• Job Description

  Req#: 1056481

  Provide services that offer ways to resolve post-separation family disputes and further the best interests of children.

  Family Justice Services Division (FJSD) delivers programs and services that promote the timely and just resolution of family disputes within a comprehensive family justice system. Through community-based Justice Access Centres and Family Justice Centres, FJSD provides various in person and virtual programs and services, including initial needs determination, dispute resolution, Section 211 Family Law Act reports, and Parenting After Separation online courses.

  With close to 200 employees bases across the province, FJSD provides a working environment that includes meaningful careers with opportunities for training, professional development, mentorship, and growth. Our core values are to work in an inclusive and diverse, professional, culturally welcoming and trusting environment that values curiosity, flexibility, and empowering others to find and determine their path or solutions. We offer flexible work arrangements and benefits that support work-life harmony and help employees reach personal and professional goals while making a real difference in the lives of children, youth, and families.

  The Family Justice Counsellor (FJC) position is comprised of two distinct roles, Dispute Resolution Mediator and Report Writer.

  As a dedicated Dispute Resolution Mediator (Dispute Resolution Mediator FJC), you will provide information, referral, needs assessment, mediation, and short-term counselling to families experiencing separation or divorce. These services are provided to support families with family law issues and offer out-of-court processes for resolving family disputes (where appropriate). You will be responsible for screening all clients for dynamics of family violence, immediate safety planning with clients where necessary, making referrals to appropriate community and legal resources, preparing documents, and documenting case management decisions.

  Travel is a requirement of the Dispute Resolution Mediator FJC role (e.g., itinerant service delivery as applicable, training, meetings).

  As a dedicated Report Writer (Report Writer FJC), you will be a member of a provincial team that prepares Section 211 Reports upon order of the Court. These reports are provided to help the Court and parents determine parenting plans that are most appropriate for children post separation/divorce. In this role, you will be assessing the needs of the child and the parent’s capacity to meet those needs in addition to views of the child/ren through interviews and at times observations with family members and children as well as contacting collaterals. The focus of these reports is the best interests of the children. The Report Writer FJC is required to travel to various locations in the province to conduct assessments, that may include multiple consecutive overnight stays, along with travel for training and meetings as needed.

  Important: The successful candidate will be required to complete a recruitment and individualized training plan which involves completion of coursework and practicum tasks within the probation period of appointment.

  Job Requirements:

  In order to be considered for this position, your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the education and experience as outlined below:

  • A recognized undergraduate degree.
  Note: Applicants who obtained their degree in a “foreign country” must have that degree evaluated through the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Definition of “foreign degree” is any degree outside of Canada.
  
  • Completion of conflict resolution courses with the focus on mediation skill development.
  *Note: A prior learning assessment may be required to determine if an applicant meets this qualification.

  • Related experience* in a human service field (e.g., Indigenous organizations and community services, counselling, community service agencies, employment assistance, dispute resolution, court services, legal services).
  *Note: Experience may be gained in a professional/work, community, or volunteer setting.

  Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations status or non-status, Inuit and/or Metis), with the required combination of education and experience.

  • Completion of one or more of the following Justice Institute of BC courses:
  - Family Justice Service in British Columbia – FAMJ-1000 (formerly FAM 190 or CORR 606)
  - Family Violence: Impact on Separation and Divorce – FAMJ-1002 (formerly FAM 191 or CORR 605)|
  - Writing Children’s Needs Assessments – FAMJ-1021
  - Advance Mediation – CRES-1410 (formerly Mediation Skills Level II – CRES-1280, CCR290 or CR400)
  - Effects of Separation and Divorce on Adults – FAMJ1005 (formerly FAM 181 or FAM103)
  - Effects of Separation and Divorce on Children – FAMJ-1006 (formerly FAM 182 or FAM104)|
  - Substance Use Issues in Family Justice – FAMJ-1011 (formerly FAM 187 or FAM 108)
  - Multicultural Issues in Family Justice – FAMJ-1012 (formerly FAM188 or FAM109)
  - Child Support Guidelines – FAMJ-1009 (formerly FAM 185 or FAM 112)
  • Completion of 80 hours of conflict resolution courses with the focus on mediation skill development.
  • Minimum of one year related experience* in a human service field (e.g., Indigenous organizations and community services, counselling, community service agencies, employment assistance, dispute resolution, court services, legal services).
  *Note: Experience may be gained in a professional/work, community, or volunteer setting.

  Willingness Statements / Provisos:

  • Required to successfully pass a BC Public Service Criminal Record Check (CRC) and a Criminal Records Review Act Check (CRRA).
  • Willingness to travel is a requirement, including overnight, (e.g., service delivery, training, meetings) and to possess/maintain a valid Class 5 B.C. Driver’s License or equivalent if required for the dedicated role.
  • Required to complete minimum requirements of the recruitment and individualized training plan which involves completion of coursework and practicum tasks within the probation period upon appointment.
  • Successfully obtain and maintain appointment as a Family Justice Counsellor in accordance with Section10 (1) of the Family Law Act and accreditation as a family mediator in British Columbia through Family Mediation Canada.
  • May interact with clients who are distraught due to issues of family violence, personal safety, or emotional crisis.
  • Potential exposure to situation(s) where clients become difficult or angry.

  For questions regarding this position, please contact Andrea.Perreaux@gov.bc.ca.

  About this Position:
  Amendment October 11, 2023: Posting closing date extended to October 19, 2023.

  There is currently one (1) full-time permanent Dispute Resolution Mediator FJC position available in Kamloops, (1) full-time permanent Dispute Resolution Mediator FJC position available in Kelowna, and (1) full-time Report Writer FJC position that can be based in Kelowna, Vernon, or Kamloops.
  Salary for this growth position will be assigned upon hire according to educational qualifications and related work experience.
  Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to 2 days at home per week subject to an approved telework agreement.
  An eligibility list may be established to fill future permanent Dispute Resolution Mediator FJC and Report Writer FJC vacancies in Kelowna, Vernon, and Kamloops.

  Working for the BC Public Service:

  The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

  The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to applicants that self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, status or non-status, Métis, or Inuit) seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. For guidance on applying and interviewing, please contact IndigenousApplicants@gov.bc.ca or 778-405-3452.

  How to Apply:

  Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above.

  Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.
  Resume: YES - A resume is required as part of your application, however, it may not be used for initial shortlisting purposes.
  Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a comprehensive questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Include all relevant information about your educational accomplishments and employment history including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and how you obtained your relevant experience. The questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes to complete.

  Helpful tips, videos and more regarding the application process can be found on the Your Job Application page of MyHR. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, e-mail BCPSA.Hiring.Centre@gov.bc.ca, before the stated closing time, and we will respond as soon as possible.

  Additional Information:

  A Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Criminal Record Review Act Check (CRRA) will be required.

  Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on the Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies as outlined in the attached Job Profile located at the bottom of the posting.

  Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Standard Time on the closing date of the competition.

• About the company

  The provincial government of British Columbia is the body responsible for the administration of the Canadian province of British Columbia.

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