Youth Justice Worker

Role Summary

The goal of the Youth Justice Navigator (YJN) is to assist youth in conflict with the law navigate through the justice system. Responsibilities include providing support to youth to attend probation appointments, legal appointments, and court hearings. The YJN will work to support the development of essential life skills, in collaboration with other organizations and individuals in the youth's network, to address barriers to optimal mental health and to strengthen emotional regulation.

By providing wraparound support, the Justice Program aims to reduce recidivism and criminal offenses while also improving life skills, develop an understanding of past offenses, improve participant’s health and lifestyle choices, address underlying mental health concerns and challenges, and address any issues with addictions by developing meaningful mentorship relationships with youth offenders.

Responsibilities

Programming

• Work with the Justice Program Manager to create and implement programming for youth in conflict with the law
• Provide support to youth in the Justice Program by demonstrating necessary life skills as accountability for youth depends on the nature of the barriers they face being in the society.
• Maintain consistent communication and a role and age appropriate relationship with at-risk youth in an informal social context.

Justice System

• The Justice Program Manager will provide required confidential legal information regarding an assigned youth at-risk, including profiles, case background, and schedules related to justice system (e.g., next court date)
• Provide necessary transportation and assistance to attend various justice related appointments including any legal, medical, police, probation or court related appointments
• While escorting and supporting youth through the justice system, the YJN works to ensure the youth understand what is happening in the here and now and what can potentially happen in the future: the Justice navigator simplifies the language used in court to help the youth better understand what is expected of them
• Help youth complete any required forms, assessments or applications
• Provide access to a phone when needed if they do not have one of their own
• Maintain availability to respond to emergency calls from police officers. This could happen at any time, especially if the youth is arrested
• Provided supporting and information to the family, caregivers, and/or the youth’s support network, to increase their capacity to support the youth
• Community advocacy and training for justice professionals to provide better practices in working with youth who have FASD in the criminal justice system. This will improve justice system navigation for youth with FASD.

Reporting and Training

• Provide regular updates to the Justice Program Manager regarding activities, incidents, and events during any justice system appointments, and during programs as per required
• Participate in scheduled staff meetings, and one on one meetings with the Justice Program Manager
• Participate in on-the-job training, regular online updates and live training throughout the year to improve practice and offer improved services to the youth at-risk in the program
• Attend community training sessions and events, when available, that are relevant to community wellness, youth, and FASD

Transferrable Skills

• Cultural sensitivity
• Understanding different circumstances youth might encounter in the community at large
• Creative problem solving & conflict resolution
• Ability to multi-task & manage time
• Organized & efficient
• Emotional intelligence & active listening

Qualifications

• Minimum of 19 years of age (required)
• High School Completion Certifcate or equivalent (required)
• Effective communication skills necessary to confidently communicate with youth, co-workers, supervisors, community members and professionals, law enforcement, government employees, court workers, etc. (required)
• Experience working with at-risk youth (asset)
• Experience working with children and youth with FASD (asset)
• Experience working with children and youth with trauma, cognitive disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and mental health illnesses (asset)
• A level of understanding of Northwest Territories history, including the impact of colonization and residential schools (asset/training provided)
• Valid Driver’s license (required)

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $32.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Yellowknife, NT X1A 1S1 (required)

Work Location: In person