Summary
Description
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Managing Counsel, and working under the direction of CLG lawyers, the Advocate is a skilled justice navigator who provides individuals with appropriate support, referrals and information to strengthen an individual’s justice outcomes. They also connect individuals to community support that can address their social needs including housing, income support, mental health, medical health, addictions, and social isolation. The successful candidate will have experience working with disadvantaged and/or marginalized persons, preferably within the City of Calgary. The Advocate partners with other internal and external programs to provide wrap-around client support to advance their legal matter and improve their wellbeing. CLG is a poverty law office, and our priority is serving clients with low income who are seeking and/or receiving legal services. Our services use trauma-informed, culturally safe, and strength-based practices and approaches to meet the diverse needs of individuals accessing support.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Supporting and advocating for clients to receive primary services such as housing, health care, mental health services, addictions services, counseling, and other basic needs.
- Assisting clients in navigating various services and advocating for them in receiving timely services
- Supporting staff and volunteers with client management, communication, and de‐ escalation.
- Collaborating with other program Advocates to ensure holistic client service and inter‐ program communication.
- Attending community meetings and representing CLG in community meetings.
- Demonstrating a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the ability to collaborate with the CLG Indigenous Aspommtapi “Helper”, providing culturally safe support to Indigenous clients.
- Deliver public presentations.
- Participate in providing trauma informed training to CLG staff and volunteers. Engage with other service providers and stakeholders with respect to providing trauma informed training and potential future collaboration.
- Maintaining client files, program data and reporting documents under the direction of the lawyers.
- Organize and deliver services such as photo identification clinics and outreach clinics, public legal education, and other public presentations on access to justice issues.
- Commitment to a shared practice of learning about trauma‐informed approaches and supporting one another's well‐being.
THE CANDIDATE
The preferred candidate possesses the following skills, experience and qualifications:
- Successful completion of a Diploma or Degree in a related field: Social Work, Human Services, Community Support, Justice or health related discipline.
- Minimum of 3 years related work experience working with individuals experiencing trauma, mental health and/or vulnerable circumstances
- A proven track record in providing services to individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, addiction/substance use issues, mental health concerns, and other forms of trauma.
- Demonstrated resourcefulness and strong working knowledge of community resources
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to engage with participants who have complex needs and may present in times of crisis
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and manage confidentiality within the context of collaborative case management practice
- Well-developed interpersonal, conflict resolution, and negotiating skills.
- Ability to work independently and with team members
- Proven commitment to delivering high-quality participant service
- Capability to engage with a variety of stakeholders
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care practices, crisis intervention, and de-escalation
- Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively
