Job Title EJM/DAP Worker

Department Youth/Adult Services, Community and Justice

Location Whitby, Oshawa, Bowmanville, Oshawa Court

Posting Start Date November 18, 2024

Posting End Date November 29, 2024, or until the position is filled

Employment Group CUPE 2938.13

Salary Grid Rate $23.32 per hour subject to annual and anniversary increases

Standard Weekly Hours of Work 35 - 8am to 4pm

Shift Work Required Flex hours is required (i.e. late afternoons for workshops)

Work Environment All JHS Durham Office Locations and Community locations

Additional Benefits

Extended Health, Dental, Life, LTD, EAP, Mileage reimbursement, Accident coverage, RRSP

Start Date As soon as possible

John Howard Society of Durham Region Mission Statement:

To reduce the impact of crime and its causes by providing a spectrum of effective prevention and intervention programs.

Position Summary

This position is a blended role of two positions: Extra Judicial Measures and Direct Accountability.

The EJM program, operating under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is a pre-charge youth diversion initiative catering to individuals aged 12 to 17. It serves as an alternative to the formal court system, offering a unique approach to accountability.

The Direct Accountability Program is a Pre and Post charge diversion program. For eligible offences, the process provides an alternative to charging or prosecution for the adult participant. It involves the participant being held accountable through community-based assigned tasks (sanctions) such as paying restitution, making a charitable donation, completing volunteer work, providing an apology, and attending an educational or intervention program.

This role will act as back up to the Direct Accountability Program to facilitate the post-charge diversion program in the court office, and the pre-charge program in a JHS office as required when the full time CJCW worker is away from the office due to vacation, professional development and personal emergency leave. This entails processing referrals, monitoring completion of sanctions and reporting the outcome back to the court or referring police officer, and completing all required documentation.

1. Youth and Adult Diversion: Divert youth and adults from the traditional court process, providing them with an opportunity to be held accountable for their actions in a different manner.
2. Accountability and Understanding: The program focus on helping individuals take accountability for their actions while fostering a deep understanding of the consequences on various levels. This includes the social, financial, and personal costs of their actions to themselves, their families, peers, and the community.
3. Programming: Individuals involved in the programs participate in either group or individual programs/sanctions designed to educate them about the broader impact of their actions and choices.
4. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: The programs maintain close communication with the Durham Regional Police (EJM), Crown Attorney office (DAP), legal representatives (DAP) ensuring that participants adhere to the program's expectations and successfully achieve desired outcomes.

This initiative not only offers a way to address offences but also aims to help individuals comprehend the repercussions of their actions, promoting responsible decision-making and community well-being.

Key Relationships:

Community and Justice Manager, JHS Durham management team, agency employees, Durham Regional Police, Boys & Girls Club, Pinewood, participants, Crown Attorney office, legal representatives other community agencies and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial intake and assessments for pre-charged youth and adults.
• Lead short-term cognitive behavioural-based groups addressing emotional management and theft-related issues.
• Provide short-term individual counselling, addressing various issues, including self-esteem, family and peer relationships, mental health, and more.
• Refer individuals to programs and services that can address their specific needs and goals.
• Work as part of the JHS team in partnership with Durham Regional Police Services to support pre-charged youth.
• Maintain accurate case notes, progress reports, and client files, adhering to agency and funder standards.
• Collaborate with relevant community agencies and contacts as needed.
• Facilitate DAP clients sanctions, report progress to the court
• Refer to programs and services that will help address issues that brought individuals in conflict with the law
• Attend meetings, training, and contribute to program development.
• Promote programs through presentations and communication with DRPS.
• Ensure all documentation is complete and meet service outcomes and targets set by the funder.
• Contribute to the supervision and training of placement students.
• Meet all required deadlines for tasks and responsibilities.

Requirements

• Post secondary diploma or degree in social services/sciences is required, with a preference for Social/Human Service Counselling, Criminal Justice, or Social Work.
• Experience working with vulnerable adult and youth population
• Have a passion for working with youth and compassion for the challenges they have faced
• Experienced in support counselling, de-escalation, and crisis intervention skills utilizing a trauma-informed approach
• Familiar with pre and post charge diversion practices
• Knowledge of the criminal justice act
• Knowledge of the court system processes
• Able to work within a community partnership environment
• Possess solid counselling skills and strong communication skills
• Experience facilitating groups
• Experience and understanding of the court systems and processes
• Demonstrates punctuality and accountability with their time
• Open to supervision and feedback, works collaboratively
• Meets established deadlines
• Awareness of community resources relevant to population
• Crisis Intervention training and ASIST certification is an asset
• Valid Standard First Aid/CPR Certification
• Computer skills that support the position, including virtual platforms (Office 365, MS Teams, Zoom)
• Must have Class G licence, own vehicle with minimum of $2,000,000 liability insurance.
• Able to provide an acceptable vulnerable sector police check.

Work Conditions

• Will act as an on call and back up to cover the Direct Accountability program
• May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc.
• Interacts with the public, clients, staff, visitors, and staff from other organizations.
• Ongoing physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, lifting.
• Able to lift items as heavy as 25 lbs.
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
• Flexible hours as required.

Application Instructions:

Submit a letter of interest and your resume which outlines your skills, education, experience and fit for this position through this link: https://jhsdurham.bamboohr.com/careers/387