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Position: Full Time, 35 hours / week  

Title: Lead Advocate, Prairies Region

Location: Edmonton, Alberta (work from home / remote)

Position Type: Contract

Length: 1 year with potential for renewal  

Estimated Start Date: February 2023 

Compensation: $28 to $30 per hour, including a comprehensive benefits package plus a minimum of 3 weeks vacation

OBJECTIVES:  

To bolster human and legal rights-based support for incarcerated women and gender diverse individuals in Canada by coordinating the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS) Regional Advocacy Program in CAEFS Prairies Region.  

This position will focus dedicated attention to Regional Advocacy in Alberta, focusing on Edmonton Institution for Women, but will work to bolster advocacy responses in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.  

NATURE OF THE WORK

 The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies

At the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS), we envision a world without prisons with strong and well-resourced communities for everyone. To help make this vision a reality, we are working to address the persistent ways in which women and gender-diverse people impacted by criminalization have been denied humanity and excluded from community.

Regional Advocacy:

CAEFS five regional advocacy teams monitor the conditions of confinement in the six federal prisons designated for women in Canada and two regional psychiatric centers. This is done through in-person advocacy visits and our toll-free advocacy lines.

Regional Advocacy teams work together to speak with incarcerated people and document the legal, civic, and human rights issues that they experience. CAEFS advocacy utilizes an intersectional feminist rights-based approach to advocate for federally incarcerated women and gender-diverse people. Our approach is rooted in the understanding that, in order to create substantive equality, unique attention and approaches are needed to respond to incarcerated equity-deserving groups.

Regional advocates also work closely with their incarcerated counterparts: peer advocates. The CAEFS peer advocate program trains and supports individuals in prison to fulfill many of the same functions as regional advocates.

P.A.T.H

The P.A.T.H project is a collaboration between CAEFS and the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia with the goal of decreasing barriers to access to justice for criminalized populations by identifying, strengthening, connecting, and scaling the capacity of existing legal advocacy efforts and knowledges, through a framework that centers the voices of lived experience and informal and grassroots approaches / expertise.

DUTIES:  

Support and coordinate EIFW Regional Advocacy Team:  

• Coordinate and facilitate monthly Regional Advocacy team meetings
• Organize and coordinate monthly advocacy visits to Edmonton Institution for Women 
• Support CAEFS leadership in the recruitment and training of volunteer Regional Advocates 
• Organize and participate in Peer Advocacy trainings annually, in collaboration with CAEFS leadership
• Participate in trainings and professional development activities as required
• Ensure that monthly advocacy letters are generally completed within 7 business days of monthly advocacy visits 
• Ensure a regular phone or video call with peer advocates is operational and being conducted
• Provide peer advocates support as required and requested
• Maintain all records of prison visits, including notes and warden’s letter drafts securely and according to CAEFS direction, and ensure all team members and CAEFS leadership can access records 
• Liaise urgent issues to CAEFS leadership 
• Participate in monthly Regional Advocate Lead meetings
• Receive and provide position related feedback to CAEFS leadership through participation in standing staff meetings and completion of surveys as required 
• Support with urgent communications with penitentiary management, as required 
• Support in the recruitment and training of volunteer advocates 
• Support the delivery of ongoing educational and professional development activities for incarcerated people within CAEFS rights-based, intersectional, abolitionist framework 
• Coordinate invoicing for volunteer Regional Advocates

Support and Coordinate CAEFS Regional Advocacy, Prairies

• Support CAEFS Regional Advocacy team in Saskatchewan 
• Assist and coordinate with Saskatchewan advocates on trainings
• Communicate with CAEFS Advocates in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to increase responsivity to pressing systemic issues

Support CAEFS collaboration with Prisoner Advocacy and Transformational Hub (PATH) 

Develop an effective partnership between CAEFS Regional Advocacy and PATH to transform the persistent and prevalent injustices impacting criminalized populations in Canada by:  

• Conduct an environmental scan of existing formal and informal advocacy structures/approaches that are advancing access to justice for impacted communities.
• Increase capacity for networking/knowledge exchanges of existing access to justice projects, goals, and successful approaches (formal and informal) for people impacted by carceral systems in CAEFS Prairies Region
• Present environmental scan findings in report form to be shared with PATH 
• Ensure that advocacy data is maintained for PATH project purpose

REQUIRED SKILLS:  

Prior knowledges are invited, but training and professional development can be provided 

• Understanding of the policy framework and associated legislation governing federal penitentiaries and parole processes, including: 
  • Ability to understand and apply relevant law, mandates, commission findings and policy to drive advocacy actions
• Comprehension in record keeping and Microsoft office suite (use of one drive, excel, word)
• Active and supportive listening
• Documentation of issues which federally sentenced women and gender diverse people report to you
• Coordination and communication, including but not limited to:
  • Scheduling meetings and sending calendar invites
  • Ensuring clear and consistent communication and direction exists among regional team members
  • Conveying appropriate tone and clarity in written and verbal communications
  • Maintaining the confidentiality and dignity of those you work with and support  
  • Ability to share and receive feedback constructively 

 

TECHNOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS:  

This position is remote and requires consistent access to an internet connection.  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  

This position requires completion of the Correctional Service of Canada’s enhanced security clearance. Prior experiences of criminalization do not impact this application process, and CAEFS will provide logistical and wellness support to support completion of this process.   

HOW TO APPLY

Please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected] using the subject “ADVOCACY APPLICATION” by January 16, 2023 at 9:00am eastern standard time. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

Position: Full Time, 35 hours / week 

Title: Community-Based Research Assistant   

Location: Anywhere in Canada (work from home / remote) 

Position Type: Contract  

Length: 1 year with potential for renewal   

Estimated Start Date: February 2023 

Rate of Compensation:  $28 to $30 per hour, including a comprehensive benefits package plus a minimum of 3 weeks vacation 

NATURE OF THE WORK: 

The Community Based Research Assistant will work in close collaboration with Emilie Coyle, JD, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies, as well as Dr. Jennifer Leason and their research team on a 3-year Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) grant “Honouring Voices and Visions: Illuminating Incarcerated Indigenous Women and Gender-Diverse peoples, Sexual, Reproductive and Maternal-Child Health and Wellness.” 

The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies  

Emilie Coyle is the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies. Emilie has practiced family, criminal and immigration law. In addition to her professional accomplishments as a bilingual legal professional and not-for-profit advocate, Emilie was a co-founder of Parents 4 Diversity, a citizen’s group working with parents and teachers to address discrimination with the goal of making schools safer for all children and youth and a proud sponsor of LGBTQ+ refugees for many years. Prior to taking on the role with CAEFS, she worked as Director of National Programs at the University of Ottawa’s Refugee Hub.  Her experience in civil society has taken her from Canada’s west, to the east, and she now makes her home on uncededed and unsurrendered Algonquin territory, in Ottawa with her two children – Maia and Niko – and her partner, Adam. Emilie is passionate about the power of community and actively pursues ways to animate community-building. This includes supporting the essential on-the-groundwork of the many Elizabeth Fry Societies across the country. 

The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS) works to address the persistent ways in which women and gender-diverse people impacted by criminalization are denied humanity and excluded from community.  CAEFS envisions a world without prisons with strong and well-resourced communities for everyone. www.caefs.ca  

Incarcerated Indigenous Women and Gender-diverse Peoples Health 

Dr. Jennifer Leason is an off-reserve member of Pine Creek Indian Band; Associate Professor and CIHR Canada Research Chair Tier II in Indigenous Maternal Child Wellness from the University of Calgary. https://www.jenniferleason.com 

The research project: “Honouring Voices and Visions: Illuminating Incarcerated Indigenous Women and Gender-diverse peoples Sexual, Reproductive and Maternal-Child Health and Wellness” aims to understand and address the Over-incarceration1 of Indigenous women and gender-diverse people and current health and wellness realities. Indigenous women are overrepresented within the Canada correctional system and federal prisons. Despite representing just 4% of the Canadian female population (Arriagada, 2016), Indigenous women accounted almost 50% of all women incarcerated in federal prisons designated for women  in the 2020-2021 fiscal year (OCI, 2021). While admissions to federal prisons have declined over the last decade in Canada, the number of Indigenous people experiencing incarceration has increased by 73.8% (OCI, 2019). For many Indigenous women and gender-diverse people, involvement in the criminal justice system stems from complex collective and individual life experiences marked with racism, violence, and exploitation. These experiences are effects of historical and ongoing colonization in Canada, which create social inequities that result in disproportionately poor health and social determinants and outcomes among Indigenous peoples.  

The CBRA will work closely with Emilie Coyle and CAEFS, Dr. Leason, and the research team that includes undergraduate and graduate students, Elder Co-Chair, Indigenous researchers, community collaborators and coordinators.  The research includes collaboration with Indigenous peoples, communities, Bands, Nations, Tribal Councils, and organizations including CAEFS, and the Native Women Association of Canada (NWAC).  

GOALS OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT: 

1. Conduct collaborative research through interdisciplinary and multisectoral teams with Indigenous and allied researchers, Knowledge Keepers, healthcare providers, national advocacy organizations including Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS); Native Women’s Association of Canada: NWAC, Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), and academic institutions (UCalgary, McMaster, Lakehead U, UManitoba, SFU, USask, Dalhousie U);
2. Explore the context and connection of gender, wellness, and trauma in relation to sexual, reproductive, and maternal child health of incarcerated Indigenous participants;
3. Generate evidence on sexual, reproductive, and maternal child health of incarcerated Indigenous women and gender diverse people through a scoping review, quantitative and decolonizing qualitative (arts-based) methods.
4. Inform equity-informed innovation through knowledge translation activities such as sharing of arts-based expressions of incarcerated women and gender-diverse peoples health, as well as identifying policy priorities and options to address incarcerated Indigenous health disparities and inequities.

The incumbent can be a resident anywhere in Canada and will work remotely from their home residence, and will report to Emilie Coyle and Dr. Jennifer Leason. This is a Full-Time (5 days/week – 35 hours per week) role for a 12-month period, with possibility of extension depending upon funding and need. 

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: (KEY PURPOSE, FUNCTIONS, ROLES):  

The primary purpose of this role is to manage the initiation, conduction and final reporting of research projects related to Indigenous health and incarceration. This includes the start-up, management of day-to-day research activities and knowledge creation and dissemination related thereto.

Qualifications/Expertise Required:

Required: 

• Undergraduate degree required, Master’s degree preferred. 

• Minimum 3 years of related experience in a research setting supporting research activities 
• Effective oral and written communication.  
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including cultural safety and inter-cultural competency when working with and for First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples, communities, and organizations. 
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, their cultures, histories and traditions 
• Understanding and knowledge of Indigenous affairs, and norms and standards relevant to promotion and protection of Indigenous peoples’ rights 

• Familiarity and experience with knowledge translation and community engagement 
• Research analytical skills. This includes knowledge and practical experience with quantitative and qualitative data entry, analysis, interpretation, and knowledge dissemination. 
• Proven ability to exercise initiative in conducting research and ability to work both independently and within a team environment. 
• Proven ability to synthesize information.  
• Ability to conduct comprehensive literature reviews. 

• Ability to exercise tact, discretion, and confidentiality in dealing with research participants, external agencies, and researchers.  
• Knowledge of Indigenous research ethics and protocols and methodologies. This includes key application of TCPS2 and Chapter 9: Research with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples. 
• Effective time and project management skills, including the ability to meet timelines and deadlines 
• Proven organizational skills, including managing multiple research projects, outcomes/dissemination with multiple (competing) stakeholders and partners. 
• Accuracy and attention to detail. 

• Ability to set priorities and complete deadlines. 
• Excellent computer skills, including proven experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Ability to create databases and datasets with Excel. 

Preferred: 

• Experience and skills with SPSS, SAS, STATA, MAXQDA, ENDNOTE.  
• Indigenous lived experience is preferred (self-identity as Indigenous and/or experience living /working with Indigenous peoples and/or communities)  

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, their cultures, histories, and traditions;  
• Familiarity and experience with knowledge translation and community engagement; and 
• Familiarity and understanding of the social determinants of health. 

Accountabilities/Tasks and Duties: (Results and outcomes expected when roles are carried out successfully, with supporting details on how results are accomplished):  

Research (30%)

• Supports the development, management, and operation of research activities.  
• Supports the development of data collection, instruments, and databases. 
• Provides support to staff or community members involved in data collection and analysis 

• Negotiates procedures and timelines with external agencies involved in data collection 
• Supports the principle investigators in the writing of reports, scientific abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts 
• Conducts literature reviews and summarizes relevant literature 
• Prepares ethics applications, renewals and assists with grant applications
   

Community Outreach (30%) 

• Work with Indigenous and ally researchers from various universities, as well as community organizations and community-based researchers.   
• Work with Correctional Services Canada (CSC) to acquire CSC data  
• Exercise relational accountability through respectful, reciprocal, and relevant research relationships, partnerships and collaboration with Indigenous participants, communities, organizations, and external stakeholders.
   

Project Management (20%) 

• Coordinates the development, management, and operation of the research project. Including managing timelines, deadlines, and outcomes 
• Managing multiple stakeholders, research partners and organizations. 
• Assists with setting up project plans, mapping and supporting the team to set and keep internal and external deadlines. 
• Follow up with key stakeholders and the research team to ensure activities are completed.

HOW TO APPLY 

Please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected] using the subject “CBRA APPLICATION” by January 16, 2023, at 9:00am eastern standard time. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.