Job Description

System Navigator - Child Witness Program

1 Full Time Permanent

$30.25 per hour for 35 hours per week

Child Witness Centre (CWC) is deeply committed to a community of excellence, equity, and diversity and encourages applications from women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, sexual minority groups, and other candidates who will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives within our agency.

Reporting to:

Special Projects Manager

Position Summary:

The System Navigator - Child Witness Program provides direct services to children, youth, and families where they are the victims or witnesses of a criminal matter, and charges have been laid. The System Navigator - Child Witness Program collaborates with a team of criminal justice professionals and is responsible for providing court preparation, information and education, court accompaniment, advocacy and other support services for children and youth who are victims or witnesses of crime and their families. The System Navigator - Child Witness Program will be asked to provide back up support and coverage as necessary at the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre of Waterloo Region in a supportive role with children, youth and their families who are potential victims or witnesses of crime at the forensic investigation stage.

Primary Responsibilities

:

Case Management and Court Support

Providing information and education about the criminal justice process, courtroom procedures, as well as updating clients on their individual case as it moves through the court system. Liaise with justice partners to schedule meetings, facilitate information sharing between children/youth and their families and Crown Attorneys and other criminal justice partners; facilitate children/youth's understanding of information by providing it in a child-friendly and developmentally appropriate manner. Advocates for children and youth's needs within the criminal justice process, including completing testimonial aid assessments and advocating for testimonial aids. Writes affidavits and provides witness testimony when called upon and required. Assists children, youth and families with completing Victim Impact Statements. Coordinates service with other justice partners, such as the Victim Witness Assistance Program and police. Helps children/youth and their families to cope with stress and anxiety related to the court case by providing psychoeducation, conducting needs assessments, providing coping strategies and tools, completing crisis intervention and safety plans. Supports parents to be effective in supporting their child by providing relevant information, psychoeducation, and making referrals to community services as needed. Accompanies and supports children and youth when they are in the courtroom, as well as attending court on their behalf. Provides information on community resources and services and completing referrals to other community supports. Ensures a child-friendly environment and experience throughout the process. Ensures clear and concise documentation of client contact that meets professional standards. Provides coverage and support to the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre of Waterloo Region supporting children, youth and their families through the criminal investigation process pre-charges.

Teamwork

Serves as a liaison and participates in meetings with multidisciplinary team and other community initiatives. Participates in case conferences, transfer of service meetings, etc. as deemed appropriate to support client. Attends and participates in regularly scheduled CWC meetings, case reviews, and fundraising activities when required.

Program Evaluation and Development

Solicits feedback from children, youth and families on the quality and impact of our services. Implements best practices and evidence-based practice throughout service delivery. Advocates for systemic change that will improve the experience and reduce the potential re-victimization of future victims in the court system. Develops strong, collaborative relationships with our justice and community partners. Represents the agency by participating in community committees and activities.

Child Witness Centre Agency Support

Contributes to the development of annual goals, strategies, work plans, and overall work of the agency. Attends and participates in staff development training. Participates in agency-wide initiatives when appropriate, including fundraising ventures and public presentations. Actively engages in the agency's health and safety program.

Qualifications:

Post-secondary Degree or Diploma in a relevant field such as child and youth care, psychology, social work, and/or criminology from an accredited college or university. Experience in social services or related field in direct client work with children/youth and families. Specific experience related to the criminal justice system, sexual abuse and child abuse would be an asset. Ability to deal with exposure to traumatic events over extended periods of time. Computer proficiency using Microsoft Office software and experience with data management systems. Familiarity with the Justice process and victim's rights. Satisfactory Vulnerable Persons Check and a Child Welfare Check. Valid driver's licence with a minimum $2 million liability coverage and access to vehicle to travel within our catchment area (Waterloo Region, Guelph and Wellington County).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Understanding of privacy legislation and professional boundaries. Knowledge of the Canadian judicial system, child welfare system and legislation, anti-oppressive practice, Victim Bill of Rights, privacy legislation and services and resources available in the community. Demonstrated collaborative and team building skills, analytical, problem-solving, and oral communication skills. Commitment to social justice and up to date on evolving policies, trends, legislation, and available support services. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment. Available to work on occasional evenings as required to accommodate client meetings. Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Working Conditions:

Extensive computer use, requiring sitting for extended periods. Works in an office and/or court environment requiring flexibility to work in multiple work locations as needed. Driving and attending meetings at various locations on a regular basis. Workload fluctuates and can be emotionally/psychologically demanding.
This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties that may be required by the agency.

Child Witness Centre endeavours to have all candidates experience a fair and supportive recruitment process. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates throughout the selection process - please let us know how we can support you in being successful.

Review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest in Child Witness Centre; however, we are only able to connect with those moving ahead in the recruitment process.

Please forward a cover letter and resume to careers@childwitness.com by August 15, 2025 by 5pm.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $30.25 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kitchener, ON N2H 1A4