THE ORGANIZATION:
Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) was established in 1972 and is a non-profit organization with a status free open-door policy. KAFS is dedicated to empowering the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities of Kamloops and surrounding areas. KAFS provides culturally appropriate programs and inclusive services that meet the needs of urban Indigenous people to become healthier, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Reporting to the Family Violence Prevention Manager, The Community Reconnection Navigator provides culturally grounded navigation, advocacy, reintegration support, accountability programming, group facilitation, and individualized support for individuals involved in the justice system and individuals who have used violence or abusive behaviours within their relationships, families, or communities.
The Community Reconnection Navigator walks alongside participants as they reconnect with community, culture, family, and support networks, while delivering the Warriors Against Violence (WAV) program, which helps individuals develop healthier relationships, strengthen personal responsibility, and create meaningful behavioural change. Working collaboratively with Correctional Service Canada (CSC), BC Corrections, Indigenous justice organizations, community agencies, Elders, and the multidisciplinary Family Violence Prevention team at KAFS, the role supports successful community reintegration, cultural connection, participant stability, victim safety, and community wellbeing.
This is a full-time contract position with a one-year term. Extensions are not guaranteed and are dependent on funding.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Justice Navigation, Reintegration & Stability
- Provide individualized support with reintegration planning, community reintegration, systems navigation, advocacy, goal setting, case coordination, community orientation, identification recovery, income assistance, employment planning, education and training, financial literacy, and transportation planning.
- Support participants in accessing safe and transitional housing, employment, income supports, education, healthcare, mental health services, substance use treatment, recovery supports, food security, and other community resources.
- Support individuals on day parole, full parole, probation, statutory release, Long-Term Supervision Orders (LTSO), Conditional Sentence Orders, participating in restorative justice, or rebuilding following justice involvement.
- Provide motivational support, mentorship, emotional support, problem-solving, crisis response, community referrals, and family reconnection support.
Warriors Against Violence & Behavioural Change
- Co-facilitate structured WAV group sessions with an Elder, creating safe and respectful group environments, maintaining healthy boundaries, encouraging meaningful participation, monitoring progress, and maintaining program integrity.
- Complete participant intake, orientation, readiness assessments, goal planning, one-on-one coaching, advocacy, systems navigation, community referrals, and reinforcement of group teachings.
- Support participants in accepting responsibility for their behaviours, understanding the impacts of violence, recognizing patterns of abuse and coercive control, and developing empathy, accountability, and healthier decision-making skills.
- Facilitate learning related to respectful relationships, communication, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, parenting, fatherhood, boundaries, healthy masculinity, relationship repair where appropriate, stress management, problem-solving, personal responsibility, relapse prevention, and community connection.
- Work collaboratively with FVP Caseworkers and Advocates to support families requiring coordinated services related to victim safety, informed choice, accountability, behaviour change, and healthier relationship dynamics.
Cultural Reconnection & Healing
- Support participants in reconnecting with Indigenous culture, identity, ceremony, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, traditional teachings, land-based learning, cultural workshops, community events, family, and community.
- Work closely with the Cultural Programming Coordinator, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers to connect participants with culturally grounded programming, ceremonies, men's gatherings, healing circles, cultural mentorship, spiritual guidance, and traditional teachings.
- Recognize culture as an important protective factor in promoting accountability, healing, identity, long-term wellness, and successful community reintegration.
Justice, Community & Team Collaboration
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with CSC, BC Corrections, parole and probation, Indigenous Justice organizations, First Nations Courts, Gladue writers, courts, child welfare, community agencies, housing providers, healthcare providers, employers, educational institutions, and other service providers.
- Support participants in understanding and adhering to release conditions, and report breaches to the appropriate authorities where required by law or public safety obligations, including circumstances where those obligations override confidentiality.
- Collaborate with the FVP Caseworker, Advocate, Healing Our Spirits Coordinator, Cultural Programming Coordinator, Elders, and Community Liaison to coordinate referrals, cultural connections, safety planning, family supports, youth transitions, justice partnerships, community engagement, volunteer opportunities, and community awareness.
- Participate in multidisciplinary case planning and coordinated support across the Violence Prevention & Community Justice Team.
Documentation & Professional Practice
- Prepare program statistics and reports and monitor participant progress.
- Maintain confidentiality and ethical and professional practice standards.
- Participate in ongoing professional development.
REQUIREMENTS – WHAT YOU BRING TO KAFS
- Diploma or degree in Human Services, Social Work, Criminology, Psychology, Indigenous Studies, Justice Studies, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience working with justice-involved individuals and individuals who have used violence or abusive behaviours.
- Experience facilitating adult groups and delivering structured programming.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Correctional Service Canada, BC Corrections, parole, probation, community reintegration, intimate partner violence, coercive control, trauma, and behaviour change.
- Knowledge of Indigenous justice principles, restorative justice, Gladue, and healthy masculinity.
- Strong understanding of culturally grounded, trauma-informed, violence-informed, and culturally safe practice.
- Strong group facilitation, conflict resolution, advocacy, communication, relationship-building, and documentation skills.
- Strong knowledge of housing, employment, healthcare, and community resources.
- Ability to balance accountability with empathy, work independently, and contribute effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including one evening per week to support the WAV program, with occasional additional evening work as needed. Hours will be adjusted accordingly within the regular work week.
- Indigenous Cultural Safety training.
- ASIST, Mental Health First Aid, Motivational Interviewing, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, risk assessment, and group facilitation training are considered assets.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Clearance.
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License and access to reliable transportation.
TOTAL REWARDS:
- Wage: $30 - $32/hour, based on skill set and experience
- Group benefits including extended health, dental, and vision
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off
- Wellness Days Off
Preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry as per section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code (please self-identify in your cover letter).
Work Location: In person
