Victim Advocate Caseworker

Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre is seeking a Victim Advocate Caseworker to support crime victims and encourage active participation in restorative justice circle processes at the centre. The role includes preparing clients for restorative justice and offering ongoing, culturally informed support.

You will work with an interdisciplinary team to plan, implement, and coordinate services that respect confidentiality and Indigenous community needs, including flexible hours as required.

Qualifications

• Preferred diploma or equivalent in Social Services, Justice, or relevant human service field.
• Minimum of 3 years work experience in a justice services environment.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture and experience with Indigenous persons; awareness of northern cultural context.

Responsibilities

• Provide clients, who are victims of crime, with support and encourage participation in restorative justice circle process.
• Prepare clients for the restorative justice process and provide ongoing support.
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team to plan, implement, and coordinate culturally relevant services.

Skills

Counselling skills

Crisis intervention

Time management

Communication skills

Education

Diploma in Social Services / Justice or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database applications

Job description

The Victim Advocate Caseworker’s primary responsibility is to provide clients, who are victims of crime, with support and encourage active participation in the restorative justice circle process within the Friendship Centre. The Victim Advocate Caseworker will prepare clients for the restorative justice process and will provide ongoing support. Frequent and consistent follow up with the client will be required, as well as collaboration within an interdisciplinary team to plan, implement, and coordinate culturally relevant services and supports.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preferred diploma or equivalent in Social Services, Justice, or relevant human service field and/or minimum of 3 years work experience in a justice services environment.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture and experience working with Indigenous persons; understanding of the northern cultural environment, with particular emphasis on family violence, child welfare, incarceration, the impacts of trauma, engagement and community outreach; knowledge of an Indigenous language(s) will be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of the judicial system, Criminal Code, and other related statutes and related court decisions regarding Indigenous persons. Knowledge of sentencing principles, alternative measures and restorative justice principles. Experience in Restorative Justice and Conflict Resolution is an asset.
• Group facilitation, team building and decision-making skills; ability to problem solve and take initiative.
• Self-motivated individual able to work with minimal supervision in a team-oriented setting.
• Excellent case and file management, stress management and time management skills; meet deadlines.
• Ability to engage people to build trust and rapport; effective verbal and listening communication skills; excellent interviewing and counselling skills.
• Effective crisis intervention skills; ability to provide individual support and advocacy.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including database applications.
• Must have a valid Ontario Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends.
• A clear Vulnerable Sector Clearance is a condition of employment.
• Must have a valid Ontario Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

Submission Date: Monday November 23, 2026

The Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre is an equal opportunity employer.

Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process.

Miigwetch to all who apply, however only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted