Justice Navigator – Ref. No. 19081

Community Programs

Term | Full-Time

The Alex: Changing Health. Changing Lives.  The Alex Community Health Centre is a not-for-profit organization that is changing how we look at health care in Calgary. Our health, housing and food programs support our most vulnerable neighbours, tackling tough health and social issues head-on.  Using a multi-disciplinary team approach, we focus care on assessment, intervention and promotion of all aspects of health. We embrace a model of health care that is accessible, responsive and participatory. In addition to the Family Health Centre, we run a Seniors Health Centre, a Youth Centre, two Mobile Community Health Buses, one Dental Health Bus, four Housing First Programs, a Community Food Centre and Youth Law. 

What we do and why we do it:

Who are we? The Alex. We are change makers, forward thinkers and community builders and we are growing. As part of our multi-disciplinary team, you would be part of the movement to bring innovative health and a social solution to Calgary’s most vulnerable. Working in collaboration with our youth and community programming, the justice navigator works alongside social support staff to reduce barriers facing those accessing services at The Alex.  

The Justice Navigator will use their knowledge of the legal system to advocate for clients involved in the justice system and to connect individuals to legal supports as appropriate. The Justice Navigator is a member of a multidisciplinary team working to support highly vulnerable Calgarians experiencing legal issues, many of whom may also experience challenges posed by homelessness, mental health, addictions, and poverty. This is a one-year term position.   

What you will do: 

• Assist clients with understanding and prioritizing legal issues
• Provide general legal information and referrals to legal and non-legal resources/supports for Alex clients through phone, email or in-person
• Develop relationships and engage with legal professionals working with clients to ensure adequate collaboration to address client justice needs
• Attend both court and legal appointments as appropriate
• Communicate with and support Alex teams and community partners
• Assist clients with completing and filing legal documents, as appropriate
• Track program statistics and prepare relevant reports
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of reliable online information and resources as well as in-person supports and services
• Monitor changes to laws in areas relating to common legal issues experienced by vulnerable Calgarians. 

What you bring:

• At minimum, Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminology, law, or related discipline plus 3 years related experience
• Experience working with and providing information/support to diverse high need populations
• Previous experience working directly with individuals with complex mental health needs is an asset
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care
• Knowledge of criminal and civil legal systems/processes, especially in areas including landlord and tenant, employment, child welfare, consumer issues, and discrimination
• Strong knowledge of local legal resources and supports
• Excellent crisis intervention and de-escalation skills
• Ability to multi-task and strong time management skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in independent and multi-disciplinary team (collaborative) settings 
• Knowledge of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRC) 94 Calls to Action considered an asset

Why You Want to Work with Us: 

The Alex is an innovative and diverse organization which seeks to invest in its employees and see them succeed in their chosen careers.  If you are seeking a deeply rewarding, yet challenging career helping Calgary’s vulnerable populations, this might be the place for you!  

• 3-paid weeks of Vacation
• Paid Wellness and Personal Days
• RRSP Matching after 6 months
• Reimbursement of Professional Designation fees
• Investment in Professional Development
• Health and Lifestyle Enhancement benefit 

How to apply:

If you are as passionate as we are about being a part of the solution to resolve homelessness, please email your resume to [email protected] and be sure to include the job title and reference number in the subject line.  Deadline to apply is November 12, 2019 at 4pm. 

For further information about The Alex and its programs, we encourage you to visit our website at www.thealex.ca 

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.