Victim and Witness Services Coordinator

Government of Saskatchewan; La Ronge; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic and challenging work

Vacation and leave

Inclusive work environments

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

The Government of Saskatchewan's Victim/Witness Services office in La Ronge is hiring a dedicated Victim/Witness Specialist for a permanent full-time role. You will assess, educate, and support victims and witnesses throughout the criminal court process, coordinating with Crown prosecutors and partner agencies.

Travel to the northeast region is expected, by car and airplane. A Bachelor of Social Work is required, with knowledge of the criminal justice system and victim trauma; Cree/Dene language

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system as it applies to criminal courts and procedures.
• Excellent communication skills to prepare adults and children for court.
• Ability to travel throughout the northeast region, by road and air.
• Knowledge of victim trauma, including grieving and impact on children and adults.

Responsibilities

• Performs assessments, evaluates needs of vulnerable victims/witnesses, and makes service recommendations.
• Plans and conducts interviews with diverse individuals to gather information and assess needs.
• Educates children and adults on court proceedings in an age-appropriate manner.
• Delivers information sessions and modules using language appropriate to the audience.
• Communicates information clearly to persuade, educate and gain support.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with agencies to meet client needs.

Skills

Accountability

Innovation

Team leadership

Communication

Adaptability

Outcomes-focused

Education

Bachelor of Social Work

Job description

The Government of Saskatchewan provides the services, programs and supports the people of Saskatchewan need. We deliver on the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth to build a strong economy, strong communities and strong families, ultimately building a stronger Saskatchewan. Dedicated to service excellence, we demonstrate innovation, collaboration and transparency, practice effective and accountable use of resources and promote engagement and leadership at all levels.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Ministry of Justice and Attorney General contributes to strong communities in Saskatchewan by protecting their rights and safety and ensuring fair and timely access to justice. The ministry provides a fair justice system that upholds the law and protects the rights of all individuals in Saskatchewan; promotes safe and secure communities; and provides legal and justice policy advice to government. The ministry vision is to ensure all Saskatchewan residents thrive in safe and fair communities.

ABOUT THE JOB

Applicants who previously applied to this competition are not required to reapply.

The Opportunity:

The Victims Services Branch is seeking a highly skilled, self-confident, assertive and disciplined individual to work in the La Ronge Victim/Witness Services office in a permanent full-time position reporting to the Manager, Victim/Witness Services in Meadow Lake.

As one of eight Victim/Witness Specialists in Saskatchewan, you will provide specialized court-based services to victims and witnesses of crime in the northeast region of the province, with a focus on children and other vulnerable witnesses. You will work co-operatively with Crown prosecutors and other agencies to assess, educate, assist, and support victims and witnesses during the criminal court process and identify the needs of victims to the courts. You will make presentations and provide training to professionals, volunteers, and the public in your region. You will also supervise one administrative support position.

To be successful in this competition, you will have developed your knowledge and skills typically through a Bachelor of Social Work degree and related working experience. Specifically, you must have knowledge of the criminal justice system as it applies to criminal court and court procedures and victim trauma, including the grieving process and the impact of victimization on children and adults. You must be able to work independently and have excellent communication skills to prepare adults and children for court. You must also be able to develop and facilitate information sessions and modules using language appropriate to the audience.

The ability to work flexible hours and to travel throughout the northeast region of Saskatchewan on a regular basis, both by automobile and by airplane, with the Provincial Court party is key to this position. The ability to speak Cree and/or Dene is an asset, but not necessary.

As the successful candidate, you must demonstrate good character to maintain the integrity of the justice system and the people it serves and ensure confidentiality within and outside of the place of work. You must have a valid driver's license.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs assessments, evaluates special needs of vulnerable child and adult victims/witnesses, and makes appropriate recommendations regarding services required or actions to be taken.
• Plans and conducts interviews with diverse individuals from all cultures, age groups, religions, genders, sexual orientations and socio-economic backgrounds who may display a broad range of emotions to gather and evaluate relevant information, assess capacities and the need for services.
• Educates children and adults on court proceedings and legal processes in a clear, age-appropriate manner and ensures they are well-prepared and confident when testifying in court.
• Assesses and evaluates special needs of vulnerable child and adult victims/witnesses to make appropriate recommendations regarding services required or actions to be taken;
• Thoroughly, clearly and using language at a level appropriate to the client, teaches court proceedings and processes to prepare children and adults to testify in court;
• Develops, delivers and facilitates clear and concise information sessions and educational modules using language appropriate to the audience;
• Verbally and in writing communicates information to a variety of individuals that persuades, convinces, builds support, educates and promotes understanding;
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships and works cooperatively with co-workers, criminal justice system personnel, community and government agencies and others to consistently meet program and client needs and make appropriate referrals;
• Guides and coaches an employee that results in a team that can meet its goals and objectives while maintaining a healthy and safe work environment that is free of discrimination; and
• Independently organizes duties, determines and adjusts priorities for self and others to complete tasks and meet deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS

Job Capabilities:

In this leadership and supervisory role, we are seeking someone who:

• Holds themselves and others accountable for delivering on work expectations.
• Demonstrates innovation and supports their team to identify, iterate, and implement new solutions.
• Brings people together in a collaborative manner and builds relationships that deliver desired outcomes.
• Is inclusive, promotes, supports, and enables belonging, encourages diversity, and values all contributions.
• Is adaptable, anticipates the impact of change, models agility, and supports their team through ambiguity.
• Is outcomes-focused, enables their team to meet or exceed established goals, and balances longer term objectives with tactical execution.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

You will have knowledge of:

• Child growth and development and family dynamics;
• Social work practices and principles;
• The criminal justice system with particular emphasis on criminal courts, and court processes; and
• Victim trauma including grieving process and the impact of victimization on children and adults.

You will be:

• Organized, self-motivated, creative, adaptable and flexible in order to work with and meet the unique needs of clientele;
• Confident, open minded and nonjudgmental in order to respond without prejudice when advocating the needs of victims; and
• Child focused, caring, supportive, empathetic and patient in order to meet client needs in a timely and conscientious manner.

Job Skills:

• Critical Thinking (Level B)
• Interacting with Others (Level C)
• Navigating Ambiguity (Level B)
• Managing Self (Level B)
• Health, Safety and Wellness (Level C)
• Influence (Level B)
• Political and Organizational Awareness (Level A)
• Managing Organizational Resources (Level B)

Learn more about the Government of Saskatchewan's Capabilities and Skills Framework here.

What We Offer:

• Dynamic and challenging work
• Vacation, scheduled days off, and other types of leave
• Inclusive work environments
• Career growth, development, and advancement opportunities

Our Commitment to Excellence:

The Government of Saskatchewan upholds deep-rooted values of Respect and Integrity, Serving Citizens, Excellence and Innovation, and Acting as One Team.