Our Court Support & Systems Navigator is a vital advocate for women residing in YW's Crisis Shelter. This trauma-informed role focuses on immediate legal support including court accompaniment, protection orders, and navigating justice systems, while connecting women to essential resources. Beyond addressing immediate needs, the navigator creates sustainable pathways for long-term stability, ensuring women feel supported beyond their time in shelter. This role involves building relationships, managing complex priorities, and breaking down barriers to safety and independence for women. This position makes a lasting impact, offering hope and empowerment to women as they take steps towards a thriving future.

The role involves working 37.5 hours per week, with eligibility for a hybrid work arrangement after 3 months. It is primarily based at a Crisis Shelter, requiring some travel, and includes frequent exposure to individuals experiencing trauma, crisis, and mental health challenges.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Assist participants with navigating the legal system, including court accompaniment, protection orders and other legal proceedings.
• Provide information on legal rights, options and resources in a trauma informed manner.
• Liaise with lawyers, law enforcement and court staff to advocate for participant's needs and ensure a clear understanding of processes.
• Connect participants to legal resources, like counselling, and external community services, such as Legal Aid.
• Support participants in accessing services for long-term sustainability, including post-shelter options.
• Stay well-informed on community resources, legal systems and government programs to provide accurate and up to date guidance.
• Identify and address systemic barriers that may hinder access to services or legal processes.
• Work with participants to develop individualized plans to address their immediate and long-term legal, safety and resource needs.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of shelter staff, external agencies, and community partners to ensure comprehensive and coordinated services for participants.
• Ensure all interactions are client centered and trauma-informed, providing emotional support and sensitivity to each participant's unique journey.
• Facilitate a supportive environment that prioritizes dignity, empowerment and choice.
• Provide participants with tools and strategies for self-advocacy in legal and community settings.
• Facilitate educational workshops, or one on one sessions to empower participants with knowledge of their legal rights and available resources.
• Provide immediate compassionate support during times of crisis, connecting participants to emergency services and resources as needed.
• Assist with safety planning to ensure participants feel protected and informed.
• Maintain detailed, confidential case records and follow-up on participant progress to ensure continuity of care.
• Foster and contribute to a culture of inclusion and equity in a diverse work environment; understand and recognize that individual differences significantly contribute to YW Calgary's success in its programs and workplace 
• Understand and remain current with YW Calgary Health, Safety and Wellness policies, practices and protocols and ensure work is performed in alignment with YW's culture.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in related field, such as Social Work (BSW or MSW preferred, must be registered with ACSW), Human Services or Community Support, Psychology or Counselling, Criminal Justice, etc.
• Training in trauma-informed care and crisis intervention i.e. NVCI, ASIST.
• Knowledge of protective orders and Family Violence Legislation in Alberta, including the Protection Against Family violence Act (PAFVA).
• Strong legal knowledge, including an understanding of family and criminal court systems, legal aid services and government assistance programs.
• Resourceful; maintains knowledge of local community resources.
• Excellent advocacy, case management and coordination skills.
• Strong oral and written communication and listening skills.
• Interpersonal and relationship building skills; collaborative, empathetic and patient.
• Skilled at managing urgent and high crisis situations with adaptability with sound judgement.
• Strong boundaries, self-awareness and self-care when responding to emotionally challenging situations.
• Proven time management and organizational skills.
• Maintains computer literacy, e.g. Microsoft Office and demonstrates ability to learn new systems.

If you want to change lives, we want to hear from you.
Deadline: until filled

Apply today by submitting your resume, cover letter, and salary expectations.
Check out our website for more information about YW Calgary: www.ywcalgary.ca

YW Calgary is committed to providing an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace where all employees, volunteers and clients feel valued and respected, whatever their race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, ancestry, or place of origin.