Indigenous Victim Family Liaison

 SCOPE:

The Indigenous Victim and Family Liaison (IVFL) is to provide support and guidance to the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women. In addition, the IVFL will provide a full range of individual advocacy and support to Indigenous women who have been victimized and experienced various forms of abuse.

 QUALIFICATIONS: 

• A minimum college diploma in Social Work, Criminology, Indigenous Learning or equivalent with a minimum of three (3) years work experience in advocacy or related field.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, specific experience as advocate an asset.
• Advocacy work on behalf of Community Members, including referral to local service agencies.
• Experience tracking and reporting statistical information.
• Crisis support, guidance and referral skills.
• Knowledge and working of Not-For Profit Organizations.
• Demonstrated organizational, time management and presentation skills with the ability to follow through on assigned duties independently within strict deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communications, with emphasis on keen listening and ability to effectively interpret verbal communications and needs of prospective Community Members.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office; competency working with other databases.
• Experience working with Indigenous Peoples, knowledge of Indigenous cultures and traditions.
• Knowledge and understanding of current issues facing Indigenous Women and their families.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability to speak an Indigenous Language is considered an asset.
• Current vulnerable sector criminal records check.
• Must be dependable, able to follow instructions, respond to management direction and be able to improve performance through management feedback
• Cultural competency:
• Experience working with Indigenous organizations an asset
• Experience working with Indigenous communities with a working knowledge of Indigenous cultures and traditions.

 RESPONSIBILITIES - SPECIFIC: 

1. Ensure that program eligibility criteria are met.
2. Assist Community Members with goal setting and development of plans of care.
3. Meet with women and their families through person-to-person, voice-to-voice, email, social media and other interactions, which may occur in the home, community or neighborhood locations.
4. Act as an advocate for Community Members engaged in the justice system including but not limited to attending court, liaising with police and child welfare engagement.
5. Provide Community Member supports as appropriate to individual situation as outlined in orientation and training. Report on the provision of these supports.
6. Facilitate access to other service agencies for women and their families who have been victimized and experienced various forms of abuse. Some of the resources and supports may include:
7. Housing supports;
8. Education resources;
9. Employment services and training;
10. Life skills training (e.g. financial management, household management);
11. Health and mental health services; and
12. Legal services.

Foster communication and linkages with community agencies/organizations to improve access and mitigate barriers to services for women and their families. Facilitate workshop of healthy living, esteem, healthy relationships, cultural identity, and other related topics. Services will be:

1. Reflective of and responsive to individual needs.
2. Culturally appropriate.
3. Accountable to the individual and community.
4. Sensitive to the social, linguistic and cultural diversity of women and their families.
5. Staffed by individuals with the appropriate range of skills and abilities necessary to respond effectively to the needs of women and their families.
6. Based on the individual's assessed needs and preferences, and available individual, agency, community and contracted Ministry resources.

Incorporate the traditional Indigenous culture into all programming and services provided to the Indigenous women and their families.   Other duties as assigned.

 RESPONSIBILITIES - GENERAL: 

1. Culture - Takes personal responsibility to increase sensitivity, awareness and implementation of ONWA's cultural teachings and organizational practices in both professional conduct and work-related deliverables.
2. Support and work towards the overall aims and objectives of the ONWA.
3. Adhere to all policies and procedures

 RESPONSIBILITIES - ADMINISTRATIVE: 

1. Complete monthly and submit to Director when required
2. Complete quarterly reports on or before the requested due date
3. Complete reports to funders as required
4. Complete and attend supervisions with Director on a regular basis
5. Other reports or admin as assigned.

 RESPONSIBILITIES - PUBLIC RELATIONS: 

1.      Promote the program within the community

2.      To adhere to professionalism is representing the organization at all times and maintain good communications.

 STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE: 

1.      Adhere to the Policies and Procedures as set by the ONWA

2.      Representation on committees as required for the enhancement and benefits of ONWA's programs.

3.      To network and promote ONWA and all ONWA related programs.  Adhere to professionalism at all times and maintain good communication.

4.      Maintain professionalism at all times.

1. The completion of functions outlined in the description and the achievement of goals set to a high level.
2. Attendance and conduct at work according to the requirements of the Association's Personnel Policy.
3. Adherence to the Code of Ethics, and positive relationship building.

AUTHORITY:  

To execute the functions outlined in this job description.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

 The Indigenous Victim and Family Liaison will be directly accountable to the Program Manager of Services for the proper completion of the functions outlined in the job description.