Social Work Team Lead, Prince George Diversion Centre

Social Work Team Lead, Prince George Diversion Centre

Diversion, Corrections, Community Based Healing Full Time Prince George, BC

Empowered by the First Nations Leadership Council and in partnership with the provincial and federal governments, the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) is responsible to 204 First Nations in BC. Our mandate is to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system and to support Nations as they move to sovereignty over justice.

The BCFNJC is growing rapidly. Indigenous people in BC deserve world-class legal services and programs. To this end, we are seeking team members who share our vision, understand the gravity of the work, are excited by the opportunity and will not stop until we reach our goal. We take our mandate seriously but also strive for a balanced, caring work environment that is respectful and supportive.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Associate Director of Northern Diversion and Healing, the Social Work Team Lead plays a crucial and rewarding role of providing work direction to social support staff in the Prince George Diversion Centre. The Diversion Centre will be supporting Indigenous community members from across Northern British Columbia. The Diversion Centre is designed to divert Indigenous peoples away from the criminal justice system at the point of contact with RCMP, or in a post-release manner from Prince George Regional Correction Centre (PGRCC). Emphasizing the urgent and direct need to have social service mechanism initiated at that point of contact to lower recidivism through diversion.

The Social Work Team Lead position is accountable for working with and acting as a liaison between Indigenous communities, organizations, while working alongside the Associate Director of Diversion and Healing in collaboration with the provincial and municipal government, and the Prince George RCMP Detachment. This position demands a high level of social facilitation, relationship-building, and experience with our direct clientele. Conceptual practice will be a large part of the initial role and practices of this position to build this program from the ground up. The successful applicant must have strong program development, independent analysis, and problem-solving skills. The position requires strong anti-oppressive communication and must adhere to strict confidentiality and professional standards.

The position will require working outside traditional working hours.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build a collaborative team of social workers to advance the principle of pre-arrest diversion, a key part of the First Nations Justice Strategy’s overall goal of embedding the presumption of diversion throughout the justice continuum.
• Provide clinical supervision and consultation to agency staff, ensuring best practices in case management and therapeutic interventions.
• Demonstrate and mentor excellent professional judgement in line with the BC College of Social Workers.
• Support team members with complex and challenging cases, offering expertise and guidance to ensure effective resolution.
• Working collaboratively with the Associate Director in the conceptual and operational development of the pilot in its first year.
• Maintain an ongoing personal caseload, conducting intake interviews, needs assessments, and developing comprehensive treatment plans.
• Offer referrals to community agencies for services such as temporary housing, career counseling, job assistance, and legal aid.
• Balance direct service responsibilities with leadership duties through effective time management and prioritization.
• Strongly advocate for the needs and rights of Indigenous individuals and families that encounter the criminal justice system, while addressing systemic issues, and promoting trauma informed and culturally safe support.
• Understand and respect indigenous cultural values, traditions, and social structures to foster positive relationships with indigenous communities in and around Prince George.
• Provide direct coverage for Associate Director while they are away.
• Other duties as assigned. As this is a new program and a new area of work for BCFNJC, we are seeking team members who are willing to go above and beyond to create exciting new paths away from colonial systems for our community members. Willingness to problem solve, to innovate and to work collaboratively with BCFNJC leadership will be vital for candidate success.

Qualifications and Work Experience:

• Education in social work, mental health or related field, or a combination of experience and other academic qualifications will also be considered.
• Registration with the BC College of Social Workers will be an asset but is not required.
• 2-3 years in a clinical leadership or supervisory role.
• Criminal Record Check (RCMP – Working with Vulnerable Sector) within one month of date of hire.
• Currently resides in Prince George or in the region or capable of relocating to Prince George.
• Experience in the management of staff working with underserved and vulnerable populations.
• Experience working directly with street-entrenched Indigenous peoples in a trauma-informed, culturally safe way which demonstrates knowledge of Indigenous culture, traditions, laws, and the ongoing impacts of colonization.
• Knowledge of how trauma, poverty, homelessness, mental illness, substance use contributes to criminalized behaviors.
• Working experience with the judicial system is preferred, more specifically in British Columbia.
• Possess strong writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of MS Office programs including (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Demonstrated strengths in collaboration, compassion, and non-judgement.

Reporting: Associate Director of Northern Diversion and Healing

Location: Prince George

Benefits: Extended benefits package that includes health and dental, personal days, paid vacation, and RRSP/TFSA savings plans

Pay Range: $100,000-$115,000 - salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Hours: Full-time (35hours / week); Mondays to Fridays

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided to Indigenous applicants in accordance with section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. Candidates of Indigenous background are encouraged to self-identify on their application.