011 - Coordinator, Métis Community Diversion

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Closing date: February 20, 2024

MNO’s culture is at our core

The MNO workplace culture is full of potential ready to be unlocked. As our Self-Governance agreement materializes, we are building a workplace culture of action, responsibility, and most importantly a desire to serve the Métis community. When defining what MNO culture is, it’s difficult, because of our diverse leadership styles, and the different programs and services offered. What that really means is there is a place for almost everyone under the MNO employer umbrella. We recognize people are different, and that is our source of strength. We bring opinions together, welcome healthy conflict, and look to always find answers, not problems.

• Comprehensive employer-paid health benefits and pension plan
  
  
• Generous vacation allotment starting at 10 day's for regular employees and 15 day's for management
• Annual paid two-week holiday closure in December
• 16 paid public and employer holidays
• 15 paid health & wellness days
• Challenging, multi-disciplinary work environment that fosters learning and professional development
  
  
• Substantial educational incentive to promote personal and professional growth
• An opportunity to make a direct or indirect impact on the lives of the Métis Peoples across the Province
  
  
• Other perks
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Health care spending account
• Bell Mobility's exclusive partner program
• Dell member purchase program

About the role

The Métis Community Diversion Coordinator (MCDC) MNO Advocacy Program, reports to the Supervisor of Advocacy. The Coordinator oversees the MNO’s Métis Community Diversion Program (the Program and volunteers) in locations throughout region 8, however, servicing particularly in the Peel, Durham, Newmarket and Toronto court house regions.

The Coordinator works with court staff and other partners providing legal supports to receive referrals, provide information to queries about the criteria for the program, vet candidates for diversion circle participation, facilitate the justice circles and develop and ensure the client follows through with the recommendations to ultimately report back to the justice parties involved the status of the client’s progress with the goal of providing restorative justice alternatives within the Criminal Justice System. The MCDC assists Indigenous, including Métis, accused (12+ yrs) with securing legal counsel, attends court on occasion, present testimonial in - the form of written report or verbal before the Court - on behalf of client involvement in the program, responsible for collaborating with clients to develop a reasonable restorative justice plan in response to offences, assists with bail hearings, makes referrals and coordinating diversion circles – including volunteer recruitment and restorative justice training. Additionally, the MCDC is responsible for liaising with Crown Attorneys, defense counsel and other partner organizations.

What you will be doing

• Work directly with youth and adult Indigenous persons who have been accused of committing an offence.
• Assist with the development and documentation of the region 8 MNO diversion circle, including intake and a process to track progress of accused through diversion plans.
• Develop a communication strategy, including education and awareness-building materials, required to support and market the Métis Community Diversion Program in Region 8 and to encourage self-identification of Métis accused who would benefit from the Métis Community Diversion Program.
• Recruit and develop a roster of community members and volunteers who are available to participate in diversion circles for the Diversion Program.
• Develop Restorative Justice training programming for Volunteer community members.
• Build awareness about the Métis Community Diversion Program internally with MNO client-service staff by actively networking and connecting with existing clients.
• Build awareness about the Métis Community Diversion Program with regional Métis Community Councils throughout Ontario, and other relevant community partners.
• Develop strategic collaborative partnerships at the courthouses and within the community with court workers, legal counsel, Crown Attorneys and other partner organizations throughout Region 8. This includes sitting at the Human Justice Services Coordinating Committee in Region 8.
• Organize and deliver diversion circles in Region 8.
• Maintain accurate records and reports on accused’s progress on diversion plans in accordance to PHIPPA standards as well as adherence to records management of Youth involved in the Criminal Justice System (YJS Protocols).
• Conduct program evaluation activities.
• Implement annual project work plans and activity reports.
• Other reasonable duties as may be assigned.

What you will bring

• Strong desire to act in the service of the Métis Citizens, to advance and uphold rights and culture
• Completion of post-secondary education in justice, legal studies, criminology or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Working knowledge of the criminal justice system and barriers involved for Indigenous adults and youth involved in the CJS
• Knowledge of justice related resources to assist clients and the community to navigate legal information and resources throughout the catchment region
• A high degree of technology literacy and proficiency in standard office equipment
• Advanced communications skills, both written and verbal
• Strong project coordination, including the design and implementation of project work-plans
• Demonstrated ability to work alone/independently with minimal supervision
• Previous 1 to 2 or more years experience in Indigenous client services and/or case management

Preferred

• Knowledge of Métis-specific and broader Indigenous justice initiatives, key challenges, and programs
• Knowledge of Indigenous and Métis specific rights within the justice system, and barriers to justice for Indigenous clients
• Knowledge of Métis and/or Indigenous justice principles and the legal system
• Understanding of relevant legislation including the Canadian Criminal Code, Ontario Human Rights Code, Gladue Principles
• Previous 2 years or more experience in a similar/comparable role
• Demonstrated ability to write high quality evidence and data-based reports and professional presentations
• Demonstrated ability in policy and program development and evaluation
• Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire and expand knowledge and to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment
• Previous experience dealing with confidential information

All positions at the MNO may require the following:

• Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain
• Completion and maintenance of Vulnerable Sector Verification
• A reliable vehicle (or ability to rent), driver’s licence, $1,000,000 liability insurance, and a clean driving record
• Flexibility to work extended hours as necessary
• Ability to occasionally travel within Ontario for limited periods of time

The Métis Nation of Ontario commits to providing accommodation as required by the Ontario Human Rights Act, unless to do so would cause undue hardship. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the principles of dignity, individualization, and inclusion. The Métis Nation of Ontario will work cooperatively and in the spirit of respect with all partners in the accommodation process. These accommodations will extend to all aspects of the employment relationship including recruitment and selection.

Please email human resources if you require an accommodation during the hiring process.

Special Services Organization

The Métis Nation of Ontario is a special services organization. All applicants are encouraged to apply. Preference may be given to qualified applicants who meet the requirements for MNO Citizenship as per the MNO Bylaws and who are in good standing.

Please note, all employees, regardless of role or location, are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless the employee has a valid medical exemption. This condition of employment is effective for all employees, full or part-time, permanent or contract, whether working remotely or not, as of November 1, 2021.