Project Manager - (fixed term)

Organization Summary:

Empowered by the First Nations Leadership Council and in partnership with the provincial and federal governments, the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) is responsible to 204 First Nations in BC. Our mandate is to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system and to support Nations as they move to sovereignty over justice.

The BCFNJC is rapidly growing, and we are seeking team members who understand the gravity of this responsibility and are excited by the opportunity. Indigenous people in BC deserve world-class legal services and programs. We are seeking to hire staff who share our vision and will not stop until we reach our goal. We take our mandate seriously but also strive for a balanced, caring work environment that is respectful and supportive.

Position Summary:

The BC First Nations Justice Strategy, endorsed in 2020 between BC First Nations and the Province of BC, calls for the development of a province-wide diversion workplan and community-based justice plans for every First Nations that seeks it. This planning process represents an opportunity to explore a practical application of diversion at both a provincial and local level and define what culturally appropriate alternatives to the colonial justice system could look like.

The Diversion Project Manager will work with BC First Nations to complete individual Nation or community-based justice plans with a focus on diversion and will support weaving these learnings into a province-wide diversion workplan.

Diversion is a broad term encompassing a variety of programs and approaches to limit the interactions between community members and the colonial justice system. In a traditional sense, diversion can be seen as culturally appropriate responses to conflict resolution, accountability, and the reparation of harms.

Community-based planning requires coordination and cooperation between numerous local organizations and justice partners, including Crown Attorneys, RCMP, existing restorative justice programs and Nation Title and Rights holders. This position is accountable for acting as a support to First Nations engaging in local discussions around the legal system and overrepresentation in their territories in a safe and culturally responsive way, through the development of planning products, knowledge transfer and in-person engagements.

This position demands a high level of social facilitation, relationship-building, and organization, as multiple planning processes will be underway at the same time. The successful applicant must have strong independent analysis, and problem-solving skills. The position requires anti-oppressive communication and an ability to travel to community as appropriate.

Qualified Indigenous applicants will be given preference.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop planning toolkits and support resources to First Nations interested in developing community-based justice plans with a focus on diversion.
• Act as a conduit and bridge between local conversations and broader province-wide diversion planning with BCFNJC.
• Develop an inventory of best practices on diversion initiatives for Indigenous people, to reference in the planning process and inform the province-wide diversion workplan.
• Undertake research of local justice system landscapes to ensure First Nations are engaging with all relevant justice system partners at a local level.
• Liaise with Indigenous Governments, organizations, and governmental partners such as the RCMP, Crown Attorneys, Indigenous Justice Programs, BC/Federal Corrections to advance the principle of diversion, a key part of the First Nations Justice Strategy.
• Responsible for overseeing the success of the planning process, from engagement to the writing of plans and summaries, and other reports.
• Form working relationships with key justice system and government agencies, both those within the justice system and those whose work intersects with various areas of the community's life and welfare.
• Assists First Nations in building stronger links with local justice system actors, for the purpose of improving partnerships and advancing shared goals.
• Provides leadership, direction and mentorship to local planners contracted or employed by First Nations through the development of knowledge transfer mechanisms and training tools.
• Stay informed on provincial and federal initiatives and funding pathways with respect to corrections, diversion, and community-based justice programming.
• Other duties as assigned. We are seeking team members who are willing to go above and beyond to create exciting new paths away from colonial systems for our community members. Willingness to problem solve, to innovate and to work collaboratively with BCFNJC will be vital for candidate success.

Qualifications and Work Experience:

• Education in social work, law, corrections, mental health or related field, or a combination of experience and other academic qualifications will also be considered.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in project planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience working directly with Indigenous peoples in a trauma-informed, culturally safe way which demonstrates knowledge of Indigenous culture and traditions and the ongoing impacts of colonization.
• Knowledge of how trauma and colonization can lead to criminalized behaviours.
• Working experience with the judicial system is preferred, such as Gladue factors, alternative measures, etc.
• Possess strong writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of MS Office programs including (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• You must be kind, compassionate and non-judgemental.

Reporting: Provincial Director of Community Based Healing

Location: Remote within BC

Benefits: Extended benefits package that includes health and dental, personal days, paid vacation, and RRSP/TFSA savings plans

Pay Range: $80,000 - $95,000 - salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Hours: Full-time (35hours/week); Mondays to Fridays (one year contract term)

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided to Indigenous applicants in accordance with section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. Candidates of Indigenous background are encouraged to self-identify on their application.