Indigenous Justice and Wellness Support Worker

Job Description
Organization: Gihekdagye Friendship Centre Department: Justice Services Reports to: Justice Department Lead

Location:
Brantford Program Centre and approved community locations Position summary The Indigenous Justice and Wellness Support Worker provides culturally grounded, practical and emotional support to Indigenous people involved in the justice system or returning to the community. The Worker helps clients identify goals, navigate services, strengthen cultural connections and access wellness and reintegration supports. The position works alongside the Justice Department Lead, Court Workers, other Centre programs and community partners to provide coordinated support that respects each client's choices and circumstances. Client engagement and support planning
- Build trusting relationships through respectful, non-judgmental service and consistent follow-up.
- Complete intake, explain the service and confidentiality limits, obtain informed consent, and identify immediate needs and client priorities.
- Develop and review practical support plans with clients, including goals, referrals, appointments and agreed follow-up.
- Provide one-to-one encouragement and practical assistance using peer support principles, professional boundaries and appropriate use of relevant lived experience. Justice navigation and advocacy
- Help clients organize appointments, court dates and documents, and coordinate court or meeting accompaniment with the Court Workers.
- Support connections with legal counsel, Legal Aid, probation, parole and correctional services, with appropriate consent.
- Help clients identify barriers to accessing services and advocate for respectful, culturally safe support.
- Provide non-clinical support and navigation. Refer legal advice, clinical assessment and treatment needs to qualified professionals; release and supervision decisions remain with the authorized agencies. Responsibilities Wellness and cultural connections
- Provide emotional support, regular check-ins and encouragement as clients work toward wellness and stability.
- Connect clients with mental health, addictions, housing, income, food, employment and other supports, and follow up on referrals.
- Help clients build coping strategies, daily routines,



self-advocacy skills and supportive community connections within the Worker's training and role.
- Arrange access to Elders, Knowledge Keepers, cultural activities and Centre programs according to client choice and local protocols.
- Help plan and facilitate approved support groups and workshops; recognize distress or safety concerns and follow Centre crisis response and escalation procedures. Community reintegration and release planning
- Support clients preparing to return from custody by identifying housing, identification, income, health care, transportation and cultural support needs.
- Assist with assigned Section 84 release planning, with client consent, by coordinating communication with Correctional Service Canada and community partners and supporting proposed community arrangements.
- Help organize case meetings, gather relevant documents and referrals, and maintain contact before and after release within the Centre's assigned role.
- Follow up on agreed supports, identify gaps and bring concerns about service capacity or client safety to the Operations Manager. Partnerships and coordination
- Coordinate referrals and client supports with the Justice Department Lead, Court Workers, Indigenous organizations and community agencies.
- Participate in case conferences, team meetings and approved outreach while sharing only information authorized by consent and Centre policy. Records and reporting
- Maintain timely, factual and secure digital client records, consent forms, support plans, contact notes and referral information.
- Track client contacts, referrals, participation, follow-up and progress toward client goals, and submit required reports by Centre deadlines.
- Report incidents, safety concerns and barriers to service promptly to the Operations Manager, following Centre procedures.
- Follow confidentiality, privacy, documentation and funder requirements,



and complete related administrative duties assigned by the Operations Manager. Qualifications and Expectations Education and experience
- Relevant education or training in social services, Indigenous studies, justice, mental health, addictions or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional, community or lived experience.
- Experience supporting Indigenous people in justice, wellness, outreach, addictions or community service settings.
- Understanding of Indigenous histories, the impacts of colonialism and intergenerational trauma, systemic barriers and the diverse experiences of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people.
- Knowledge of local Indigenous and community resources, justice processes, trauma-informed practice and harm reduction.
- Peer support training, crisis intervention, de-escalation, First Aid, mental health training or experience with community reintegration are assets. Skills and professional practice
- Strong listening, relationship-building, advocacy and written communication skills, with the ability to respond respectfully to complex needs.
- Sound judgment, professional boundaries and a consistent commitment to client choice, confidentiality and cultural safety.
- Ability to organize a caseload, meet reporting deadlines, use digital record systems and work both independently and with a team.
- Willingness to seek supervision, participate in training and cultural learning, and identify when specialist or emergency assistance is needed.
- Carry out related duties within the purpose of the position, as assigned by the Operations Manager. Working conditions and employment requirements Work may include office-based support and approved visits to community settings, courts and correctional facilities. The Worker may encounter distressing situations and must follow safety and lone-work procedures. Approved travel and occasional evening or weekend work may be required. Employment hours and compensation are set in the employment agreement. Complete Centre-required background screening and access requirements. Hold a valid driver's licence with a clear drivers abstract. Pay: $23.00-$25.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:
- In office parking Work

Location:
In person

📌 Indigenous Justice and Wellness Support Worker (Brantford)
🏢 Brantford Region Indigenous Support Centre (BRISC)
📍 Brantford