POSTING NUMBER:            2025-034

POSITION:                            Mental Health Court Worker, Temporary Full-Time

UNION:                                  HEU – MPA Certification

PROGRAM:                           Court Services, Vancouver

SALARY RANGE:                 Grid 34: $31.56 - $33.28

HOURS OF PAY:                   37.5 hours per week

SCHEDULE:                          Monday to Friday: 0830 hrs to 1630 hrs                                         

START DATE:                        ASAP

All employment is subject to a satisfactory result from a criminal record check through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.  

Please note that only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Thank you for your interest.  

At MPA Society, the unique capabilities and talents of our employees are our greatest asset. We believe that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhance our ability to work in partnership with the diverse communities and people we serve. MPA Society hires on the basis of merit, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Check out our Recruitment Video!

Job Description – Mental Health Court Worker

Classification Benchmark:                Advocate

Grid Level:                                          Grid 34

Collective Agreement:                       Community Subsector Association

Reports To:                                         Operational Director

Job Summary

The Court Program Worker must be committed to the mission and philosophy of the MPA Society as well as the principles and practice of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and harm reduction strategies.  This commitment is demonstrated through utilization of the principles and approaches of PSR along with harm reduction strategies focused on development of partnerships, expansion of a base of best practice knowledge and a strong commitment to the concept and encouragement of self-empowerment. 

The Court Program Worker must demonstrate the beliefs, personality, temperament, flexibility and adaptability required to form trusting partnerships aimed at developing increasing levels of resiliency required for recovery from mental illness and addictions.

The Court Program Worker plans, implements and carries out a range of activities inside and outside of the court to assist offenders having a mental illness to develop the skills associated with activities of daily living.  This includes attending court daily, ensuring legal aid applications are complete and assisting clients through the legal system.

A major focus of the Court Program Worker is the development of relationships with lawyers, crown counsel, forensic services, bail supervisors, community and health related agencies and other court workers.  The Court Program Worker is an advocate for the mentally ill in the justice system.

Functions & Responsibilities

1. Provides advocacy for clients by speaking on their behalf to lawyers, crown counsel, bail supervisors, and forensic clinics and in court.
2. Provides PSR, harm reduction and supportive interventions for clients to assist with the development of physical, emotional, social and life skills.
3. Interviews and assesses clients in setting such as the justice system, hospitals and the community to identify problems and needs. Obtains relevant documentation as required.
4. Identifies legal issues and required and available resources in accordance with current acts and regulations, and refers clients to appropriate programs, services and/or agencies, including referrals and support in obtaining income assistance.
5. Actively refers and advocates for clients to receive medical and mental health services.
6. Actively refers and advocates for clients to receive income assistance.
7. Actively advocates for clients in landlord – tenancy disputes.
8. Actively refers and advocates for clients in accessing all available community resources.
9. Actively advocates for clients in making referrals to emergency housing or shelters to facilitate orders to qualify for bail and monitors the suitability of those accommodations.
10. Ensures that clients maintain all required appointments (legal, medical, mental health and others) by providing transportation to ensure their attendance.
11. Accompanies clients to meetings and appointments related to medical, mental health, legal or financial needs and provides advocacy as required at those meetings.
12. Assists client’s with legal proceedings by performing duties such as assisting to obtain release, providing reminders of court dates, and providing assistance such as legal aid applications. Provides information to clients and their families regarding legal issues such as terms of bail and probation, and how the legal system works.
13. Attends meetings, such as client bail hearings and trials. Provides information before the court in accordance with established guidelines
14. Completes and maintains related record and documentation such as statistical reports and client histories, enters data.
15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education, Training & Experience

1. High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
2. Two (2) years post secondary education in mental health or criminal justice or an acceptable program of behavioural studies.
3. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a similar setting with a mental health service provider or an equivalent and suitable combination of education and experience.
4. Compliance with the TB immunization program of the Ministry of Health.
5. Satisfactory Criminal Record Check.
6. Extensive working knowledge of the legal, justice, forensic and mental health systems.
7. Demonstrated commitment to the promotion of empowerment and individual or group advocacy.
8. Solid background and knowledge of concurrent disorders with related work experience.

Skills & Abilities

1. Excellent communication and problem solving skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse group of players, other frontline workers, mental health consumers, community agencies, government and the general public, supervisors and management.
2. Solid understanding of community mental health, social service resources and legal system. Good knowledge of the geographic location, trends, population and community services available.
3. Computer literate with working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher applications.
4. Able to work independently with minimal supervision, exercise initiative and good judgment.