We most often associate a career in justice with lawyers, judges and police officers. But did you know there is an entire field that functions directly in communities to create positive change by working with at-risk people and populations? Community and justice services jobs in Canada are found in various organizations and programs that operate within and adjacent to the legal system. So, if you’re looking to combine an interest in law with working directly in at-risk communities to make a difference, this career area may be for you.
What is Community and Justice Services?
Under the overarching umbrella of Community and Justice Services are interdisciplinary teams. These teams work in program planning, assessment and implementation of intervention strategies that meet client and community needs. Intervention strategies may address mental health, housing or resettlement, employment, addictions and family violence. The work of these professionals occurs in settings such as correctional institutions, schools, custody facilities for youth, residential facilities and local advocacy groups that facilitate programs and services to at-risk populations, offenders and victims of crime. The overall aim is to contribute towards creating safe and healthy communities.
Obtaining a Community and Justice Services Diploma
A two-year college-level program will offer you the skills to work in diverse settings that address youth and adult populations that are at risk, currently incarcerated, involved with the criminal justice system, or engaged in rehabilitation programs. Centennial College’s Community and Justice Services Diploma program highlights prevention, intervention and rehabilitative strategies, practical communication, treatment approaches, group dynamics, program development and facilitation, case management and security skills. This program includes more than 400 placement hours in and around Greater Toronto Area jails, group homes, courthouses and schools.
Community and Justice Services Job Opportunities
After graduating from a college-level program, your career could go in several directions.
Those interested in working with younger populations may, for example, become a youth worker. Your duties may include providing support and crisis intervention to youth, facilitating general housing assistance to those who are unstably housed, referring youth to support and services as needed, offering workshops to address the identified needs of youth accessing the workplace’s services, advocating on behalf of clients and more.
A vastly different career opportunity is that of a bail supervisor. This person is responsible for supervising and managing client cases and court-based responsibilities. They may provide service planning and support to individuals who are on bail and awaiting completion of their legal matters, address immediate needs and risk factors associated with involvement in the criminal justice system, and enhance community safety by monitoring and enforcing conditions of release orders, including preparing warrants.
These are just two examples of job opportunities. Others include: correctional officer, court officer, program facilitator, and outreach worker.
Resources:
- https://www.centennialcollege.ca/programs-courses/full-time/community-and-justice-services/
- https://ca.indeed.com/jobs?q=community+justice+service&start=10&pp=gQAPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACC085DQAlAQAB3R9C2nsPBu8SWjsIr7iLkpvs47d7A_pjQDX8q1jiQ86SngAA&vjk=7090c939f6f4e566
- https://ca.indeed.com/q-bail-jobs.html?vjk=dd58399d70232411
By: Izabela Shubair