Talent Pool - Victim/Witness Services Workers

Talent Pool - Victim/Witness Services Workers

Apply By: Monday, March 17, 2025 11:59 pm EDT

Talent Pool – Victim/Witness Services Workers – Unilingual (English) and Bilingual (English/French)

Position(s) language: Both English and bilingual

Job term: Permanent, Temporary (up to 12 months with possible extension)

Job code: 03521 – Executive Officer 1 B/U

$1,265.80 – $1,554.23 Per week*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

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 one of our North region VWAP offices, 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:

1. Informing clients about their case, victims’ rights, and what they need to know about and can expect during the criminal court process.
2. Navigating the court process alongside your client to educate and help them understand their role in the criminal justice system.
3. Providing emotional support and crisis intervention to vulnerable clients through a trauma-informed and victim-centered lens, including assessing risks and needs.
4. Maintaining relationships with criminal justice partners and community agencies to advocate on behalf of your clients and refer clients for services like counselling and safety planning.
5. Documenting throughout the case management process to create timely and accurate case notes.
6. Participating in projects to review and improve services, committees to collaborate and build relationships, and public education activities to promote the program.

Information Session Details:
Voluntary, online information sessions will be held on the following dates to share information about this opportunity (click to register):

Please note: This competition will be used to create an eligibility list of qualified candidates to fill upcoming opportunities within the next eighteen months following the conclusion of the competition. The number of positions to be filled has not been identified at this time.

What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirements

For the bilingual positions, you must have proficiency in English as well as in oral and written French at the advanced level.

Technical Knowledge

1. You have the ability to support marginalized and vulnerable clients who are victims or witnesses of crimes, including but not limited to intimate partner violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and homicide.
2. You have crisis response and intervention skills to help clients in need.
3. You can 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

1. You can identify risks to clients, develop case plans, make appropriate referrals and communicate to justice partners.
2. You can address complex client needs based on information provided.
3. You can recommend new services or service improvements and foster co-operation when implementing changes.
4. You can collaborate with your team members and manager on complicated and contentious issues.

Communication, Interpersonal and Teamwork Skills

1. You can support clients from diverse communities and be sensitive to their needs.
2. You can network with community agencies and work together with criminal justice partners.
3. You can write reports and case file summaries.
4. You can help develop and deliver training programs and public education sessions.
5. You can contribute to an inclusive environment for your team members and clients.

Case Management, Organizational and Planning Skills

1. You can manage a large caseload of files with little supervision.
2. You can prioritize work in an environment with challenging and urgent deadlines.

Computer Skills

1. You can use a variety of MS Office software for communication, reports, and presentations.
2. You can work with database systems to access and maintain case and client records.
3. You can use video conferencing systems and applications to engage with clients.

As part of the application process, please provide a written response of 250 words or less to describe the following:

As a Victim Witness Services Worker, you will provide services to victims of crime as well as marginalized and vulnerable clients to meet their needs. Please describe your understanding of the following terms: victim-centered, trauma-informed, and marginalized, and describe your experience with them. How would your knowledge and experience with these terms inform your interactions with diverse clientele, criminal justice partners, and community agencies?

Please write your full name at the top of your pre-assignment response and include it with your cover letter and resume and upload it under ONE attachment. Applications that do not have the pre-assignment included will NOT be considered in the screening stage.

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 committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful, and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Refer to the “How to apply” section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

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 Victim/Witness Services Workers 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 Victim/Witness Service Workers to make meaningful impacts for our clients.

The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario’s largest employers. Employees work for 30 ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:

1. a career that can grow across ministries and job functions.
2. flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs.
3. many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups.

This role comes with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes:

1. a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement).
2. group health, dental, life, and disability benefits.
3. a range of vacation and leave options.
4. An Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services.
5. Inclusive Counselling Services, which provides confidential mental health support from professionals belonging to diverse communities.

Additional information:

Apply by: Monday, March 17, 2025 11:59 pm EDT

• English Permanent, 220 Main St S, Kenora, North Region or 360 Plouffe St, North Bay, North Region or 123 March St, Sault Ste Marie, North Region or 144 Pine St, Sudbury, North Region or 75 Mulcaster St, Barrie, Central Region or 125 Brodie St N, Thunder Bay, North Region or 38 Pine St N, Timmins, North Region or 31 Nova Scotia Walk, Elliot Lake, North Region or 25 Brunetville Rd, Kapuskasing, North Region or 393 Main St, Haileybury, North Region or 82 James St, Parry Sound, North Region or 3B Dominion St, Bracebridge, Central Region or 25 Phipps St, Gore Bay, North Region or 283 Church St, Fort Frances, North Region or 479 Government Rd, Dryden, North Region or 208 Beamish Ave, Geraldton, North Region, Vulnerable Sector Check.
• English Temporary, duration up to 12 months, 220 Main St S, Kenora, North Region or 360 Plouffe St, North Bay, North Region or 123 March St, Sault Ste Marie, North Region or 144 Pine St, Sudbury, North Region or 75 Mulcaster St, Barrie, Central Region or 125 Brodie St N, Thunder Bay, North Region or 38 Pine St N, Timmins, North Region or 31 Nova Scotia Walk, Elliot Lake, North Region or 25 Brunetville Rd, Kapuskasing, North Region or 393 Main St, Haileybury, North Region or 82 James St, Parry Sound, North Region or 3B Dominion St, Bracebridge, Central Region or 25 Phipps St, Gore Bay, North Region or 283 Church St, Fort Frances, North Region or 479 Government Rd, Dryden, North Region or 208 Beamish Ave, Geraldton, North Region, Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Bilingual English/French Permanent, 220 Main St S, Kenora, North Region or 360 Plouffe St, North Bay, North Region or 123 March St, Sault Ste Marie, North Region or 144 Pine St, Sudbury, North Region or 75 Mulcaster St, Barrie, Central Region or 125 Brodie St N, Thunder Bay, North Region or 38 Pine St N, Timmins, North Region or 31 Nova Scotia Walk, Elliot Lake, North Region or 25 Brunetville Rd, Kapuskasing, North Region or 393 Main St, Haileybury, North Region or 82 James St, Parry Sound, North Region or 3B Dominion St, Bracebridge, Central Region or 25 Phipps St, Gore Bay, North Region or 283 Church St, Fort Frances, North Region or 479 Government Rd, Dryden, North Region or 208 Beamish Ave, Geraldton, North Region, Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Bilingual English/French Temporary, duration up to 12 months, 220 Main St S, Kenora, North Region or 360 Plouffe St, North Bay, North Region or 123 March St, Sault Ste Marie, North Region or 144 Pine St, Sudbury, North Region or 75 Mulcaster St, Barrie, Central Region or 125 Brodie St N, Thunder Bay, North Region or 38 Pine St N, Timmins, North Region or 31 Nova Scotia Walk, Elliot Lake, North Region or 25 Brunetville Rd, Kapuskasing, North Region or 393 Main St, Haileybury, North Region or 82 James St, Parry Sound, North Region or 3B Dominion St, Bracebridge, Central Region or 25 Phipps St, Gore Bay, North Region or 283 Church St, Fort Frances, North Region or 479 Government Rd, Dryden, North Region or 208 Beamish Ave, Geraldton, North Region, Vulnerable Sector Check.
• English Permanent – Regular PartTime, 220 Main St S, Kenora, North Region or 360 Plouffe St, North Bay, North Region or 123 March St, Sault Ste Marie, North Region or 144 Pine St, Sudbury, North Region or 75 Mulcaster St, Barrie, Central Region or 125 Brodie St N, Thunder Bay, North Region or 38 Pine St N, Timmins, North Region or 31 Nova Scotia Walk, Elliot Lake, North Region or 25 Brunetville Rd, Kapuskasing, North Region or 393 Main St, Haileybury, North Region or 82 James St, Parry Sound, North Region or 3B Dominion St, Bracebridge, Central Region or 25 Phipps St, Gore Bay, North Region or 283 Church St, Fort Frances, North Region or 479 Government Rd, Dryden, North Region or 208 Beamish Ave, Geraldton, North Region, Vulnerable Sector Check.
• English Temporary – PartTime, 220 Main St S, Kenora, North Region or 360 Plouffe St, North Bay, North Region or 123 March St, Sault Ste Marie, North Region or 144 Pine St, Sudbury, North Region or 75 Mulcaster St, Barrie, Central Region or 125 Brodie St N, Thunder Bay, North Region or 38 Pine St N, Timmins, North Region or 31 Nova Scotia Walk, Elliot Lake, North Region or 25 Brunetville Rd, Kapuskasing, North Region or 393 Main St, Haileybury, North Region or 82 James St, Parry Sound, North Region or 3B Dominion St, Bracebridge, Central Region or 25 Phipps St, Gore Bay, North Region or 283 Church St, Fort Frances, North Region or 479 Government Rd, Dryden, North Region or 208 Beamish Ave, Geraldton, North Region, Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Bilingual English/French Permanent – Regular PartTime, 220 Main St S, Kenora, North Region or 360 Plouffe St, North Bay, North Region or 123 March St, Sault Ste Marie, North Region or 144 Pine St, Sudbury, North Region or 75 Mulcaster St, Barrie, Central Region or 125 Brodie St N, Thunder Bay, North Region or 38 Pine St N, Timmins, North Region or 31 Nova Scotia Walk, Elliot Lake, North Region or 25 Brunetville Rd, Kapuskasing, North Region or 393 Main St, Haileybury, North Region or 82 James St, Parry Sound, North Region or 3B Dominion St, Bracebridge, Central Region or 25 Phipps St, Gore Bay, North Region or 283 Church St, Fort Frances, North Region or 479 Government Rd, Dryden, North Region or 208 Beamish Ave, Geraldton, North Region, Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Bilingual English/French Temporary – PartTime, 220 Main St S, Kenora, North Region or 360 Plouffe St, North Bay, North Region or 123 March St, Sault Ste Marie, North Region or 144 Pine St, Sudbury, North Region or 75 Mulcaster St, Barrie, Central Region or 125 Brodie St N, Thunder Bay, North Region or 38 Pine St N, Timmins, North Region or 31 Nova Scotia Walk, Elliot Lake, North Region or 25 Brunetville Rd, Kapuskasing, North Region or 393 Main St, Haileybury, North Region or 82 James St, Parry Sound, North Region or 3B Dominion St, Bracebridge, Central Region or 25 Phipps St, Gore Bay, North Region or 283 Church St, Fort Frances, North Region or 479 Government Rd, Dryden, North Region or 208 Beamish Ave, Geraldton, North Region, Vulnerable Sector Check.
• The successful candidate will be required to undergo a satisfactory criminal reference check prior to the commencement of employment.
• The number of positions to be filled has not been identified at this time. This competition will be used to create an eligibility list of qualified candidates to fill upcoming opportunities within the next eighteen months following the closing date of the job ad posting.
• In accordance with the Ontario Public Service (OPS), Employment Screening Checks Policy (ESCP), the top candidate(s) may be required to undergo a security screening check. Refer to the above to determine the screening checks that are required for this position.
• Required security screening checks along with your written consent, will be sent to the Transition and Security Office (TSO), Corporate Talent Programs Branch, Talent and Leadership Division to evaluate the results. If applicable, the TSO, with your written consent, will request and obtain any additional employment screening checks that were not obtained directly by you.
• A record under the Criminal Code and/or other federal offence record(s) does not automatically mean you will be ineligible for the position. The employment screening check(s) will only be reviewed and evaluated by the TSO for the purpose of making a security clearance decision. The details of an individual’s employment screening check(s) will be considered in specific relation to the duties and responsibilities of the position being filled. Employment screening check records will be maintained by the TSO and kept strictly confidential.

Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the “position(s) language” section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you’ll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.