Job Description

Join our Amazing E Fry Ottawa Team!

Community Liaison Worker - Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre

Apply Today! Interviews start October 13, 2025

Submit your resume and cover letter to: careers@efryottawa.com

Job title:

Community Liaison Worker - Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre (OCDC)

Reports to:

Manager, Community Programs and Services

Hours:

37.5 hours/week

Language:

Bilingual Imperative - French and English (candidates will be required to demonstrate that they meet the language requirements)

Salary:

$23.96 plus benefits, (non-negotiable - unionized workplace)

Welcome!

E Fry Ottawa is committed to employment equity, actively seeks diversity in the workplace, and welcomes and encourages applications from members of equity-seeking groups including women, transgender, non-binary, and LGBTQ+ individuals, First Nations, Metis and Inuit individuals, persons with disabilities, and members of racialized and marginalized groups.

About E Fry Ottawa

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa a is not-for-profit community agency that supports and advocates for women, gender-diverse people, and men impacted by the justice system. We provide a diverse array of community-based and residential programming. Our work is aimed at reducing harm and oppression, supporting people to overcome barriers to reintegration, and empowering them to build a life of stability and resiliency. We are a feminist organization committed to working from a human rights and anti-oppression perspective, recognizing systemic barriers that lead to marginalization. We work with trauma-informed, person-centered principles to promote a respectful, diverse, and inclusive environment that promotes healing, recovery, and successful reintegration.

Core Responsibilities

The Community Liaison Worker (OCDC) provides support to women and gender-diverse people who are incarcerated at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre four days a week. One day a week, the position provides reintegration support to clients at our main office and in the community. This role is typically performed during the daytime on weekdays, with occasional evening/weekend events.

Intake and Assessment

Complete intakes and assessments to support clients in OCDC. In consultation with the E Fry Ottawa Housing Team, administer the Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (SPDAT) with clients who are experiencing housing instability. In consultation with E Fry Ottawa Community Counsellors, consult with community service providers to identify and prioritize clients interested in treatment and make appropriate referrals. Complete administrative paperwork as required.

Release/Discharge Support

Collaborate with OCDC's discharge planner/rehabilitation officer to facilitate discharge planning for clients to ensure successful reintegration into the community. Collaborate with other E Fry Ottawa staff to offer pre-release planning, supportive counselling, and access to E Fry programs and services. Assist clients with applications for release to E Fry Ottawa residences (JF Norwood House and Lotus House) as appropriate. Assist clients in connecting with legal professionals, friends, and family while supporting them to remain compliant with court orders. Assist clients in accessing community-based programs, including mental health and substance use treatment providers, health care providers, housing, and other social supports. Engage clients in identifying their strengths to overcome barriers upon release using a strength-based, trauma-informed approach.

Community Engagement

Establish and maintain strong working relationships with service providers, court staff, and community stakeholders. Represent E Fry Ottawa at the courthouse, partner agencies, and community events to enhance collaboration and organizational visibility. Identify opportunities for improved coordination, resource-sharing, and joint initiatives. Support client transitions between the jail setting and the broader community. Maintain effective liaison with other agencies, professionals, and the community to contribute to the success of the client's reintegration and recovery goals.

Other responsibilities

Keep up-to-date and accurate records (including logs, records, and statistical data) in accordance with the organization's mandate and funder requirements. Attend and represent the Elizabeth Fry Society at weekly FIRM meetings and provide case management input to the correctional staff at OCDC. Participate in case management meetings and other meetings as required. Complete other duties that may be assigned by management. Promote and deliver on the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

Qualifications

Required education and experience

Experience and/or education equivalent to a post-secondary degree in criminology/criminal justice, social work, or a related field. Minimum of two (2) years of experience engaging and collaborating with vulnerable populations, ideally women and gender-diverse people who are involved in the criminal justice system. Experience using a range of assessment and case management tools or willingness to be trained to use them. Experience working with marginalized people who face multiple barriers such as poverty, discrimination, criminalization, substance dependence, and mental health challenges. Have an updated clear Criminal Record Check for working with a vulnerable population. Valid First Aid/CPR, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), and ASIST certifications are assets.

Required knowledge, capacity, and commitment

A solid understanding and knowledge of the criminal justice system. A solid understanding of social factors that contribute to the criminalization of marginalized populations. An understanding of mental health and substance dependence issues, including knowledge of harm reduction strategies. Ability to cope with challenging situations and clients where there is potential for confrontation, aggression, and/or exposure to violence. Strong interpersonal skills and crisis management skills (including de-escalation skills). Knowledge of community service organizations to assist clients with rehabilitation and reintegration, and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Strong motivational interviewing skills to support the creation of a release plan. Excellent personal and professional boundaries and sound self-care practices. High degree of resourcefulness, flexibility, and adaptability. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and French. Demonstrated organizational, leadership, and time management skills including the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Please submit your application and cover letter to: careers@efryottawa.com

Interviews start October 13, 2025

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.96 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Dental care Extended health care On-site parking Paid time off Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:

Gloucester, ON K1B 4C4: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:

DCS / DEC (required)
Language:

French & English (preferred)
Work Location: In person