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Hamilton-Wentworth Chapter of Native Women Incorporated

c/o Hamilton Native Women’s Centre

Job Title: Native Inmate Liaison Officer (NILO)-Elgin, Middlesex Detention Centre (EMDC)

The Hamilton-Wentworth Chapter of Native Women’s Incorporated, operating as the Hamilton Native Women’s Centre (NWC) is an Indigenous lead, not for profit organization, providing a secure and empowering environment for women and children fleeing domestic violence/gender-based violence/intimate partner violence, suffering from homelessness, and/or human trafficking.

We are culturally based and committed to creating positive outcomes for Indigenous women and their children. As a staff member of the Hamilton Native Women’s Centre, you will have an opportunity for professional growth and access to traditional ways of being and knowing. We strive to uphold pre-colonial management and policy structure, while being supportive and maintaining a positive work atmosphere.

Department: Outreach Services

Reporting to: Manager of Outreach Programs and Services

Primary Purpose of Role: Outreach Services-Community Integration

The Native Inmate Liaison Officer, will provide essential cultural, spiritual, and reintegration support to Indigenous inmates in correctional facilities. The NILO will act as a bridge between inmates, staff, and community resources, facilitating traditional ceremonies (such as smudging), counseling, and release planning to promote healing, wellness, and successful reintegration.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

NILOs are focused on addressing the unique needs of Indigenous clients through specialized services:

• Cultural Support: Arranging for Elder visits, conducting smudging ceremonies, and providing traditional teachings and medicines.
• Case Management & Advocacy: Assisting with intake assessments, developing release plans (temporary absence plans), and advocating on behalf of inmates with institutional staff
• Counseling & Programming: Facilitating individual and group counseling, hand drumming, and cultural workshops.
  
• Reintegration & Support: Providing resources for housing, health, education, and employment following release.

Role within Correctional Facilities

•  Operational Liaison: They act as a, "official point of contact," facilitating communication between Indigenous inmates, their families, and institutional staff.
  
• Reporting & Compliance: Maintaining records, preparing reports, and attending case conferences or committee meetings to discuss inmate status.
  
• Education: Educating correctional staff on Indigenous culture and history.

Other:

• Ensure that all services provided are client centered, and trauma informed.
• Ensure that all services provided are incorporating Indigenous culture as a way of being and knowing in the organization.
• Work from a Harm Reduction and Strength-Based Approach.
• Connect clients with appropriate community resources, based on client needs.
• Participate in all staff meetings.
• Participate in community collaborative meetings.
• Report all disclosures, safety issues, and serious occurrences to the appropriate contact.
• Incorporate Indigenous culture as a way of being and knowing in the organization.
• Attend relevant training, conferences and professional development, as required.
• Collect, maintain, and complete all statistical data reporting on a monthly, quarterly and year end basis.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Level of Responsibility: Outreach Services (Medium)

Required Qualifications

1. Education

Post-secondary diploma/degree in social work, social service work, community justice work, addictions worker or related field

2. Work Experience

• Possesses a minimum of 3 to 5 years of working within a shelter, transitional living program, outreach services and/or social services field

3. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of and experience working with a range of issues impacting youth, women and children including homelessness, violence against women and children, gender based violence, human trafficking, poverty, mental health, addiction / substance use and harm reduction.
• Demonstrates cultural competency including awareness, knowledge and understanding of the impacts of colonialism and systemic issues.
• Experience working in a shelter environment or outreach setting is an asset
• Excellent crisis intervention skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Committed to upholding the organization’s mission, values and standards
• Fluency in an Indigenous language is an asset
• Cultural Competence: A strong understanding of Indigenous culture, traditions, and the impacts of colonization.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills for building trust with inmates and collaborating with staff.
• Advocacy: Experience with community resources and navigating the justice system.
• Administration: Strong organizational and reporting skills

Working Conditions: Correctional Institution (Elgin, Middlesex Detention Centre-711 Exeter Rd, London, ON N6E 1L3)

• Monday to Friday, 40 hour per week
• Physical and Sensory Demands-High
• Physical Environment & Stress Factors-High

Hiring Requirements:

• Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector
• First Aid / CPR / AED Certification
• NVCPI Certification
• WHMIS 2025 Certification
• Food Handlers Certification
• ASIST Certification
• Naloxone Certification
• Actionable Accountability Training

All interested Indigenous Applicants can submit their cover letter and resume to hr@nativewomenscentre.com.