Coordinated Entry Program - Justice Navigator

Start Date - Immediate

About SORCe and Distress Centre Programs

The Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre (SORCe) is a multi-agency collaborative that connects individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness to essential programs and services.

As the backbone agency, Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) leads service integration at SORCe while also providing direct support. DCC operates the Coordinated Entry Program, the primary intake, assessment, and referral hub for housing and other services, including System Navigation & Referrals, CAA housing strategists, financial empowerment, and Justice Navigation.

DCC ensures cohesive collaboration among all partners, strengthening system navigation and community connections. Through its leadership and direct services, DCC helps prevent homelessness, reduce barriers to housing, and enhance integration across the social services sector.

What to expect in the role:

Job overview

The Justice Navigator provides navigation, advocacy, and education for individuals facing justice-related challenges, recognizing that legal issues often intersect with housing, income, and wellness needs. Through care coordination, the role ensures access to wrap-around supports beyond direct legal needs. Key responsibilities include:

• Advocacy and court support for victims and offenders.
• Navigation on legal infractions, youth justice, and tenancy disputes.
• Referrals to domestic violence services, shelters, probation/parole, and community partners.
• Collaboration with partners such as Calgary Legal Guidance, Elizabeth Fry, CPS, RCMP, and PACT.
• Participation in Action Tables and Indigenous Case Management committees to support coordinated care.

Primary Duties

This is not an exhaustive list of duties but meant to give you a sense of what you’ll be doing on a regular basis. Other related duties may be required.

Justice Navigation

• Provide navigation and education to address legal infractions and other justice-related needs, reducing barriers to housing, income, and employment.
• Offer advocacy and court support for individuals navigating the criminal justice system as both victims and offenders.
• Facilitate connections and warm referrals to justice, housing, health, and community supports.
• Provide in-person support to reduce fear, trauma, and stigma related to court and justice proceedings.
• Participate in case management for program participants through Action Tables and Indigenous Case Management committees.
• Maintain strong partnerships with Calgary Legal Guidance, Elizabeth Fry, Calgary Police Services, RCMP, Calgary Transit Officers, and programs such as CTT and PACT.
• Support individuals fleeing domestic violence, family violence, and human trafficking through referrals and facilitated intakes to specialized shelters and agencies.
• Assist individuals in connecting with parole and probation officers for scheduled dates or appearances.
• Share knowledge regarding the Criminal Code of Canada, Youth Justice Act, and rental/tenant disputes connected to criminal matters.
• Build relationships with Crown prosecutors and duty counsel to support individuals navigating the criminal justice system.

SORCe Operations & Collaborative Work (15%)

• Build rapport and trust with individuals accessing services to reduce barriers to housing and support wellness and stability.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with SORCe agencies and community organizations to ensure coordinated access and seamless referrals.
• Collaborate with all SORCe partner agencies and the Crossroads Collaborative to deliver integrated, participant-centered services.
• Use de-escalation and assertive engagement strategies to maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in the HMIS database, ensuring data quality and program accountability.
• Support the team through cross-training and occasional coverage of other roles as needed.
• Assist with shared operational tasks such as stocking supplies, organizing shared spaces, and general administrative support.
• Contribute to the onboarding, supervision, and development of practicum students engaged in SORCe programming.

Hours of work and conditions

• General work hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30-4:30pmwith a one hour lunch break
• Offsite outreach work expected
• Working in a fast-paced environment requires de-escalation skills and an ability to respond to crisis
• Universal precautions knowledge and ability to complete specialized training applicable to service delivery
• Reports to the CEP Manager; Partnerships & Innovation

What you bring to the role:

Qualifications/Experience

• An undergraduate degree or diploma in Criminal Justice, human services field; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in Risk assessments and safety planning.
• Knowledge of Emergency Protection Orders, Restraining orders, No contact orders and Peace bonds is an asset.
• Experience with witness statements, affidavits and victim impact statements.
• Experience working with individuals with complex needs, including homelessness, mental health concerns, substance use, and/or domestic violence.
• Knowledge and experience in delivering housing-focused services and navigating homelessness support systems.
• Strong understanding of community resources within and beyond the homeless-serving system.
• Experience working both independently and collaboratively in dynamic environments with competing priorities.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and harm-reduction practices is an asset.
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures and experience supporting Indigenous individuals and communities, including navigating relevant social services.

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt to diverse individuals and situations.
• Effective organizational and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Flexibility in responding to unexpected challenges, such as participant needs, operational changes, or technical issues.
• Ability to assess situations quickly and make informed decisions in crisis or high-stress scenarios.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and navigate databases or case management systems (e.g., HMIS).
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure while supporting individuals in distress or exhibiting challenging behaviors.

Core Competencies:

Client/Service Centred Work – you make clients the ultimate focus of our agency, team, and individual choices and actions.

Partnerships, Relationships, & Teamwork – you build and maintain productive, collaborative working relationships within and across groups, both internally and externally, to accomplish our common goals.

Growth Mindset/Learning – you actively identify new areas for learning and take advantage of opportunities to learn in whatever form they come. You apply your newly gained knowledge in your jobs and share these skills with others.

Communication – you clearly convey information and ideas through a variety of media in a way that engages the audience and helps them to understand and inviting dialogue and inciting action where appropriate.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – we build and sustain an inclusive work environment where all individuals are welcomed, supported, respected, and valued for their unique experiences, perspectives, talents, and contributions.

Change Management – you maintain your team and personal effectiveness when being impacted by changes within the organization.

Self-Management – you take responsibility for yourself and your actions.

What Distress Centre has to offer:

• Opportunity to work for an organization that’s making a difference in our community
• A great working environment with supportive colleagues
• Opportunities for learning and mentorship, including paid development days and a staff development fund
• Competitive salary
• Benefits that include a matching RRSP
• Vacation time starting at 3 weeks