Victim/witness Services Worker

Help people navigate the most difficult times of their lives

Bring your empathetic communication skills and understanding of complex case management, needs assessment, emotional support and client advocacy to a dedicated team as we support victims and witnesses of crimes while they participate in the criminal court process.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Working at the Walkerton satellite office as part of a team of 11 Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) colleagues at sites throughout the West region, every day will be a little different depending on the needs of your clients and your case files. You can expect the typical day to include activities like:

• Informing clients about their case, victims' rights, and what they need to know about and can expect during the criminal court process
• Navigating the court process alongside your client to educate and help them understand their role in the criminal justice system
• Providing emotional support and crisis intervention to vulnerable clients through a trauma-informed and victim-centered lens, including assessing risks and needs
• Maintaining relationships with criminal justice partners and community agencies to advocate on behalf of your clients and refer clients for services like counselling and safety planning
• Documenting throughout the case management process to create timely and accurate case notes
• Participating in projects to review and improve services, committees to collaborate and build relationships, and public education activities to promote the program

Read about the Victim/Witness Assistance Program and how the program helps victims and witnesses of crime.

How do I qualify?

Technical Knowledge

• You have the ability to support marginalized and vulnerable clients who are victims or witnesses of crimes, including but not limited to intimate partner violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and homicide
• You have crisis response and intervention skills to help clients in need
• You can interpret and apply relevant legislation and policies about victims of crime and court proceedings to support clients in their understanding of legal court processes

Judgement and Problem Solving Skills

• You can identify risks to clients, develop case plans, make appropriate referrals and communicate to justice partners
• You can address complex client needs based on information provided
• You can recommend new services or service improvements and foster co-operation when implementing changes
• You can collaborate with your team members and manager on complicated and contentious issues

Communication, Interpersonal and Teamwork Skills

• You can support clients from diverse communities and be sensitive to their needs
• You can network with community agencies and work together with criminal justice partners
• You can write reports and case file summaries
• You can help develop and deliver training programs and public education sessions
• You can contribute to an inclusive environment for your team members and clients

Case Management, Organizational and Planning Skills

• You can manage a large caseload of files with little supervision
• You can prioritize work in an environment with challenging and urgent deadlines

Computer Skills

• You can use a variety of MS Office software for communication, reports, and presentations
• You can work with database systems to access and maintain case and client records
• You can use video conferencing systems and applications to engage with clients