011 - Métis Family Court Worker

About the Role: 

The Métis Family Court Worker is responsible for providing in and out of court services to community members in MNO region 7 (Barrie, Midland and surrounding area). The Métis Family Court Worker will be responsible for providing legal information, family court procedure information, appropriate program referrals, and to act as an advocate in and out of the Court for community members.  The Métis Family Court Worker will report to the Supervisor of Advocacy and Manager of Advocacy.

What you will be doing: 

• Ensure that the Métis Family Court Work Program is delivered in the spirit and philosophy of the Métis Nation of Ontario’s Statement of Prime Purpose;
• Provide access to justice for Métis clients by way of advocacy, service delivery and referral during family law matters;
• Provide client services using case management techniques such as relationship building, case noting, advocacy and referrals;
• Provide legal information and legal resources to clients, including assistance with Legal Aid Ontario applications for family law matters;
• Assist self-representing individuals with obtaining correct court documents and supporting clients with skills and information to complete court documents;
• Provide ongoing support to community members involved in the family court systems in the Barrie and Midland regions, including legal information;
• Ensure clients understand the procedures in family court, and court directions specific to the client;
• Advocate in and out of court for the client, speaking where a client is unable or unwilling to speak to their matter;
• Record client services in the Online Health and Access Tracking System (OHATS);
• Keep apprised of relevant legislation or policy changes in relation to the judicial and social services fields; and
• Other reasonable duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 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, social work, or a related field
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation including the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and the Family Law Act, and Divorce Act
• A high degree of technology literacy and proficiency in standard office equipment
• Advanced communications skills, both written and verbal
• Knowledge of Ontario family court procedures
• Knowledge of FIPPA, PHIPPA and PIPEDA legislation
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Ontario

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with Indigenous clients navigating family court and/or the justice system
• Demonstrated experience dealing with personal and confidential information and issues in a mature, tactful and diplomatic manner
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing demands and assess changing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to work alone/independently with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of Métis and/or Indigenous justice principles and the legal system
• Firm understanding of rights of families, including parents and children in family court proceedings
• Bilingualism (considered an asset)
• Accreditation in a professional area (considered an asset)