Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) is a volunteer-based program which offers a caring community around people with offending histories, who are at high risk of harming themselves and others. Volunteers and staff offer a supportive environment to carry out accountability work with those integrating into the community after incarceration, serving Parole or Probation, or simply feel they need additional support to live safely.

CoSA is a program of Initiatives for Just Communities (IJC).  IJC welcomes people from all backgrounds and believes that everyone belongs and flourishes in community. IJC is a charitable, non-profit organization with faith-based roots, which operates four community restorative justice programs that strive to provide guidance, support, and relationship for people who are currently or have been previously incarcerated, as well as those living with FASD or an intellectual disability. IJC provides opportunities and services to people regardless of background or affiliation.

Terms:

• Part-time position available (7.5 hours per week)
• Starting pay is at a rate of $15.18/hour
• Mandatory employment related costs (CPP, EI) and taxes will be deducted at source.

Assignment Overview:

At the centre of every circle is its Core Member, the individual with an offence history. Core Members voluntarily seek a Circle of Support and are included from the beginning in all decision-making regarding their safe and healthy integration into the community. Each circle consists of one Core Member, one CoSA Staff Person, and 3-5 trained Support Volunteers. Circles meet once a week for two hours. During these meetings, we offer support to address the specific needs of Core Members, while practicing accountability by gently challenging inappropriate behaviour.

The Program Assistant will run two circles. Responsibilities for each circle include:

• Coordinating and facilitating weekly meetings, maximum two hours in length, with each Core Member and volunteers
• Supervising and supporting Volunteers, with regular check-ins and debriefs when needed
• Keeping Program Director updated on circles, especially on issues of safety and Core Member’s well-being
• Facilitating occasional Volunteer-only meetings
• Maintaining relationships with high risk management teams, including Parole/Probation and Forensic Psychological Services
• Attending regular staff meetings

Assignment Qualifications:

1. Must demonstrate an ability to work as a team leader, with some training/experience in conflict resolution.
2. Must demonstrate an ability to work independently and collaboratively, as the situation requires.
3. Must demonstrate an ability to organize and plan effectively.
4. Must demonstrate relational skills, including an ability to connect with varied and diverse groups of people.
5. Must demonstrate a basic understanding of Microsoft Office.
6. Must have completed, or be willing to complete, CoSA training (or similar material) and CoSA program application.
7. Child Abuse Registry Check, Criminal Records Check, and Driver’s Abstract required.
8. Current driver’s license and access to a vehicle preferred.

Expectations:

• Must support the goals and vision of Initiatives for Just Communities.
• To maintain participant and program confidentiality at all times.

Closing Date: June 15, 2018

Contact: Natalia Ilyniak at cosawpg at initiativesjc.org or 204-925-1915

Website: http://cosacanada.com