Job Description

About Cumberland Restorative Justice Society

Cumberland Restorative Justice Society (CRJS) is a community-based, non-profit organization located in Amherst and serves all of Cumberland County and is committed to improving access to justice, promoting alternatives to traditional justice systems, and enhancing public safety and well-being. CRJS delivers the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program (NSRJP) to youth and adults who have come into conflict with the law or are at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. CRJS works closely with community partners to support individuals and families through direct service provision, community education, and advocacy rooted in core values such as empathy, justice, courage, and based on the NSRJ Program restorative principles.

Overview

The Restorative Justice Caseworker plays a vital role in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for youth and adults in conflict with the law and victims of crime. The Restorative Justice Caseworker is responsible for implementing restorative justice practices that promote accountability, healing, and community engagement. We are seeking a compassionate individual whose values align with the NSRJP principles, is relational, and a consensus builder. Individuals who have a strong understanding of justice-related issues, are committed to systems transformation, and who are passionate about making change for individuals and communities are encouraged to apply.

As an ideal candidate, you are highly collaborative, a skilled communicator, listener, and connector, and demonstrate curiosity, openness, and the willingness to learn and grow. Individuals who are driven by the desire to make a difference in the lives of others, and have a strong understanding of social justice issues, are encouraged to apply.

More information on Cumberland Restorative Justice Society and the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program can be found at:

Cumberland Restorative Justice Society: www.cumberlandrj.ca

Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program: https://novascotia.ca/just/rj/

Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program Protocols: https://novascotia.ca/restorative-justice-protocols/

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for managing casework and delivering the NSRJ program in accordance with the NSRJP Protocols, RJ Principles, and established practice standards. Work closely with the CRJS team and partner with other community-based RJ caseworkers province-wide, the Restorative Initiatives Unit, and Department of Justice to uphold a standard of excellence in NSRJP delivery and to identify and advance shared priorities and opportunities for growth. Meet with and maintain contact with program participants, including those whose matters have been referred to restorative justice, those who have been harmed, and others connected to and/or affected by the matter, to understand needs, perspectives, contexts, and causes associated with the referred matter. Act as a navigator to connect participants to supports and services as needed. Collaborate with casework team and external partners to map, design, and facilitate restorative justice processes that meet justice needs, are responsive to contextual and systemic factors, as well as root causes, and which create space and conditions for all participants to repair harm and move forward. Provide ongoing support to participants to successfully complete restorative justice plans. Capture all required information and maintain up-to-date case notes in the case management database. Conduct all work in a manner that is consistent with restorative justice principles, NSRJP practice guidelines, and case management and data entry standards. Liase and develop effective working relationships with NSRJP referral sources (police, Public Prosecution Service, judiciary, Correctional Services, and victim-serving agencies) and ensure timely and effective communication with referral sources to inform all relevant parties of the progression of the referred matter. Network with other non-profit sector organizations and justice system partners to foster and maintain partnerships to advance restorative justice and other justice transformation efforts.

Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Post-secondary degree in a relevant social sciences or humanities discipline, or an equivalent combination of education (community college) and experience, including professional, volunteer, and lived experience. Experience in case management, front-line service delivery, program facilitation, conflict resolution, and/or customer service. Proven record of accomplishment in maintaining organization, balancing tasks, and meeting deadlines when faced with a full workload and competing priorities. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with and create spaces of safety and trust for a wide range of people as they navigate challenging circumstances. Aptitude for fostering healthy, productive, and safe dialogue among people with distinct needs and experiences. Knowledge of and experience in applying anti-oppressive, human-centered, and trauma-informed frameworks and practices, including working with people with diverse and overlapping needs. Strong collaboration, community engagement, and network building skills. Excellent knowledge of social supports and services, community-based resources and programs, and the non-profit sector in Cumberland County. Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment while also being self-motivated. Knowledge of the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program, Principles, Goals, and objectives is an asset. Strong skills and comfort with using technology, including electronic record keeping, creating documents, virtual meetings, etc. is essential, as well as an ability to learn new things quickly. Certificates in First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training are an asset.

Employment and Working Conditions

This position is subject to the personnel policies of Cumberland Restorative Justice Society. Favorable Criminal Record background check and Vulnerable Sector check. Proof of education/graduation must be provided by the prospective employee prior to completion of the employment agreement. A valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle are required for travel throughout Cumberland County. Ability to work occasional evenings as required.

Benefits

Work cell phone and computer Generous paid vacation time, personal days, and holidays Group health plan
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance Mileage reimbursement On-site parking Paid time off RRSP match
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-10-03