011 - Coordinator, Métis Community Diversion

About the Role: 

The Métis Community Diversion Coordinator (MCDC), MNO Advocacy Program, reports to the Supervisor of Advocacy.  The Coordinator overseesthe MNO’s Métis Community Diversion Program (the Program and volunteers) in locations throughout region 5, however, servicing particularly in the North Bay and Sudbury court house region.

The Coordinator works with court staff and other partners providing legal supports to receive referrals, provide information to queries about the criteria for the program, recruit volunteers for diversion circle participation, facilitate the diversion circles and develop and ensure the client follows through with the recommendations in the client action plan.  The Coordinator is also responsible for reporting back to the justice parties involved (such as the Crown) on the status of the client’s progress with the goal of promoting restorative justice alternatives within the criminal justice system. The MCDC assists Métis accused (12+ yrs) with securing legal counsel, attends court on occasion, and advocates for diversions where appropriate.  The MCDC coordinates and facilitates culturally-appropriate diversion circles and collaborates with clients to develop action plans to address recidivism stressors with the support of community volunteers, and makes appropriate referrals to supports and services.  Additionally, the MCDC is responsible for liaising with Crown Attorneys, defense counsel and other partner organizations.  

What you will be doing:

• Work directly with youth and adult Indigenous persons who have been accused of committing an offence.
• Assist with the development and documentation of the region 5 MNO diversion circle, including intake and a process to track progress of accused through diversion plans.
• Develop a communication strategy, including education and awareness-building materials, required to support and market the Métis Community Diversion Program in Region 5 (particularly in North Bay or Sudbury; North Bay preferred), and to encourage self-identification of Métis accused who would benefit from the Métis Community Diversion Program.
• Recruit and develop a roster of community members and volunteers who are available to participate in diversion circles for the Diversion Program.
• Build awareness about the Métis Community Diversion Program internally with MNO client-service staff by actively networking and connecting with existing clients.
• Build awareness about the Métis Community Diversion Program with regional Métis Community Councils throughout Ontario, and other relevant community partners.
• Develop strategic collaborative partnerships at the courthouses and within the community with court workers, legal counsel, Crown Attorneys and other partner organizations throughout Region 5. This includes sitting at the Human Justice Services Coordinating Committee of Sudbury-Manitoulin.
• Organize and deliver diversion circles in Region 5, particularly in North Bay and/or Sudbury.
• Maintain accurate records and reports on accused’s progress on diversion plans in accordance to PHIPPA standards as well as adherence to records management of Youth involved in the Criminal Justice System (YJS Protocols)
• Conduct program evaluation activities.
• Implement annual project work plans and activity reports.
• Other reasonable duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications: 

• Previous 1 to 2 or more years experience in Indigenous client services and/or case management
• Strong desire to act in the service of the Métis Citizens, to advance and uphold rights and culture
• Completion of post-secondary education in justice, legal studies, criminology or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Working knowledge of the criminal justice system and barriers involved for Indigenous adults and youth involved in the CJS
• Knowledge of justice related resources to assist clients and the community to navigate legal information and resources throughout the catchment region
• A high degree of technology literacy and proficiency in standard office equipment
• Advanced communications skills, both written and verbal
• Strong project coordination, including the design and implementation of project work-plans
• Demonstrated ability to work alone/independently with minimal supervision
• Bilingualism (considered an asset)

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous 2 years or more experience in a similar/comparable role
• Demonstrated ability to write high quality evidence and data-based reports and professional presentations
• Demonstrated ability in policy and program development and evaluation
• Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire and expand knowledge and to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment
• Previous experience dealing with confidential information
• Knowledge of Métis-specific and broader Indigenous justice initiatives, key challenges, and programs
• Knowledge of Indigenous and Métis specific rights within the justice system, and barriers to justice for Indigenous clients
• Knowledge of Métis and/or Indigenous justice principles and the legal system
• Understanding of relevant legislation including the Canadian Criminal Code, Ontario Human Rights Code, Gladue Principles