Manager, Victim/witness Assistance Program

Join our team at the Victims and Vulnerable Persons Division and be at the forefront of change and support for those who need it most. We are looking for seasoned managers who can bring diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to our Victim/Witness Assistance Program. As people matter most to us, we believe in delivering on policies, programs and resources that will achieve the best outcomes for vulnerable Ontarians. We strive to deliver services for victims of crime in an integrated way, ensuring we collaborate seamlessly with justice partners and community stakeholders. Apply now and make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable Ontarians.

As the Manager of VWAP, you will lead the Victim/ Witness Assistance Program through the provision of direct services to victims and witnesses of crime, participation on various community committees, training and public education activities, and to manage the activities of program staff.
We are currently seeking one manager to oversee the Victim Witness Assistance Program in the Western Region for offices in Brantford, Simcoe (Norfolk County), and Cayuga (Haldimand County).

Please note: This position is required to travel on a regular basis to manage three site offices and as needed to the regional office in Hamilton.

About us:

The Victims and Vulnerable Persons Division (VVPD) with the Ministry of the Attorney General supports, protects, and advocates on behalf of victims of crime and vulnerable children and adults. The Ontario Victim Services (OVS) is committed to treating victims of crime with dignity and respect. OVS endeavors to provide victims with access to a network of coordinated, victim-centered support services. OVS achieves this through several services, including the Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP).
Leadership in the Ontario Public Service

A leadership career in the Ontario Public Service offers meaningful opportunities to lead impactful projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and shape policies, programs and services that positively influence the lives of millions of Ontarians, all within a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our leaders enjoy comprehensive benefit plans, a robust pension program, and challenging and rewarding work that will keep you motivated and fulfilled.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is an innovative, responsive and accountable public service that works hard to be diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable. Diversifying leadership is a top priority for the OPS. Our goal is to achieve parity with the Ontario labour force by 2025 for the most under-represented groups (Indigenous, racialized and persons with disabilities) on our leadership teams.

The OPS invites all interested individuals to apply. As an organization that promotes equity and diversity, the OPS encourages applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized individuals, and persons with disabilities.

The OPS is an accessible employer and we offer accommodation in all aspects of employment, including the recruitment process.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy, the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint, and the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan to learn more about the OPS commitment to advancing racial equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion in the public service.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Create the Work Environment

In the Ontario Public Service, we hold our leaders to the highest standards, expecting them to embody authenticity, accountability, and courage in every action and decision. It will be your responsibility to create a work environment and team culture that ignites innovation, nurtures collaboration and champions inclusivity by creating a diverse, anti-racist and accessible workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. By aligning your choices with these values, you will create a vibrant work environment where every individual can thrive.

Deliver on Business Goals and Priorities

Your leadership will be crucial in guiding the team towards the achievement of their business goals. It will be your responsibility to inspire and motivate your team to deliver their best performance and align the team's daily actions with the strategic vision of the ministry. You will contribute to the achievement of team goals by:
• Plan and manage the delivery of the program by providing information to victims and witnesses of crime on the criminal justice system and referrals to appropriate community support services.
• Manage and/or provide leadership of highly complex or sensitive cases by providing direct assistance (e.g., outreach, crisis intervention, courtroom orientation/accompaniment, referral to community agencies, etc.) to victims and witnesses of crime.
• Participate in the development, delivery and monitoring of public education activities in the community and at workshops and conferences regarding victims' issues.
• Support a values-based and inclusive team through technical, administrative, and operational direction to staff.
• Assign and coordinate work, evaluate performance, identify staff training needs and escalate employee relations matters.
• Control and monitor allocated operation budget for the unit/program and regularly provide assurance reports on financial activities.
• Provide quality client service to stakeholders.

How do I qualify?

Leadership and Management Skills

• Mentor employees, monitor performance, address employee issues and promote an inclusive and engaged team.
• Participate in recruitment and identify staff development and training needs.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on service levels, performance and program effectiveness.
• Demonstrate commitment to innovation and service excellence and motivate staff through change.
• Provide leadership and expertise in the independent management of cases which are either highly complex or sensitive.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• Identify and resolve a range of program delivery issues, which are often related to the volume of cases, high-profile cases, court processes, delays and other systemic issues.
• Manage complex and sensitive cases (e.g., families of homicide victims or traffic fatalities, domestic violence, criminal harassment, etc.) and determine the appropriate method of assistance (e.g., crisis intervention, needs assessment, courtroom orientation/accompaniment, etc.).
• Identify and analyze issues relating to the delivery of victim services in the assigned region, assess risk and identify high-profile or politically sensitive issues, and develop recommendations for mitigation.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Communicate complex information clearly and concisely to staff, stakeholders, and justice partners.
• Deliver public education activities as a guest speaker/educator at workshops, seminars, forums, etc., regarding victims' issues.
• Maintain stakeholder relationships and partnerships within the region.
• Participate as a member of various committees and task forces and represent the ministry/program at forums and public speaking events
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage relationships with justice partners, including Crowns, police, and the judiciary.

Technical Knowledge

• The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and understanding of the Victim/ Witness Assistance Program, its goals and objectives, and related policies, procedures and processes.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of human resources practices, policies and collective agreements in relation to recruitment, training and development, and employee relations.
• Knowledge of financial and administrative procedures, to reconcile, and report on, allocated fiscal and material resources and annual budgets.
• Knowledge of project management principles and methodologies to meet the operational program deliverables.