client’s circumstances and availability
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
• Ability to speak Dakota or Anishinaabemowin language an asset
• Counselling experience is considered an asset

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must provide a current and satisfactory criminal record check with vulnerable sector search and a current and clear Child Abuse Registry check
• A valid class 5 MB driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle for business travel

WAGE RANGE: $55,000 – $60,000 Annually

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Tuesday, January 20 th , 2026, at 4:00 PM CST

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources

Southern Chiefs’ Organization

202-600 Empress Street

Winnipeg, MB R3G 0L5

Fax: [phone] | [e-mail]

Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates. Please self-identify in your cover letter.

Proof of education will be required at the point of hire where an incumbent has graduated from a relevant program.

Please note that SCO does not offer hybrid/remote work options unless specifically stated.

Testing may form part of the selection process.

An eligibility list may be created for similar positions and will remain in effect for up to six months.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contact for further consideration.