Senior Indigenous Advisor VAIW

Competition Number: 13491

Applications will be accepted until 2359hrs on 24/12/2024.

Posting Details:

The Ottawa Police Service is seeking a knowledgeable and experienced advisor specializing in violence against Indigenous women. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in community development, feminist theory, anti-oppression frameworks, and trauma-informed approaches. This role is crucial in enhancing the Ottawa Police Service's prevention strategies, response efforts, and support services for women who are victims or survivors of violence.

The selected individual will possess a strong understanding of Indigenous affairs and the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities regarding violence against women. To effectively support our initiatives and collaborate with community partners, we encourage applicants who self-identify as members of the Indigenous Peoples employment equity group.

This posting is for one (1) permanent position. All civilian competitions include the possibility of extension and/or additional temporary or permanent positions.

Salary Information: $112,708.96 - $132,739.88 annually (2024 rates of pay)

It is expected that the competition components will be starting the month of November 2024.

All applications must be received on time and through the online application system. Applicants are required to upload their cover letter and resume in addition to the candidate profile. The cover letter should clearly outline your qualifications for this position.

More information about our hiring process can be found on the website under the Hiring Process menu.

Job Information

Directorate: Investigations Section: Specialized Investigations Pay Group: Ten (10) - Under Review Job Code: 10147509 Work Location: Central - 474 Elgin St & 150 Elgin St Supervisor's Title: Superintendent, Investigations Effective Date: April 22, 2024

Overall Purpose

Reporting to the Superintendent, the Senior Advisor - Violence Against Indigenous Women (VAIW) is responsible for supporting the OPS to serve the Indigenous community in addressing specific incidents of violence against Indigenous women and supporting OPS and the Indigenous community.

Through community partnerships, pro-actively works to address root causes of violence against Indigenous women through an Indigenous and trauma-informed approach to help improve and enhance Ottawa Police Service’s prevention, response and victim/survivor supports to Indigenous women including:

• Fostering and advocating for enhanced collaboration and communication between police and Indigenous community partners addressing issues related to violence against Indigenous women.
• Serving as an Indigenous VAW resource (advisor) to OPS staff and leadership, primarily through linking OPS to expertise and partners in the Indigenous community in Ottawa.
• Supporting the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition including sitting on the Indigenous Women’s Safety Table (IWST) representing OPS in the implementation of the Indigenous Women’s Safety Table workplan and other OPS initiatives related to Indigenous women’s safety.
• Supporting the OPS VAW Advisory Committee to establish a relationship with the Indigenous VAW sector through processes led by the Indigenous community, including the IWST.
• Promoting a data/intelligence-led approach to better identify gaps and engage in problem solving with the Indigenous community and OPS to ensure a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder response to VAIW matters.

Major Responsibilities

• Foster and advocate for enhanced collaboration and communication between police and Indigenous community partners addressing issues related to violence against Indigenous women.
• Bridge OPS efforts with the work of Indigenous organizations.
• Serve as an Indigenous advisor to OPS leadership and OPS staff and on various committees as requested.
• Establish positive working relationships with Indigenous organizations that support victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and anti-human trafficking.
• Develop and maintain open lines of communication between police and Indigenous organizations serving victims/survivors.
• Establish ongoing relationships and collaboration with social services, victim services, Family Information Units Ontario, Indigenous media outlets, the City of Ottawa and Indigenous community organizations.
• Attend and represent OPS/VAIW at Indigenous community events/meetings with partners and stakeholders.
• Serve and be recognized by the Indigenous community as the Indigenous lead and point of contact for the VAW Sector.

Support the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition work including sitting on the Indigenous Women’s Safety Table representing OPS in the implementation of the Indigenous Women’s Safety Table workplan and other OPS initiatives related to Indigenous women’s safety.

• Support the OPS VAW Advisory Committee to establish a relationship with the Indigenous VAW sector through processes led by the Indigenous community, including the IWST.
• Promote and implement the workplan associated with the OAC Indigenous Women’s Safety Table.
• Assist with the implementation and progress reporting to the OAC / and OPS priorities as it relates to Indigenous people.
• Coordinate OPS updates and follow up on tasks to report back to the OAC and OPS leadership.
• Assist with the coordination of resources, problem solving and mitigating risks associated with the OAC Indigenous Women’s Safety Table workplan and its objectives.

Statement of Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

Successful completion of master’s degree in social work, counselling psychology, health or social sciences or an equivalent combination of education and significant related experience. Experience and formal training combined may substitute for stipulated education requirements. Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in and knowledge of victim/survivor issues surrounding violence against Indigenous women, gender-based violence, sexual violence, and crisis management working in the VAW/GBV sector and/or gender equality including:

• Developing partnerships and working collaboratively with partners.
• Proven experience and knowledge of Indigenous victim/survivor experience with police and with advocacy with police.
• Experience and familiarity with the Criminal Justice System and the Canadian Victim Bill of Rights.
• Project coordination/management experience.
• Experience analyzing data and statistics and preparing professional reports for presentation to Senior Management/Board of Directors or an overseeing civilian body.
• Building consensus and navigating between competing mandates and finding common ground.
• Establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with other community-based organizations.
• Demonstrated flexibility and effectiveness with a rapidly changing environment, short deadlines, and multiple program needs.
• Experience that demonstrates a commitment to a gender equality and anti-oppression framework.

Language:

Fluency in oral, reading and writing in English and French.

In-service Training

The following mandatory training and education is provided to all civilian Supervisors of the OPS:

• Occupational Health & Safety.
• Respectful Workplace.
• Violence in the Workplace.
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Ethics, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Active Bystander Law Enforcement (ABLE).

The incumbent will be expected to continue professional development through attendance at meetings, professional seminars, and conferences. All employees of the OPS are expected to complete all additional and new mandatory training as prescribed by the Office of the Chief.

Job Knowledge

Knowledge of Provincial policy on Violence Against Women and the Criminal Justice System. Knowledge of dynamics of violence in domestic abuse, intimate relationships, criminal harassment, including any unique challenges to the Indigenous Community. Knowledge of the “Loi sur les services en français” and of francophone services available in the community. Working knowledge of:

• OPS mission, vision, and values.
• OPS Standard Software; MS Office Software including Excel and PowerPoint.
• The Canadian Victim Bill of Rights and the Child and Youth Services Act.

Advanced level of knowledge of community resources available to victims/survivors of violence.

Hours of Work

Monday to Friday day shift schedule. Occasional requirement for evenings.

Effort and Working Conditions

• Work is normally performed in a standard office environment with minimal adverse working conditions.
• The incumbent must be able to work shifts as designated in the “Hours of Work” section of the job description.
• The nature of the job may occasionally lead to situations involving strong conflicting opinions and intense emotions.
• Frequent travel within the National Capital Region to achieve stated objectives and support community partners and stakeholders is required.

Desired Qualifications

Oral, reading and writing fluency in other languages. Previous experience working for a Police or comparable organization.

Additional Competition Information:

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected to continue in the selection process will be contacted.

Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available.

The Ottawa Police Service promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion. We provide accommodation during all parts of the hiring process as required. Applicants need to make their needs known if contacted to proceed to the selection process. Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request.

Additional information about our hiring process can be found on the recruiting website.

Please direct any questions to CivilianStaffing@ottawapolice.ca.