JOB SUMMARY

The Court Worker must be committed to the mission and philosophy of the MPA Society as well as the principles and practice of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and harm reduction strategies. This commitment is demonstrated through utilization of the principles and approaches of PSR along with harm reduction strategies focused on development of partnerships, expansion of a base of best practice knowledge and a strong commitment to the concept and encouragement of self-empowerment.
The Court Worker must demonstrate the beliefs, personality, temperament, flexibility and adaptability required to form trusting partnerships aimed at developing increasing levels of resiliency required for recovery from mental illness and addictions.
The Court Worker plans, implements and carries out a range of activities inside and outside of the court to assist accused individuals, having a mental illness, to develop the skills associated with activities of daily living. This includes attending court daily, ensuring legal aid applications are complete and assisting clients through the legal system.
A major focus of the Court Program Worker is the development of relationships with Judges, lawyers, crown counsel, forensic services, bail supervisors, community and health related agencies and other court workers. The Court Worker is an advocate for people with mental illness, in the justice system.

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
• Two (2) years post secondary education in mental health or criminal justice or an acceptable program of behavioural studies.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a similar setting with a mental health service provider or an equivalent and suitable combination of education and experience..
• Compliance with the TB immunization program of the Ministry of Health.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check.
• Extensive working knowledge of the legal, justice, forensic and mental health systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to the promotion of empowerment and individual or group advocacy.
• Solid background and knowledge of concurrent disorders with related work experience.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Able to work independently with minimal supervision, exercise initiative and good judgment.
• Excellent communication and problem solving skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse group of players, other frontline workers, mental health consumers, community agencies, government and the general public, supervisors and management.
• Solid understanding of community mental health and addictions, social service resources and legal system. Good knowledge of the geographic location, trends, population and community services available.
• Computer literate with working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher applications.

• Provides advocacy for clients by speaking on their behalf to Judges, lawyers, crown counsel, bail supervisors, and forensic clinics and in court.
• Provides PSR, harm reduction and supportive interventions for clients to assist with the development of physical, emotional, social and life skills.
• Interviews and assesses clients in setting such as the courthouse, Pretrial Centre, or cells to identify problems and needs. Obtains relevant documentation as required.
• Identifies legal issues and required and available resources in accordance with current acts and regulations, and refers clients to appropriate programs, services and/or agencies, including referrals and support in obtaining income assistance.
• Actively refers and advocates for clients to receive medical and mental health services.
• Actively refers and advocates for clients to receive income assistance.
• Actively advocates for clients in landlord – tenancy disputes.
• Actively refers and advocates for clients in accessing all available community resources.
• Actively advocates for clients in making referrals to emergency housing or shelters to facilitate orders to qualify for bail and monitors the suitability of those accommodations.
• Ensures that clients maintain all required appointments (legal, medical, mental health and others) by providing transportation to ensure their attendance.
• Accompanies clients to meetings and appointments related to medical, mental health, legal or financial needs and provides advocacy as required at those meetings.
• Assists client’s with legal proceedings by performing duties such as assisting to obtain release, providing reminders of court dates, and providing assistance such as legal aid applications. Provides information to clients and their families regarding legal issues such as terms of bail and probation, and how the legal system works.
• Attends meetings, such as client bail hearings and trials. Provides information before the court in accordance with established guidelines
• Completes and maintains related record and documentation such as statistical reports and client histories, enters data.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.