Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Purpose summary:

The purpose of the Systems Navigator is to support and be a transforming influence in the lives of offenders who are discharged from the Criminal Justice System by facilitating referrals and positive community connections. To minister to Offenders, Victims, Witnesses, and other persons affected by and serving in the Criminal Justice System by practical assistance and demonstration of Christian love and concern.

Accountabilities:

Court Services

• Provide emotional, and practical support to Offenders, Victims, Families in the courts
• Secure court dockets and visits court cells daily, to interview and receive requests from clients in custody
• Maintain confidential records and provides adequate case management on referrals, contacts and direct service needs (clothing, housing, transportation of clients and other community referrals.
• Provide follow up information to the court from community inquiries (e.g. bail requirements such as a surety, employment verification etc.)
• Liaise with other court related community services (e.g. John Howard, Elizabeth Fry, Mental Health and Addiction court workers).
• Knowledgeable of processes, procedures and functions related to the court such as: (Taking a Step (TAS) Program, Diversion (Direct Accountability Program (DAP) Stop Shop Theft (SST); Changing Directions CD) Turning Point, Drug Treatment Court, Mental Health Court (and or alternative strategies such as Pre-Trial, Bail Verification, Supervision, Community Service Order Legal Aid.)
• To provide referrals, support and information to service to victims and witnesses and facilitate community contacts and resources for the accused.

Case Management

• To support discharge planning for clients in the courts, mandated programs and the Community Residential Facility.
• Coordination of aftercare planning in coordination with the Case Management Team.
• Maintain confidential records and provide adequate case management on referrals, contacts and direct service needs (clothing, housing, transportation of clients and other community referrals.
• To facilitate referrals to community resources including addiction and mental health services.
• Liaise with Parole Officers and Case Workers to facilitate discharge planning.
• Knowledgeable of court programs including Taking a Step (TAS) Program, Diversion (Direct Accountability Program (DAP) Stop Shop Theft (SST), Changing Directions CD) Turning Point, Drug Treatment Court, Mental Health Court (and or alternative strategies such as Pre-Trial, Bail Verification, Supervision, Community Service Order Legal Aid.
• Support life skills program activities in coordination with the Program Director.
• To be knowledgeable of victim witness assistance related to court procedure, compensation, treatment, and case management.
• Facilitate links to community resources for offenders.
• Plan and facilitate aftercare program activities in coordination with the Program Director.
• To complete all documentation including individual aftercare plans, attendance records, and statistical reporting.

Written and Verbal Communication

• In consultation with the Program Coordinator, develop and document business requirements, process and reports as needed.
• Develop and document aftercare planning focused on individual issues.
• Facilitate Support key stakeholders in understanding the implications of options and decisions.
• In consultation with the Program Coordinator, develop a work plan for the project in coordination with a steering committee.

Reporting

• Facilitate referrals from CSC; Probation and Parole and CRF caseworkers.
• Support external reporting requests as needed.
• Prepare and submit weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual statistical reports to The Salvation Army as required.
• In consultation with the Program Coordinator, complete evaluation documentation for the project.

Evaluation

• Complete intake and program statistics.
• Prepare summary statistics reports.
• Work with the Program Director to develop evaluation tools for reporting project outcomes.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• The Systems Navigator will communicate with offenders to develop aftercare plans.
• Contacts will include Management; Caseworkers; Parole Officers, and Community Contacts.

Governance Boards and Councils: None

Internal:

• The Systems Navigator will provide a program report monthly to the Management Team.

External:

• A bi-monthly report will be provided to the Aftercare Committee.

MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY:

• Reports directly to: Program Director

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• Responsible for the tracking and distribution of client assistance, including bus tickets and other approved resources for the project.
• Manages IT resources provided in accordance with Salvation Army policy, including cell phone and laptop.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Some travel within the Region of Waterloo is required.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army's Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

education and experience Qualifications:

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of a minimum of two years of post-secondary education. Diploma in Social Services, Criminal Justice Services preferred.
• Counselling, Case Management Training.
• Crisis management and de-escalation training are assets.
• Provide an original copy of a Criminal Background Check with vulnerable sector screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. Enhanced Reliability Screening is required.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• Minimum of two (2) years of prior related experience, including relevant experience in the justice system or courts.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Attention to detail, problem solving, and analytical skills.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Possesses strong risk assessment skills as it pertains to client care
• Strong oral and written communication skills and effective interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both independently and under cooperative supervision.

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.