Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To facilitate Ministry rehabilitative programming to remanded and sentenced offenders at the Algoma Treatment & Remand Centre.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Duties are: Facilitating/instructing/delivering Ministry rehabilitative programs to groups of remanded and sentenced offenders, a minimum of twice daily; Organizing resources to effectively deliver programs as a sole facilitator, by marketing the program to offenders, enrolling offenders to participate in programs; ensuring that physical resources are in place to deliver the program; and preparing for delivery of program; Writing case notes and inputting program tracking reports in Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) in appropriate timeframe; Submitting statistical information to Deputy Superintendent, Treatment, as required; Assisting in the classification process of offenders during vacation periods; Assisting in the scheduling/coordination of fee-for-service providers as required; Interviewing and responding to offender requests; Facilitating referrals to assist in discharge planning, as required; Participating in meetings and committees as required; Assisting in orientation and training and supervision of new staff, volunteers and students; Providing information, writing reports, and advising senior management as required; Assisting with coordination of Temporary Absence Program, Intermittent Community Work Program and discharge planning as required; Providing other rehabilitation services as directed; and Manager has the right to assign additional duties.

Staffing and Licensing :

Position requires knowledge normally associated with a university degree or community college in one of the social sciences. Position provides rehabilitative services to offenders to assist in their adjustment upon returning to the community

Knowledge :

Job requires sound knowledge of group facilitation and theories regarding the rehabilitation of offenders, normally acquired through post secondary education in social work or a related field; to provide services to offenders and interact and exchange client information with professionals and correctional administrators. Job requires knowledge of Ministry of the Solicitor General programs, strategies focusing on criminogenic risk factors, ministry policies/practices/standards and specific knowledge of relevant sections of legislation such as the Ministry of Correctional Services Act, ministry policies/procedures and risk/needs assessment relating to the classification process, the Temporary Absence Program, Intermittent Community Work Program and offender work programs to provide services. Job requires interviewing techniques to obtain information from offenders, and community contacts, to assess offender needs, motivation and suitability for placements. Job requires knowledge of the rules and regulations of a correctional facility to be able to assess an offender's behaviour and suitability for participation in programs. Job requires knowledge of community agencies and resources to assist in discharge planning. Job requires knowledge of community agencies and resources to assist in the formulation of discharge plans. Job requires knowledge of computerized offender tracking information system and work processing software packages to input/retrieve offender data, prepare and maintain reports and statistics. Job requires knowledge of the justice system, court processes and court documentation

Skills :

Job requires demonstrated group facilitation skills to effectively facilitate/instruct/deliver Ministry rehabilitative programs. Job requires analytical, investigative and evaluative skills to obtain information and make recommendations based on established criteria; and suitability of offenders for participation in the various rehabilitative programs and to make appropriate recommendations to senior administrators. Job requires excellent problem-solving skills to resolve issues or matters pertaining to offender participation in rehabilitative programs and coordination/scheduling of programs. Job requires excellent oral and written communication skills to accurately convey information clearly to offenders, management and liaise with staff. Job requires excellent interpersonal skills to communicate with correctional staff and community resources and participate in staff meetings. Job requires excellent ability to organize and prioritize to complete work in timely fashion; ability to work with all offenders in a correctional environment; proficiency in the use of a computer and institutional software.

Freedom of Action :

Manager ensures adherence to ministry standards by regular audits and file reviews of case management processes, statistics, including case documentation and program tracking. Job requires referring unusual problems, contentious issues and conflict of interest situations without delay to the Deputy Superintendent, Treatment for advice, guidance and authorization. Job requires working in accordance with legislation and Ministry policies/procedures relating to the classification and discharge procedures for offenders. Job requires decision skills to make recommendations regarding offender suitability for institution and program placement. Job requires completed tasks to be reviewed to ensure recommended classification and discharge planning decisions adhere to Ministry standards and procedures. Unusual situations not covered by the legislation and Ministry policies/procedures relating to classification, such as conflicting priorities of security/rehabilitation, treatment program availability are referred to the supervisor for appropriate direction and action.