CASEWORKER, Wewena ngiiwemaa Program

Dedicated leader providing hope and help to women and girls at risk.

EFry Hope and Help for Women empowers women and girls through a trauma-informed, inclusive, and gender responsive lens. Our client-focused approach strengthens emotional, cultural and social well-being through prevention, support, reintegration, and advocacy.

CASEWORKER, Wewena ngiiwemaa Program

Full time, 40 hrs per week

The Wewena ngiiwemaa Caseworker will provide a continuum of care for Indigenous women exiting out of the Vanier Centre with community reintegration planning and support, including assistance with community reintegration planning, liaising with Indigenous communities and Elders for additional supports as required, and expanding on discharge and reintegration services with a specific focus on personally and directly connecting Indigenous women to culturally responsive service providers. The Wewena ngiiwemaa Caseworker will support Indigenous women from the pre-discharge, discharge to stabilization with flexible operating hours. The Wewena ngiiwemaa Caseworker will provide a strong mentoring relationship and encourage safe and healthy decision- making, nurtures independence and skill development, and provide connections and referrals to community resources required for successful reintegration. The Wewena ngiiwemaa Caseworker will work specifically (collaboratively) with the Community Organizations and Probation Services in providing a coordinated approach that will ensure a greater impact.

The Wewena ngiiwemaa Caseworker’s main objective is to assist Indigenous women exiting Vanier Centre for Women in their successful reintegration into the community by providing culturally relevant services and activities aimed at promoting Indigenous healing and wellness. The Wewena ngiiwemaa Caseworker addresses the unique needs of Indigenous women within the “healing continuum” through support and services that promote healthy functioning with all aspects of their lives and their communities.

Role & Responsibilities

· Provide one-on-one client support, case management and counselling, and acts as an advocate with emphasis placed on developing appropriate resources, connections to community supports and services.

· Serve as liaison between the Agency and women exiting out of Vanier Centre through connecting with Discharge Planners at within the Provincial Institutions. Provide information and support to accused persons and their families before, during and subsequent to court proceedings where appropriate

· Provide Indigenous women’s cultural programming where there are gaps in delivery of such programming including providing support to the Native Institutional Liaison Officer (NILO) in the delivery of Indigenous core programs specific to Indigenous women (such as Understanding the Journey.)

· With the emphasis on accessibility within their home or chosen community.

· Ensure that the confidentiality of all client records and information is maintained and that the privacy rights of the client are protected.

· Keeps abreast of trends, community resources and developments in the profession by participating in workshops, conferences, and continued professional development.

· Assist clients with safety planning

· Provide strong case management, co-ordination and crisis intervention through submitting regular reports and statistics pertaining to programs, activities and clients to Manager or designate as required

· Facilitation of the provision of traditional ceremonies including but not limited to healing circles, smudging and drumming, and traditional teachings as it relates to reintegration and discharge planning

Education and Experience

· Thorough understanding of Indigenous history and inter-generational trauma and issues that Indigenous women face (family violence and survivors of past traumas.)

· A degree and/or diploma in a related field with experience working with vulnerable populations (or equivalent life experience)

· Knowledge of the Vanier Centre for Women and demonstrated awareness of relevant legislation including but not limited to the Canadian Criminal Code, Family Law and Ontario Gladue Factors, and the Child and Family Services Act

· Knowledge of community resources and services

· The ability to maintain and encourage confident assessment, and counselling skills in order to effectively interact with clients using a trauma-informed approach

· Practical knowledge and experience administering gender specific and responsive programming

· Excellent planning and time/case management skills

· Ability to work independently, and as a team player

· Must possess a valid Ontario driver’s license in good standing and have use of a vehicle with appropriate insurance

· Valid First Aid/ CPR certification, Provide Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC), within the last 6 months

· Full vaccination against COVID-19, and willing to provide proof

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit resume and cover letter outlining how they meet the specific requirements of the position to [email protected]. Please include the reference number #WN25 to the subject line when applying.

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note that the selected candidate will be required to submit proof of vaccination, as well as a CPIC and/or Vulnerable Sector Search prior to the commencement of the position and adhere to security requirements requested by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

EFry is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage applicants’ representative of those we serve. We welcome people apply with non-traditional educational backgrounds and field experience.

Upon request, accommodation for applications with disabilities is available. If you are applying for this position and require accommodation, indicate this on your cover letter and we will work with you to meet your needs.