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.
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:
• delivering trauma-informed and culturally responsive services
• providing emotional support and crisis intervention to vulnerable clients
• providing advocacy on behalf of the client with police, Crown and other community and justice partners
• explaining the criminal court process, roles and expectations, and preparing clients for appearances
• assessing the needs of clients from a diversity and inclusion perspective
• planning and executing logistics for hybrid/virtual hearings
• maintaining case notes and records in the case management system and other IT systems
• establishing and maintaining working relationships with justice and community partners
• delivering education and training, and participating in projects to improve services
Read about the
Victim/Witness Assistance Program and how the program helps victims and witnesses of crime.
What you bring to the team
Specialized knowledge and skills
You have:
• the ability to support marginalized and vulnerable clients who are victims or witnesses of crimes, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault, child abuse, homicide, gun and gang-related violence, human trafficking, and other trauma-related crimes
• knowledge of trauma informed, anti-oppressive, and anti-racist practices and trauma informed service delivery methods
• an understanding of the impact of systemic racism and other forms of discrimination on Indigenous, and racialized clients
• crisis response and intervention skills to respond to clients in need
• the ability to 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
• address complex client needs based on information provided
• recommend new services or service improvements and foster co-operation when implementing changes
Communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills
You can:
• support clients from diverse communities and be sensitive to their needs
• deliver services to clients in a manner that is trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and anti-racist
• network with community agencies and work together with criminal justice partners
• write reports and case file summaries
• help develop and deliver training programs and public education sessions
• contribute to an inclusive environment for your team members and clients
• collaborate with your team members and maintain relationships with justice and community partners
Case management, organizational, planning and change management skills
You can:
• manage a large, complex caseload of files with little supervision
• prioritize work in an environment with challenging and urgent deadlines
• manage multiple projects and initiatives concurrently
• You have change management skills, and can adapt to changing priorities and client needs while maintaining effective service delivery
Computer skills
You can:
• use a variety of MS Office software for communication, reports, and presentations
• work with program database and case management systems to access and maintain case and client records
• use video conferencing systems and applications to engage with clients
Please note:
This role involves regular exposure to people and situations involving difficult and traumatic experiences, including violence, victimization, loss, discrimination, hate and/or other forms of harm. The work is meaningful and impactful, but applicants should be aware that it can also be emotionally demanding.
This is not a clinical or therapeutic role. However, it requires the ability to respond to individuals in crisis, provide emotional support and navigate challenging situations with empathy, professionalism and respect.
Training in trauma-informed and victim-centred service delivery will be provided. Employee assistance programs, wellness supports and other mental health resources are also available to help manage the impact of this work.
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:
What we offer
We are a supportive and compassionate team who play a crucial role in navigating people through some of the most difficult experiences of their lives. We offer a comprehensive training program to ensure that all Criminal Court Victim Specialists have the skills needed to support both their clients and themselves.
We know the work can be demanding emotionally and are committed to the wellness of our employees. This includes mental health support through a trauma-informed lens, training and resources on compassion fatigue, burnout and vicarious trauma, and continuous support from your management team.
Our local leadership teams at VWAP offices foster a supportive and inclusive environment, empowering Criminal Court Victim Specialists to make meaningful impacts for our clients.
The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for various ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:
• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups
This role comes with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes:
• a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement)
• group health, dental, life and disability benefits
• a range of vacation and leave options
• an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services
• Inclusive Counselling Services, which provides confidential mental health support from professionals belonging to diverse communities