• Job Description

  Req#: 1074403

  Make a difference in this rewarding career opportunity

  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 Family Justice Centres and Justice Access 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.

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

  The dedicated Dispute Resolution Mediator provides information, brief services, brief counselling, referrals, mediation, and short-term counselling to families (primarily those of modest means) experiencing separation or divorce. These services are provided to offer out-of-court processes for resolving family disputes. This role is responsible for screening all clients for the incidence of family violence, referring clients to appropriate community and legal resources, preparing documents, and documenting case management decisions.

  The dedicated Report Writer is 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. This role investigates and assesses 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.

  Job Requirements:

  • 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 80 hours of conflict resolution courses with the focus on mediation skill development. Consideration may be given to applicants who have less than 80 hours of conflict resolution courses.
  • Note: A prior learning assessment may be required to determine if an applicant meets this qualification.
  • Minimum of 6 months related experience* in a human services 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 candidates with one or more of the following:
    • Completion of one or more of the following Justice Institute of BC courses:
    • Mediation Skills Level II – CRES-1280 (formerly CCR290 or CR400)
    • Writing Children’s Needs Assessments – FAMJ-1021
    • 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)
    • 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)
    • Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations status or non-status, Inuit and/or Metis), with the required combination of education and experience.
      

  Provisos /Willingness statement(s)

  • Required to successfully pass a BC Public Service Criminal Record Check (CRC) and a Criminal Records Review Act Check (CRRA).
  • Required to possess and maintain a valid Class 5 B.C. Driver’s License or equivalent, if applicable to position.
  • Will be required to undertake, and successfully complete the recruitment and individualized training requirements of the position within the probation period upon appointment. For specific details on the training timeframes, please discuss further with the hiring manager.
  • 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.
  • Occasional travel may be required (e.g., service delivery, training, meetings, etc.).
    

  For questions regarding this position, please contact simar.aujla@gov.bc.ca

  About this Position:
  Amendment December 20: Posting closing date extended to December 28.
  Amendment December 12: Posting closing date extended to December 21.
  There is currently (1) position available in Abbotsford.
  An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies which may also include Port Coquitlam, Surrey, Chilliwack, Langley, Abbotsford, Maple Ridge, New Westminster
  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.
  Please refer to MyHR for more information on Temporary Market Adjustments.
  Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

  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) 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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