FASD In Reach Transitional Mentor

The Agency

Safer Communities Start Here.

The Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS) is a community-based charitable organization committed to building safer communities by helping people make positive changes that reduce crime. We believe that a strong community is one that prevents crime before it occurs and supports individuals in overcoming barriers, building resilience, and creating meaningful opportunities for success.  Through prevention, intervention, advocacy, and restorative justice approaches, CJHS works alongside individuals, families, and communities to address the root causes of crime and promote positive outcomes. We provide direct services, education, and support to youth and adults, helping people strengthen their connections to community, improve their well-being, and reach their full potential.  The Calgary John Howard Society is committed to fostering an organizational culture that recognizes the dignity, worth, and unique experiences of every individual. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcome qualified applicants from all backgrounds, cultures, identities, and lived experiences.

The Program

The Transitional Mentorship Program supports youth (ages 18–24) and adults who have been diagnosed with, or are suspected of living with, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and who are involved with Alberta's correctional system. The program delivers FASD-informed sharing circles for incarcerated individuals and provides refresher training for staff at the Calgary Remand Centre, Calgary Correctional Centre, Adult Female Annex, and Calgary Young Offender Centre.

Program staff offer outreach, prevention, and transitional mentorship services to individuals involved with Alberta Correctional Services, supporting successful reintegration into the community. The primary goal of the program is to reduce the likelihood of individuals with disabilities returning to custody by promoting stability, connection, and access to appropriate supports.

The Position

The FASD In Reach Transitional Mentor will provide short term transitional mentorship for corrections-involved individuals for the first 48 hours after release from custody and up to 1 month after their release. Participants will be offered assistance and resources in various key areas of life to aid in a smooth transition from custody. The In Reach Transitional Mentor will aid in with the development and follow-through of the individuals’ release plan from custody. The In Reach Transitional Mentor will provide FASD refresher training for Corrections staff, offer resources, and share information with the centre staff. The Transitional Mentor will work with the correctional centres to facilitate FASD sharing circles for participants in the program and centre staff.

Responsibilities will include:

• Provide short term relational support for individuals being released from corrections facilities who have possible or diagnosed FASD
• Refer and assist clients in accessing community-based resources
• Refer clients for an FASD assessment upon the client’s request.
• Assist clients with government applications such as AISH.
• Facilitate FASD trainings to community/natural supports to increase their understanding of FASD
• Facilitation of FASD sharing circles within the correctional centre
• Coordinate and facilitate FASD learning opportunities for correctional staff and community  
• Develop and maintain healthy partnerships to best serve clients.
• Assist with data collection, outcome measurements, evaluation, proposal writing, and meeting agency and funder reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in a related field (e.g., Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Community Development)
• Have knowledge of FASD, the justice system, Indigenous culture, community human service agencies, and crisis intervention strategies.
• Have strong interpersonal, communication and case management skills and an exceptional ability to plan, organize, prioritize and multi-task
• Experience in group facilitation
• Brain Story Certification is considered an asset

Requirements

• This position includes driving clients within the city limits.  The successful candidate must hold a valid Class 5 Driver’s License and a Driver’s Abstract. Proof of both required.
  
• Current Criminal Record Check (CPIC) and Child Intervention Check (completed within the past 6 months)

Your past does not define your future. A criminal record will not disqualify you from employment with us; we evaluate each application individually.

Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found.

https://calgaryjohnhoward.bamboohr.com/careers/288