Courtworker Trainee

Organizational Overview:

Aboriginal Legal Services was established February 21, 1990. ALS was formed following a needs assessment by the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. With approximately 75 dedicated employees, Aboriginal Legal Services is headquartered in Toronto and operates nearly a dozen satellite offices across Ontario. Over the years ALS has becomes a nationally recognized leader in the development of Indigenous-led justice programming and in test-case litigation. Indigenous People require equitable treatment in the justice system, access to the legal and related resources within the justice system, as well as understanding of the system and their options. The support required includes advocacy in all areas of the law as well as alternatives which can break the cycles of recidivism and dependency which is all too prevalent. These alternatives are more effective when they are community controlled and are based on the traditional cultural norms and values of the Indigenous community.

 Position Summary:

The role of the Aboriginal Courtworker Trainee is to assist Indigenous individuals in navigating the justice system by providing information to the accused about court processes. The Trainee will provide referrals to appropriate legal resources, assist in the creation of release plans, and follow up with clients. This position is unionized.

 Duties and responsibilities

• Offering support and helping individuals navigate the justice system by providing information to Aboriginal accused and family members about criminal processes;
• Referring Aboriginal people to appropriate resources;
• Assisting in the creation of release plans with clients and advocating for appropriate services for the accused, as well as following up on referrals;
• Networking and liaison between client, members of the judiciary, culturally appropriate justice programs and services, and Aboriginal community justice programs and services;

 Qualifications

• Must be registered with Miziwe Biik and working with an Employment Counsellor;
• Must reside within the GTA;
• Excellent verbal and writing skills;
• Ability to work independently and to manage a regular caseload of clients;
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and programs and services available to Indigenous people in Toronto and surrounding area would;

To Apply:

To apply to this job posting, please submit your cover letter and resume with “Courtworker Trainee” in the subject line to

hrgeneral@aboriginallegal.ca or fax it to (416) 408-1568.

Potential candidates must be First Nations, Inuit or Metis and reside within the GTA. Candidates must be registered or eligible to register with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training.

Aboriginal Legal Services is an equal opportunity organization committed to diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants. Accommodations for persons with disabilities required during the recruitment process are available upon request. To request accommodation, please email Nazaninn@aboriginallegal.ca.We would like to thank all applicants for their interest but only those

selected for an interview will be contacted.