Gladue Writer

**Indigenous Women are encouraged to apply. First preference will be given to all qualified Indigenous applicants.**

Why make ONWA your career choice?

Make a difference in the lives of Indigenous peoples by supporting and advocating for positive change. ONWA prides itself on providing all employees with a total rewards package that is generous and supports our workforce and their family members:

• Competitive salaries
• Generous paid vacation time
• Paid time off at Christmas above paid vacation time
• Additional paid stat and civic holidays
• 35-hour work week
• Comprehensive benefits program including health, paramedical, dental, vision and EAP. All premiums covered by the employer.
• Healthcare Spending Account and Lifestyle Spending Account
• Competitive Retirement Savings Plan up to 16% with organization match pending position
• Paid sick days
• Paid cultural/personal wellness days
• Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
• Ongoing professional development.
• Possible reimbursement on portion of cell phone and internet expenses
• Remote/hybrid work offered for various positions

VISION:

At the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), we celebrate and honor the safety and healing of Indigenous Women and Girls as they take up their leadership roles in the family, community, provincially, nationally and internationally for generations to come.

ONWA MANDATE:

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is a not-for-profit organization that empowers and supports Indigenous women and their families in the province of Ontario.  ONWA encourages the participation of Indigenous women in the development of Federal, Provincial, Municipal/ Local government policies that impact their lives and ensure issues affecting Indigenous women and their families are heard at key government tables.

ONWA is committed to providing services that strengthen communities and guarantees the preservation of Indigenous culture, identity, art, language, and heritage.  Ending violence against Indigenous women and their families and ensuring equal access to justice, education, health, environmental stewardship, and economic development, sits at the cornerstone of the organization.  ONWA insists on social and cultural well – being for all Indigenous women and their families, so that all women, regardless of tribal heritage may live their best lives.

SCOPE:

The Gladue Writer will ensure accountability of the program operation and deliverables.  They will coordinate and develop the services of the Gladue Program internally and externally that support Indigenous woman.  The Gladue Writer will further provide ongoing awareness of the Gladue Program and provide written reports for Indigenous women that identify systemic or historical factors to assist Indigenous Women before the courts and assist in identifying ways to address these.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum diploma/degree in Journalism/ Law/or Social Sciences, coupled with a minimum of three (3) to five (5) years working experience in a writing role for Indigenous Peoples.
• Three (3) to five (5) years working experience within the justice sector.
• Proven working experience in supporting and advocating for Indigenous Women and their families.
• Solid understanding of the systemic barriers and historical factors Indigenous Women face.
• Working knowledge of local culturally grounded supports and services available for Indigenous women.
• Successful working experience influencing, changing, affecting, impacting law as it relates to Indigenous Women.
• Proven ability to bring creative and progressive ideas to the table in support of Indigenous Women impacted by current law.
• Self-motivated and confident in making sound decisions.
• Exceptional written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational, project management and time management skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Positive, collaborative and team oriented attitude.
• Able to manage and prioritize many conflicting priorities simultaneously.
• Strong connection to other social service providers within the community that relate to this position.
• Candidate must be willing to work flexible hours as needed.
• Must be dependable, able to follow instructions, respond to management direction and be able to improve performance through management feedback.
• Capacity to solve problems and to see different perspectives.
• Ability to plan, organize and manage time effectively.
• Highly motivated individual with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills and an ability to follow through on assigned duties independently with strict deadlines.
• Knowledge of Not-For Profit Organizations
• Proficient working knowledge of MS Office Software, internet, and general office equipment.
• Ability to travel.
• Reliable vehicle, appropriate vehicle insurance coverage and valid Ontario “G” class driver’s license.
• Current, valid vulnerable sector criminal records check. Valid 1st Aid/CPR.
• A cellular phone and internet access is required within this position
• Must be willing and able to work a flexible working from home arrangement if required.  This may include a combination of virtual remote work in your home and in office arrangements.  This will be based on operational needs and will be determined by the ONWA.
• Ability to speak an Indigenous Language is considered an asset.
• ONWA is committed on implementing measures to protect its community members, staff, and other stakeholders from COVID-19. As a result, ONWA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy. Exemptions will be made for those with a valid medical exemption; proof of the exemption will be required.

KEY CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Inter-cultural Competency Informed – Understands to incorporate a personal responsibility to increase sensitivity, awareness and implementation of ONWA’s cultural teachings and organizational practices in both professional conduct and work related deliverables.
• Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis Informed – Understands to incorporate an intersectional approach to gender, race and discrimination and subsequent intergenerational impacts affecting Indigenous women and their families.
• Trauma-Based Practice Informed – Understands to incorporate a trauma-informed approach to recognize and respond to all forms of trauma and the necessity of supporting Indigenous women in a culture of tradition and safety in her healing journey.
• She is Wise Leadership Informed – Understands to incorporate the Four Agreements within daily responsibilities and combined with ONWA’s cultural teachings contribute to the empowerment and leadership of Indigenous women within their communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES – SPECIFIC:

1. To meet with Community Members to interview, research and write Gladue Reports through an Indigenous woman’s lens.
2. Coordinate the facilitation of the Gladue Report.
3. Work in collaboration with After Care Worker(s) for the betterment of Community Members.
4. To assist with the development and maintenance of the Referral Guidelines and work in collaboration with the After Care Worker(s) to ensure continuance of services to support the Community Members.
5. To maintain and enhance partnerships with judicial and community resources in the implementation, development and maintenance of the Gladue Writer program through collaborative efforts.
6. To receive appropriate referrals on behalf of program Community Members and maintain all Community Member files in accordance with organizational and program requirements.
7. To liaise with Indigenous and non-Indigenous resource/service providers and After Care Workers to ensure continuance of service.
8. Meet with necessary justice personnel in the development of referral protocols (i.e. Crown Attorneys, Defense Bar and Judges).
9. Maintain collaborative working relationships with the local justice personnel (Judges, Justice of the Peace, Duty Counsel, Defense Lawyers and Crown Attorneys) in the advocacy of the Gladue program.
10. Prepare and submit all reports as required including annual submission, quarterly and annual reports in accordance with program and organizational requirements in a timely manner.
11. Provide regular updates on overall program operation including program updates to Community Members, Indigenous and Non-Indigenous service providers, justice personnel and the ONWA.
12. Undertake program promotion and awareness (staff training, newsletters, media submission, community education).
13. Become knowledgeable regarding community resources (Indigenous and Non-Indigenous) available to Indigenous Community Members.
14. Prepare sentencing reports for Indigenous Community Members at the request of Defense Counsel, Crown or the Court.
15. Assist Defense Counsel or the Court with suggestions and recommendations for sentencing regarding Indigenous Community Members with backup on what works in areas of sentencing.
16. Assist/participate in evaluation exercises and seek on-going feedback of program operations. Travel as required;
17. Other duties as assigned.

AUTHORITY:

To execute duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

The Gladue Writer will be directly accountable to the Branch Manager for the proper completion of the functions outlined in the job description.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

As Indigenous leaders, ONWA is continuing full operations including hiring, while working from home, as supporting our community members is a priority.  ONWA is scheduling all interviews, providing all training, onboarding and orientation for new employees, through the use of virtual tools.  We will continue to accommodate remote and home based work arrangements in an effort to keep our ONWA employees healthy and safe.

Deadline: Until Filled.