About BCFNJC:

Empowered by the First Nations Leadership Council and in partnership with the provincial and federal governments, the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) is responsible to 204 First Nations in BC. Our mandate is to reduce the overrepresentation of First Nations Métis and Inuit people in the criminal justice system and the child protection system, and to support Nations as they move to sovereignty over justice.

The BCFNJC is growing rapidly. Indigenous people in BC deserve world-class legal services and programs. To this end, we are seeking team members who share our vision, understand the gravity of the work, are excited by the opportunity and will not stop until we reach our goal. We take our mandate seriously but also strive for a balanced, caring work environment that is respectful and supportive.

Indigenous Justice Centres

The Indigenous Justice Centers (IJCs) are spaces where those facing involvement in the colonial justice systems can come for legal support. BCFNJC recognizes that Indigenous people are significantly overrepresented in both the correctional and child welfare systems and often face intersecting systemic and social barriers to navigating the colonial systems. Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples are among the most impacted as victims, survivors and families of gender-based violence and of MMIWG2S+.

The IJCs houses Legal and Outreach teams that bring together a range of community, cultural and professional expertise that are available to people navigating criminal and child protection cases. The interdisciplinary team works together with a client-centered approach to access the legal and social supports that effect their housing, employment, physical and mental health and wellness, necessary to address the challenges facing them in the child protection and criminal justice systems.

IJCs integrates staff wellness into daily operations, recognizing that IJC teams may carry the weight of IJC clients’ experiences of injustice and trauma. All staff are part of

a proactive approach to wellness that includes access to cultural supports, attention to physical and mental health and reasonable workloads. Staff are expected to take vacation and personal leaves and work collaboratively to cover absences, ensuring that the team remains healthy and able to provide high quality services.

Position Summary:

The Client Navigator serves as the first point of contact for individuals seeking assistance from the Indigenous Justice Centre. While this role is remote, it is significantly more demanding than a traditional office administrator position. The Client Navigator interacts with a high volume of clients each day, many of whom are in crisis, or experiencing significant distress. This requires the ability to apply trauma-informed de-escalation strategies, maintain professionalism under pressure, and ensure that every interaction is culturally safe, respectful, and solution-focused.

The role also requires a high degree of emotional resilience, with the capacity to manage difficult conversations while maintaining personal wellbeing and contributing to a supportive team culture. In addition to frontline client work, the position requires a comprehensive understanding of staffing, operations, and services within all Indigenous Justice Centres across the province. This broader scope ensures clients are accurately connected to appropriate supports and that service delivery remains seamless and coordinated.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

· Serve as the first point of contact for the Indigenous Justice Centre(s), providing a welcoming, culturally safe, and trauma-informed experience for all clients.

· Conduct intake conversations to assess eligibility for legal services and provide clear, empathetic next steps.

· Manage high-volume client interactions daily, including individuals in crisis or exhibiting anger and threatening behaviours, using trauma-informed de-escalation techniques to protect the wellbeing of clients, staff, and communities.

· Maintain working knowledge of every IJC, including available services, operational processes, and staff roles, to facilitate accurate and efficient client connections.

· Collaborate with resource and support workers, aunties, legal assistants, and staff lawyers, and supervisors across multiple IJCs to ensure smooth handoffs and continuity of service.

· Provide referrals and maintain awareness of external community resources when callers are ineligible for IJC services.

· Maintain and update a database of agencies and services to strengthen referral pathways.

· Track, compile, and analyze client data in accordance with the BCFNJC’s Data Collection Framework, providing insights on trends and service gaps.

· Identify challenges within client service delivery and recommend improvements to enhance accessibility and efficiency.

· Uphold confidentiality of all client information and comply with BCFNJC policies and procedures.

· Contribute to staff wellness initiatives and a supportive, collaborative team culture.

· Adapt to organizational growth and evolving processes with flexibility and professionalism.

· Other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies

· Strong awareness of Indigenous communities, cultures, and systemic barriers to accessing justice.

· Proven ability to manage high-stress, high-volume client interactions calmly and respectfully.

· Demonstrated expertise in trauma-informed de-escalation and crisis response.

· High degree of emotional resilience, with the ability to manage difficult conversations and prevent burnout while supporting clients in crisis.

· Advanced communication and problem-solving skills to balance client needs with organizational capacity.

· Ability to maintain broad operational knowledge of multiple offices, staff members, and service streams.

· High level of adaptability, organization, and self-management in a remote environment.

Qualifications and Work Experience

· 1–3 years of experience in intake, client navigation, office administration, outreach, social services, or a related role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Education or experience in legal office administration, Indigenous community engagement, or social services would be beneficial.

· Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, practices, and communities—both local and urban—is preferred.

· Awareness of the history of Indigenous peoples in BC, including the impacts of colonialism and the over-representation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice and child protection systems.

· Experience and confidence in using trauma-informed de-escalation practices when interacting with clients in crisis, including those who may be angry, unhoused, or dealing with addiction.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an empathetic, client-centered approach.

· Strong organizational, time management, and stress management skills; able to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume environment.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort with technology to deliver virtual support.

· Ability to problem-solve, take initiative, and work independently with minimal supervision in a collaborative team setting.

· Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding culturally safe and professional standards of practice.

· A clear Criminal Record Check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Clearance will be a condition of employment.

Job Description: Client Navigator - Intake

Reporting: This role reports to Provincial Director of Indigenous Justice Centres

Location: This position has the flexibility to work from our head office in Westbank, any IJC, or virtually from home.

Office type: Remote or In-Office

Pay Range: $55,000 - $65,000 annually

Benefits: Extended benefits package that includes extended health and dental, personal days, paid vacation, and RRSP/TFSA savings plans

Hours: Full-time (35 hours/week); Mondays to Fridays, 8:30am - 4:30pm

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided to Indigenous applicants in accordance with section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. Candidates of Indigenous background are encouraged to self-identify on their application.