SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 88,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

SCO provides competitive compensation and an excellent pension and benefits, as well as a positive work environment.

OVERVIEW:

SCO’s Community Safety and Policing Program is looking for two experienced, community-driven Senior First Nation Safety Officers (FNSO) who will report to the Team Lead, Regional First Nation Safety Officer Team. The incumbents will be responsible for leading teams of FNSOs and deploying the first regional FNSO team in Manitoba. The team will support safety and wellbeing in SCO member Nations where Nations request support. The team will provide safety responses holistically, from a harm-reduction, trauma-focused lens, as a peace officer in a tiered community safety response in support of community-determined goals.

KEY RESPONSIBLITIES:

Pro-active Safety Presence

• Provide leadership to a team of community-centered, trauma-focused FNSO’s to proactively support and respond to the safety needs of SCO member Nations upon request. This team’s overall vision is to contribute to the decolonization of community safety responses.
• Supervision of a proactive community patrol team with a strong focus on maintaining a visible presence, de-escalation of incidents, and providing information to the local policing authority on ongoing or emerging public safety issues.
• Duties will include providing first-aid and trauma response care, and responding to and supporting citizens who are experiencing safety risks, require mental health and substance use support or intervention, or require de-escalation from various acute situations.
• Build trust and strong relationships with citizens in SCO member Nations, existing and developing Nation-led FNSO programs, law enforcement agencies, and the police services of jurisdiction.
• Develop trusted relationships with community health teams, schools, wellness service providers/organizations, and community members.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and training opportunities for all FNSOs serving SCO member Nations.

Leadership and Supervision

• Provide leadership and supervision to a team of SCO Regional FNSOs. SCO FNSO Teams will work seamlessly with mental health supports, law enforcement, community leadership, and community members, supporting safer communities.
• The Senior FNSO is responsible for supervision of the daily operations of a team of 4-12 FNSOs, ensuring the safety of FNSOs and the communities they serve.
• The Senior Officer is responsible for the recruitment and training of staff.
• The Senior Officer is responsible for the evaluation, reporting and accountability of the program’s needs and requirements.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• A diploma in Criminology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology or a related field, work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3-5 years of progressive experience in a law enforcement, military, or paramilitary role, with operational experience as a leader.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the impacts of colonization, Indian Residential and Day Schools, the 60’s Scoop, MMIWG2S+, the Child Welfare System, and intergenerational trauma.
• Demonstrated appreciation of the significance of Anishinaabe and Dakota ancestral teachings, language, songs, and ceremonies in promoting health and wellness.
• Demonstrated knowledge of concurrent conditions (mental health diagnosis coupled with problematic substance use) and de-escalation strategies.
• Ability to apply trauma focused and harm-reduction approaches within policy and service delivery.
• Ability to travel frequently within southern Manitoba to SCO member First Nations.
• Ability to objectively investigate incidents, analyze information, develop conclusions and make recommendations to prevent reoccurrence of public safety issues.
• Ability to establish and maintain respectful working relationships with staff, citizens and other agencies in First Nations.
• Strong conflict resolution skills, with an emphasis on de-escalation, and a firm understanding and potential application of use of force, as necessary.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions including emergency situations that may result in serious incident and/or fatality.
• Successfully completed Safety Officer training in Manitoba is an asset.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse audience, including organizational stakeholders and the public.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office and its applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Fluency in Anishinaabe and Dakota languages is considered an asset.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search, and  current and clear Adult Abuse Registry and Child Abuse Registry checks.
• Must have a valid class 5 Manitoba driver’s license and a reliable vehicle as travel will be required.
• Must be able to travel frequently for work.
• Must be able to attend and successfully complete 4-week training course outside Winnipeg in Spring 2025. Course will include in-class coursework, practical scenario work, and use of force training, in addition to other key topics.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Thursday, January 23^rd, 2025, at 4:00 PM

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources
Southern Chiefs’ Organization
202-600 Empress Street
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0L5
Fax: (204) 946-1871 | hr@scoinc.mb.ca

Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates. Please self-identify in your cover letter.
Proof of education will be required at the point of hire where an incumbent has graduated from a relevant program.
Please note that SCO does not offer hybrid/remote work options unless specifically stated.
Testing may form part of the selection process.
We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contact for further consideration.