Help people navigate the most difficult times of their lives
Bring your empathetic communication skills and understanding of complex case management, needs assessment, emotional support and client advocacy to a dedicated team as we support victims and witnesses of crimes while they participate in the criminal court process.
Please note:
• 1 temporary position, available for up to 12 months with the possibility of extension, is dedicated to supporting victims and witnesses affected by gun and gang-related crime as part of the province's Guns and Gangs response.
About the job
As a team member of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) office, every day will be a little different depending on the needs of your clients and your case files. You can expect the typical day to include activities like:
• Informing clients about their case, victims' rights, and what they need to know about and can expect during the criminal court process
• Navigating the court process alongside your client to educate and help them understand their role in the criminal justice system
• Providing emotional support and crisis intervention to vulnerable clients through a trauma-informed and victim-centered lens, including assessing risks and needs
• Maintaining relationships with criminal justice partners and community agencies to advocate on behalf of your clients and refer clients for services like counselling and safety planning
• Documenting throughout the case management process to create timely and accurate case notes
• Participating in projects to review and improve services, committees to collaborate and build relationships, and public education activities to promote the program
Read about the
Victim/Witness Assistance Program and how the program helps victims and witnesses of crime.
Please note that occasional travel may be required to alternate court jurisdictions and for professional development opportunities within or outside of the region.
What you bring to the team
Technical Knowledge
• You have the ability to support marginalized and vulnerable clients who are victims or witnesses of crimes, including but not limited to firearm discharge, homicide, and human trafficking related cases
• You have crisis response and intervention skills to help clients in need
• You can interpret and apply relevant legislation and policies about victims of crime and court proceedings to support clients in their understanding of legal court processes
Judgement and Problem Solving Skills
• You can identify risks to clients, develop case plans, make appropriate referrals and communicate to justice partners
• You can address complex client needs based on information provided
• You can recommend new services or service improvements and foster co-operation when implementing changes
• You can collaborate with your team members and manager on complicated and contentious issues
Communication, Interpersonal and Teamwork Skills
• You can support clients from diverse communities and be sensitive to their needs
• You can network with community agencies and work together with criminal justice partners
• You can write reports and case file summaries
• You can help develop and deliver training programs and public education sessions
• You can contribute to an inclusive environment for your team members and clients
Case Management, Organizational and Planning Skills
• You can manage a large caseload of files with little supervision
• You can prioritize work in an environment with challenging and urgent deadlines
Computer Skills
• You can use a variety of MS Office software for communication, reports, and presentations
• You can work with database systems to access and maintain case and client records
• You can use video conferencing systems and applications to engage with clients
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace: