Job Description: Provincial Director of Indigenous Justice Centres
Reporting: This position will report to the Executive Director
Location: Westbank or any of our Indigenous Justice Centre physical locations
Hours: Full-time (35 hours / week); Mondays to Fridays
ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:
In partnership with both the provincial and federal governments, the BC First Nations Justice Council has been entrusted with the mandate to transform the justice system to create better outcomes for Indigenous people through the implementation of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy.
We are a rapidly growing and dedicated team that is located across the province, some working in offices and some working remotely. We take our mandate seriously but also strive for a balanced, caring work environment that is respectful and supportive.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Provincial Direct reports to the Executive Director of BCFNJC and oversees IJC center and program development and implementation in British Columbia. The IJC’s will be supported by four provincial leadership roles, with the Provincial Director being one of those four. Provincial leadership roles will help ensure successful implementation of the Indigenous Justice Strategy as components are completed and funding is made available. These roles will also oversee the day-to-day administration of the IJC’s to ensure sustainability and continuity required to make systemic changes to BC’s justice and child welfare systems.
The Provincial Director leads the development of program standards and establishes collaboration with key provincial First Nations organizations including Urban Indigenous Communities and Justice system officials (courts, crown counsel, Ministry staff).
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides leadership, direction, and supervision to the 3 Provincial Leadership Roles responsible for strategic and tactical advice and expertise on the direction and impacts of programs, resources and priorities in the Indigenous service stream.
- The Provincial Director is accountable for budget preparation and managing all aspects of human resources, including performance measures and evaluations related to the implementation of the IJC’s and the Indigenous Justice Strategy.
- Leads and manages the development of new or modified policies, programs or services related to Indigenous Justice Centers. Leads the Analysis of policies and practices from other First Nations organizations, provincial national and international jurisdictions and recommends the integration of findings into program plans and projects as relates to Indigenous Justice Centers.
- Leads the development and implementation of service evaluations, performance measures, and accountability frameworks. Provides leadership for the development of program outcome measurement tools to assist with evaluation of province wide service and provides qualitative and quantitative program outcome reports to ensure that best model of services are funded and in place with the right cultural sensitivities to address the various issues faced by those who are receiving services.
- Responsible for establishing and managing the complaints process related to the provision of community-based information and support to indigenous communities through the IJC’s.
- Provides professional advice and consultation to First Nations organizations, Indigenous Justice Branch, the Ministry of Attorney General and other Indigenous service providers on issues especially as they apply to Indigenous service delivery.
- Acts as lead spokesperson on issues related to the BCFNJC IJC’s as required.
- Monitors Indigenous Justice Centers and Provincial operations support related to key collaborations with First Nations, Urban Indigenous Communities, and justice system officials to ensure standards are being met as required under the MOU.
- Oversees the management of the Indigenous Justice Centers, including monitoring various reports pertaining to utilization, program outcomes, and financial accountability to make systemic changes to British Columbia’s justice and child welfare systems, and to ensure that IJC’s are:
- delivering culturally safe, essential services to families at risk of losing their children at family court; and individual youth, men, and women facing criminal charges;
- Helping Indigenous people to access the legal, social, housing, transportation and health and wellness supports they need to positively and adequately address the challenges they face in dealing with the current mainstream justice system;
- Co-ordinating with other service providers as necessary and available to fill service gaps;
- Reaching out to First Nations communities to engage them in supporting their kin and neighbors who are before the courts;
- Diverting legal matters from the formal court system to less intrusive measures, alternative dispute resolution processes, mediation and restorative justice processes where appropriate in consultation with officers of the court and local protocols.
Qualifications & Work Experience:
- Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related education and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in Indigenous community engagement.
- Deep knowledge of the criminal justice system and child protection system.
- Experience in developing collaborative service partnerships across ministries, authorities and with community stakeholders.
- Experience facilitating issues in a highly sensitive environment; setting priorities and making decisions between high profile and competing needs; working with a diverse constituency; leading and supervising staff/contracted service providers
- Valid BC Driver’s License
- Preference may be given to candidates who self- identify as Indigenous.
While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided to Indigenous applicants in accordance with section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. Candidates of Indigenous background are encouraged to self-identify on their application.
Please apply by sending your resume and cover letter to Chantelle Locke at chantelle@bcfnjc.com.
Please apply by sending your resume and cover letter to Chantelle Locke at chantelle@bcfnjc.com.