Community Support Worker jobs in British Columbia

Surrey Women’s Centre is CHANGING THE DEFINITION OF VICTIM by providing a wide range of Crisis, Court and Counselling services to survivors of gender-based violence who experience domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and other forms of violence. In this position, you will be providing court support to folks who have experienced gender-based violence.

We are looking for a Court Victim Support Worker to join our team.

Victim Support Workers support women, girls and gender diverse individuals who have experienced physical and/or sexualized violence to increase their safety by providing crisis intervention and support including assistance accessing and navigating key medical, legal and social services.

Services are also available for non-offending family members and other witnesses.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Victim Support Work

• Provides court intervention, emotional support, and practical assistance to survivors.
• Assesses the safety of survivors and supports them in reducing safety risks.
• Assesses survivor's needs and provide appropriate referrals and resources.
• Promotes the interests of survivors and advocates on their behalf.
• Provides information about and assistance with the police, criminal court, and medical systems.
• Provides case-specific information and updates to clients.
• Provides Intake Line support as assigned.
• Provides accompaniment and/or transportation to RCMP, Crown Counsel, court and medical appointments as assigned.
• Provides court orientation as assigned
• Liaises between survivors and Crown Counsel, RCMP and other agencies.
• Maintains accurate up-to-date client records, including documentation of all client contacts, referrals to and consultation with community agencies and professionals.
• Provides narrative and statistical reports regarding service delivery to the Executive Director, funding and regulatory bodies as required.

Community Relations

• Consults networks and liaises with community agencies and professionals to maintain up-to-date information on available resources; maintains positive community relations and builds mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Promotes community awareness of the program, services and issues related to sexual and physical violence.
• Develops, implements, and maintains local victim service coordination protocols.
• Meets regularly with other local victim service programs.

Resource Development

• Maintains effective relations and communications with SWC key stakeholders such as members, donors, funding bodies and prospective sources of revenue
• Supports and participates in SWC special events and fundraising initiatives

Experience and Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in a relevant field and/or a minimum of two years’ experience providing emotional and practical support to victims of gender-based violence.
• Demonstrated knowledge of working within a feminist, trauma-informed, harm-reduction perspective.
• Previous experience with gender-based violence
• Extensive knowledge of community resources and services available to victims.
• Working knowledge of relevant provincial protocols related to domestic violence
• Demonstrated knowledge of Provincial and Supreme court proceedings, terminology, and processes
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse clientele, including marginalized women who are experiencing multiple barriers.
• Ability to work well under pressure and in changing situations
• In-depth understanding of the entire Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system is required.

*** Ability to speak Punjabi is an asset.

We strongly encourage applications from and prioritize hiring people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including folks with lived experience, Indigenous and racialized people. We encourage, though don’t require, folks of these identities to indicate this on their cover letter.

We are an anti-violence organization supporting women and for that reason the employment opportunities are open to women only.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $27.54 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Application question(s):

• Please share your work/volunteer experience in navigating the criminal justice system.
• What languages do you speak other than English?

Experience:

• Victim services: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person