Job Summary:
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this position focuses on improving the respect and protection of women’s legal rights by filling a gap in services for women who require support to navigate and make decisions on issues that have legal implications. As the Women’s Legal Advocate, you will develop and deliver support services to women involved in the legal/justice system as victims or accused persons, including referrals, meeting accompaniment, criminal justice, victim support, child protection, wellness court, and family legal matters. Some of the services SJFC provides through these programs include:
- Direct Client Support Activities: One-on-One women advocacy & assistance
- Public Education: Workshops, Info Sessions & Markets
- Community & Rural Visits
- Committee Involvement & Program Development
The Women’s Legal Advocate is not a lawyer and does not provide legal advice in any capacity.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ability to balance direct client contact & facilitation under heavy caseload
- Provide advocacy & referrals across numerous organizations
- Develop a strong referral network with other organizations
- Commitment to personal ongoing learning of emergent legal-social issues related to violence against women & family law
- Conduct client intake interviews, assess legal needs & provide culturally relevant services, resources & responses for resolution
- Assist clients in legal procedures, including attending court, assistance with court & document preparations, and providing referrals
- Assist clients in filing complaints against the Justice system & in the Appeals process
- Assist women in writing police reports and other legal forms.
- Provide general & legal information about laws, resources & available services
- Confidential & compassionate support through legal process, maintaining strict adherence to client confidentiality
- Legal research, summary of case law & assistance in developing court strategy
- Accompaniment to legal/social support service meetings & court as required
- Provide emotional support for women who are experiencing crisis.
- Develop & maintain individual case management plans with individualized needs & goals identified for each client
- Responsible for understanding how privacy legislation may affect clients & relaying this info
- Information and referrals with respect to obtaining a Peace Bond or other protective orders
REQUIRED JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Grade 12 (minimum) with experience working with women dealing with legal issues (ie. custody, access, sexualized violence)
- Education in Criminal Justice, Family Law, or related field (i.e. Paralegal Program)
- Knowledge and understanding of how to read and interpret legal documents
- Commitment to ongoing learning of legal/social related issues involving women Caring, with a true commitment to the needs of women in the justice system.
- Willingness to travel & visit rural communities for support & training Travel to rural communities on regular schedule to meet with trauma informed, clients and local service providers
- Client intake interviewing & assessment for guidance & direction within programs
- Previous experience working 1:1 and group facilitation with client, solutions focused, and trauma informed practices
- Knowledge & experience developing quarterly Project Plans for a full fiscal year in advance, including program details, scheduling, financials & reporting
- Ensure adherence to all goals, objectives and terms & conditions of funding agreements, including reporting on schedule in a timely manner
- Continual monitoring & tracking of expenses and statistical matters
- Development of promotional materials, pamphlets. advertising & promotion for recruitment of new program participants
- Coordinating & Facilitating Workshops & Information sessions
Additional Requirements:
- Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Cross-Cultural awareness & knowledge of Yukon First Nations Culture
- Excellent verbal & written communication skills.
- Proficient working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook & Teams), internet navigation/research & overall digital confidence
- Criminal Records Check (with Vulnerability Sector)
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s License
SUMMARY
To work in this position, individuals have the opportunity support and enhance the education and resiliency of women in the Yukon. Programs and support may run outside normal business hours, so candidates will be required to show flexibility in their hours and schedule. This is a rewarding position for an individual passionate about the justice system and the rights of Indigenous women.
Please submit all Inquiries, Cover Letter and Resume to:
SUBJECT: Women’s Legal Advocate
[email protected]
Attn: Executive Director (Tanya Andre)
OR
Mail / drop off in person to our main Reception M-F 8:30-4:30pm:
ATTN: Tanya Andre, Executive Director
Skookum Jim Friendship Centre
3159 Third Avenue
Whitehorse YT
Y1A 1G1
We appreciate your interest in becoming part of the Skookum Jim team! Only individuals considered for interviews will be contacted. Thank you.