Justice Navigator

Do you have a passion for advocating for individuals navigating the justice system? Have you worked with vulnerable populations facing legal, housing, or mental health challenges? Are you looking for a role where you can bridge the gap between legal systems and social services to create meaningful change? If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

The Alex is a beacon of hope for Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens, offering wrap-around health care, housing, social, and wellness programs. With a patient and client-centered approach, we envision a community where every individual is valued and empowered to thrive. Our mission is to improve quality of life through accessible and integrated health, housing, and social services. With five decades of experience, we have earned a reputation for tackling tough health and social issues, guiding individuals on their journey from crisis to wellness, and from challenge to change.

Job Overview: This is a 12-month part-time contract (0.6 PTE) with the possibility of extension, reporting to the Team Lead. The Justice Navigator will use their knowledge of the legal system to advocate for clients involved in the justice system and to connect individuals to legal support, as appropriate. The Justice Navigator is a member of a multidisciplinary team working to support highly vulnerable Calgarians experiencing legal issues, many of whom may also experience challenges posed by homelessness, mental health, addictions, and poverty.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal support to youth and adult populations.
• Assist clients with understanding and prioritizing legal issues.
• Provide general legal information and referrals to legal and non-legal resources/supports for Alex clients through phone, email or in-person.
• Develop relationships and engage with legal professionals working with clients to ensure adequate collaboration to address client justice needs.
• Attend both court and legal appointments as appropriate.
• Communicate with and support Alex teams and community partners with legal related matters.
• Assist clients with completing and filing legal documents, as appropriate.
• Track program statistics and prepare relevant reports.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of reliable online information and resources as well as in-person support and services.
• Monitor changes to laws in areas relating to common legal issues experienced by vulnerable Calgarians.
• Assist with data collection and entry as required.
• Organize education presentation sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminology, law, or related discipline.
• At least three (3) years of related experience is preferred.
• Experience working with and providing information/support to diverse high need populations.
• Previous experience working directly with individuals with complex mental health needs is an asset.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of criminal and civil legal systems/processes, especially in areas including landlord and tenant, employment, child welfare, consumer issues, and discrimination.
• Strong knowledge of local legal resources and support.
• Excellent crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to multi-task and strong time management skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in independent and multi-disciplinary team (collaborative) settings.
• Minimum age of 21 years and three (3) years of driving experience to drive an Alex fleet vehicle.
• Class 5 driver’s license, personal vehicle for business use, clean 3-year drivers abstract, and $2 million liability coverage are required.
• First Aid (Basic or Intermediate) – Level C CPR & AED within 30 days of hire date; certification must be valid for a minimum of 6 months upon hire.
• A satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record clearance and child welfare intervention check are required.
• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action is an asset.

Work Environment And Hours

• Outreach and in-office components; Youth Health Centre (2840-2 Ave SE)
• Standard hours 10:00 – 6pm, 3 days per week; one evening per month will be required. Some flexibility in schedule may be available.
• Continuous extended periods of sitting, with occasional standing and walking (sometimes up/down stairwells).
• Frequent driving as part of work duties.
• Occasional time outside in all weather conditions.

Benefits

Some of the great benefits The Alex has to offer include:

• Pro-rated based on 0.6 FTE
• 3-weeks’ vacation
• Medical and Dental Coverage
• Health / Wellness Spending Accounts
• RRSP and/or Student Loan Repayment Program (up to 5% match)
• Personal Days
• Floating Holiday
• Sick/Wellness Days
• Employee Family Assistance Plan (EFAP)
• Professional Development

Driving on behalf of The Alex:

This position requires the use of a personal vehicle and/or driving an Alex fleet vehicle for work-related purposes. Incumbents must show proof of a class 5 driver's license, a personal vehicle, and a clean 3-year drivers abstract. Incumbents must also agree to maintain $2 million liability insurance on their personal vehicle, and consent to the possibility of an annual driver's abstract review to meet our insurance provider’s requirements. Mileage will be reimbursed in alignment with the CRA guidelines. Driving a fleet vehicle at The Alex requires that incumbents are at least 21 years of age with three (3) years of driving experience.

How To Apply

If you are as passionate as we are about making a difference in people’s lives, please visit our career centre: Jobs at The Alex | The Alex. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for a screening or interview will be contacted. We will make every effort to accommodate candidate’s schedules and needs in all parts of the hiring process.

The Alex is committed to embedding the principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity across the organization. We are committed to removing barriers to employment that are faced by equity-seeking groups and encourage (but not require) members of these groups to self-identify as such in their cover letters.

In accordance with our strategic priorities, we particularly encourage applications from individuals who self-identify as racialized* or Indigenous (First Nation, Metis, or Inuit).

• The term “racialized” is used here instead of the more outdated and inaccurate terms “racial minority, “visible minority”, “person of colour”, or “non-White”.

For further information about The Alex and its programs, we encourage you to visit our website at www.thealex.ca.