Job Title: Forensic Caseworker

Company: John Howard Society of Victoria

Location: In Person, Victoria, BC

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Work hours: 40 hour per week, Mon - Fri, 8 am to 4:00 pm

Salary: $32.45 - $34.42 per hour

Benefits: Employee Engagement Activities, Organization Events, Dental care, Disability insurance, Employee assistance program, Extended health care, Life insurance, Paid time off, RRSP match

Who We Are:

John Howard Society of Victoria is a fast paced growing, dynamic and innovative social service organization that strives to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all. Our goal is to help individuals achieve greater independence by providing support with housing, life-skills, education, employment, and community-based services.

At John Howard Society of Victoria we come from various backgrounds and share a common goal of wanting to make things better in our community, for our community. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that adapts to your needs.

Our Vision, Mission, Goals, and Values:

• Our Vision: A safe, healthy, and inclusive community for all

• Our Mission: We contribute to a safer, stronger and more sustainable communities by supporting people to achieve greater independence

• Our Goals:

  • Service Excellence: Improve the quality of life of the people we service through more relevant, accessible and sustainable services.
  • Organizational Sustainability: Realize a resilient operational and governance model that supports JHSV to consistently serve the end-to-end client journey.
  • Capacity: Increase our capacity to work effectively and efficiently as a team.

• Our Values:

  • Our Service Commitments (How we provide services to clients) – Dignity, Advocacy, Empowerment
  • Team Values (How we work together) – Collaboration, Accountability, Resiliency

What We Offer:

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy paid vacation, sick and personal time, health and dental plans, long-term disability, critical illness and RRSP
• Supportive Environment: Our Employee Assistance Program and professional development opportunities are designed to help you succeed both personally and professionally. We invest in our employees' growth through training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
• Engaging Culture: Be part of a friendly team that values your input! With numerous employee engagements, you can make your voice heard and contribute to meaningful change for our clients and our community.
• Employee Engagement: We often organize team and social gatherings to strengthen relationships and foster camaraderie to create a supportive network among colleagues.
• Impactful Work: Employees at JHS Victoria are driven by a shared mission to make a positive difference in the community. Engaging in meaningful work enhances job satisfaction and connects team members to a greater purpose.

About the Program:

The Community Residential Facilites consists of 4 properties that support individuals being supervised on conditional release from an institution or a forensic psychiatric hospital. The program operates 24/7 with support staff and is guided by services being accessible and client-focused. We work from a client- centered, strengths-based perspective and use a relationship-building approach. We believe that people are experts on their own lives, and promoting positive change enables them to grow in the way they envision.

Position Summary:

The Position reports to Manager, Residential Programs

We are seeking a dedicated Forensic Caseworker to join our dynamic team. This role provides essential support to residents transitioning from the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, and managing a caseload. Responsibilities include facilitating community integration through structured activities, developing tailored Resident Action Plans, and ensuring access to medication while assisting with budgeting, grocery shopping, and other life skills. Community engagement with Parole Officers and Case Managers is crucial for advocating residents' independence. This is an in-person role with no opportunity to work-from home.

What You'll Be Doing:

Client Support (30%)

• Manage a caseload of up to 10 residents transitioning from the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital.
• Develop and participate in structured daily activities within the community for forensic residents.
• Establish and maintain positive communication and rapport with residents.
• Exchange information regarding resident concerns and direct them to appropriate resources.
• Ensure residents have access to prescribed medication, and keep detailed records to ensure medication compliance.
• Accompany residents for weekly grocery shopping and assist with budgeting.
• Create, implement, and maintain Resident Action Plans tailored to each resident's needs, encouraging participation.
• Conduct weekly meetings with each resident, documenting interactions using the CAMS administrative program.
• Assist residents with general needs, facilitating referrals to community agencies such as JHSV Employment Programs.
• Maintain regular communication with parole officers and case managers regarding resident updates.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety measures in the organization, meeting all fire, health, and safety regulations.
• Monitor residents for substance misuse violations and report breaches to the Parole Officer or Forensic Case Manager.
• Adhere to safety procedures for check-ins while working alone in the community with clients.

Community Engagement (30%)

• Maintain and facilitate working relationships with Parole Officers, Case Managers, and local police.
• Work with service users under a person-centered model to achieve measurable short- and long-term goals.
• Ensure support encompasses all aspects of daily living, including health, housing, leisure, and education.
• Advocate for independence and growth through flexible service plans.
• Serve as a resource for other professionals, including courts and community psychiatric services.
• Provide strategies to help service users achieve established goals.
• Model effective interactions with service users, fostering positive rapport and support.
• Promote community safety by monitoring compliance with release conditions.
• Troubleshoot challenges as they arise and participate in case planning with the Forensic Regional Clinic treatment team.
• Maintain extensive records in accordance with PHSA standards and participate in staff meetings as directed.

Administration (20%)

• Answer phone calls and greet visitors with discretion.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and weekly case conferences.
• Stay informed about operations and developments related to the Correctional Service of Canada and Provincial Health Services Authority.
• Maintain daily office procedures for smooth operations.
• Manage a caseload of up to 10 residents, ensuring maintenance of in-house files and detailed daily case notes are entered into the CAMS administrative program.
• Review files and protected information for all residents.
• Collaborate with residents to develop Resident Action Plans and compile monthly progress reports.
• Enter monthly progress reports into the CAMS administrative program and submit to Case Managers at Forensic Regional Clinic.
• Collect ongoing resident evaluations and complete necessary training.
• Maintain and update documentation on SharePoint.
• Perform basic housekeeping tasks, including laundry, cleaning, and organizing supplies.

House Management (20%)

• Report management concerns and violations of house rules or policies to the Manager of Residential Programs.
• Act as a member of the caseworker support team, sharing relevant information and directing residents to resources.
• Pack personal belongings of suspended or unlawfully absent residents, preparing a detailed inventory.
• Maintain a clean, pleasant, and safe environment for all residents.
• Conduct daily rounds and bed checks at irregular intervals.
• Adhere to house protocol and security procedures
• Remain awake for the duration of shift
• Ensure the office and house are organized and attended by staff at all times.
• Advise the Manager of any concerns regarding house management or resident infractions.

Perform other duties and projects as required and not limited to the responsibilities as mentioned.

• The assigned percentage of job responsibilities may vary based on organizational and operational priorities.

What We’re Looking For:

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years certificate in a relevant field (Bachelor’s Degree preferred).
• Proven experience of at least one year in the residential or transitional housing industry.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, including those with mental health, addictions, and developmental disabilities.
• Proficient in verbal and written English at a professional level.
• High proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, SharePoint).
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Criminal Record Check and Correctional Service of Canada Enhanced Security Check.
• Emergency First Aid certification is an asset.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information effectively and possess strong integrity.

Skills and Competencies:

• The skills to understand the use of authority in supervision and to intervene effectively in crises.
• Experience in case management, including effectively managing client case notes.
• Excellent collaboration skills while working in a team environment
• Excellent organizational skills to assist multiple employees at one time with various tasks.
• The skills to intervene effectively in crises and Knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to understand the dynamics of offender’s behavior and assess their needs and risks.
• Correctional Services of Canada Enhanced Security Clearance.
• Dispute resolution and problem-solving skills.

Who You Are:

• Empathetic and Compassionate: You genuinely understand and care about the experiences and challenges of residents, fostering trust and rapport.
• Strong Communicator: You effectively convey information and actively listen to residents, colleagues, and external partners to ensure clear understanding.
• Resilient: You maintain composure in high-pressure situations and adapt seamlessly to changing circumstances.
• Creative Problem-Solver: You approach challenges with resourcefulness, finding effective solutions that meet residents’ needs.
• Collaborative Team Player: You work well with staff, residents, and external agencies, valuing diverse input and fostering a supportive environment.
• Integrity-Driven: You uphold ethical standards, ensuring confidentiality and respect for residents at all times.
• Culturally Competent: You understand and respect diverse backgrounds and perspectives, tailoring your approach to meet the needs of all residents.
• Proactive and Motivated: You actively engage in activities that support residents, demonstrating your commitment to their growth and independence.
• Patient and Tactful: You handle difficult situations with calmness and diplomacy, ensuring positive interactions even in challenging circumstances.
• Detail-Oriented: You ensure accurate documentation and adherence to protocols, which are vital for resident safety and program compliance.

Creating Safe, Healthy and Inclusive Communities at JHS Victoria:

At John Howard Society of Victoria, we proudly embrace the rich diversity of the communities we serve, and we’re excited to invite applicants from all backgrounds to join our team! We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and we are committed to providing the support needed to ensure equal opportunities for success throughout the hiring process. John Howard Society of Victoria will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email hr@jhsvic.ca if you have a need for any accommodation. We’re here to help!

Ready to Make a Positive Impact?

If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in people’s lives and meet the qualifications for this role, we’d love to hear from you!

Please submit your application through our portal. Submission deadline is October 25, 2025 and we’ll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. So don’t wait—apply today and take the next step in your journey with us!