About Coverdale Justice Society
Coverdale Justice Society is a community-based organization dedicated to improving access to justice, promoting alternatives to traditional justice systems, and enhancing public safety and well-being, with a focus on primarily serving communities of criminalized women and gender-diverse individuals, including Indigenous and African Nova Scotian women, trans and queer people, and those affected by gender-based violence and poverty. Coverdale aims to support individuals impacted by historical and ongoing colonization, racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of marginalization and oppression. Our services include court-based, housing-based, and community-based support. Rooted in core values such as empathy, justice, and courage, Coverdale strives to find innovative ways to make real and lasting change for women and gender-diverse people. Coverdale will be operating Coverdale Restorative Justice, an extension of Coverdale Justice Society that provides the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program (NSRJP) for youth and adults within the Halifax region.
About the Opportunity
Reporting to the Executive Director of Coverdale Justice Society, the Director, Coverdale Restorative Justice will be responsible for leading a new team of 14+ staff in administering the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program for youth and adults in the Halifax region. The successful candidate will also be accountable for working alongside justice sector and community partners to advance initiatives focused on justice transformation and the integration of a restorative approach within and beyond the criminal justice system.
We are seeking a collaborative leader whose values align with the NSRJP principles and who has a reputation as a strategic thinker, trusted partner, and consensus builder. Individuals who have a strong understanding of justice-related issues, are committed to systems transformation, and who are passionate about leading and empowering teams to make change for individuals and communities, are encouraged to apply.
For more information on the NSRJP and the NSRJP Protocols, please visit www.novascotia.ca - Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program and Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program
Core Responsibilities
- NSRJP administration: Oversee the delivery of the NSRJP in the Halifax region in accordance with the NSRJP Protocols, RJ principles, and established practice standards. As part of the RJ Lead Team for the Halifax region, collaborate with partner agencies to assess and assign all NSRJP referrals and provide program leadership, oversight, and support. Working closely with the Team Lead, support a team of caseworkers and administrative staff to design and deliver principle-based RJ processes, through the provision of strategic guidance, mentorship, and practice-focused advice, and by participating in case conferences and process design sessions. Partner with other community-based RJ Directors provincewide, staff in the Restorative Initiatives Unit, Department of Justice, and the NSRJP Governance Committee, to uphold a standard of excellence in NSRJP delivery and to identify and advance shared priorities and opportunities for growth.
- Justice sector collaboration: Liaise and develop effective working relationships with NSRJP referral sources (police, Public Prosecution Service, judiciary, Correctional Services, and victim-serving agencies) and other justice system actors (Nova Scotia Legal Aid, private defence counsel, etc.) to uphold and strengthen the restorative justice pathway in the Halifax region.
- Community relations and leadership: Represent Coverdale Justice Society with external partners and in the community, including through participation in inter-agency groups, networks, and other tables, and by providing presentations, training, and workshops. Foster and maintain relationships of trust with community organizations and services in all HRM communities to support the design of inclusive and responsive RJ processes and to ensure referrals to supports and programming that meet participant needs.
- Justice transformation: Work collaboratively with justice system actors, community-based partners, and other experts to champion a restorative approach to justice, as well as other initiatives focused on justice transformation, both in the Halifax region and across Nova Scotia including facilitating Pilot Projects.
- Human resources: Oversee recruitment, hiring, supervision, training, development, and performance management of all staff in a unionized environment.
Key Skills, Knowledge, and Competencies
- Ability to foster staff development, empower teams, and build a culture of collaboration, integrity, and respect.
- Capable of meaningfully integrating a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and relational approach across all aspects of work.
- Strong collaboration, community engagement, and consensus-building skills, as well as the capacity to build authentic relationships with diverse partners and amid challenges.
- Excellent decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to balance competing priorities and function amid uncertainty and under pressure.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with and convey complex concepts to a variety of audiences.
- Knowledge of access to justice and other justice-related issues, including an understanding of the intersection of poverty, marginalization, and criminalization.
- Knowledge of social supports and services, community-based resources and programs, and the non-profit sector in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Education and Experience
- A post-secondary degree in a relevant social sciences or humanities discipline, or five years equivalent experience working in the justice field.
- Five years’ experience leading a team, managing a program, and/or supervising, mentoring, and coaching staff, volunteers, or participants.
- Three + years working in a management and/or director role.
- Past involvement in, as well as a demonstrable commitment to, advancing restorative justice, restorative approaches, justice transformation, and/or systems change initiatives.
- Proven track record in establishing effective working relationships with diverse populations, justice system actors, government agencies, and/or community organizations.
- Working knowledge of and experience in applying anti-oppressive, human-centered, and trauma-informed practices.
Employment and Working Conditions
- This position is subject to the personnel policies of Coverdale Justice Society.
- Flexibility to travel throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality and greater Nova Scotia, as required.
- The position requires access to a private vehicle or another reliable form of transportation.
- This position is part of a unionized work environment and is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the applicable collective agreement.
Benefits
- Work cell phone & computer
- 2 weeks’ vacation
- 12 personal days
- Blue Cross Benefits
Pay: $74,295.00 per year
Work Location: In person
