Somali Centre for Family Services

🌟 We’re Hiring! Racialized Court Navigator (RCN) 🌟

📍 Location: Ottawa
🕒 Employment Type: Full-Time (Two Years)
🚀 Start Date: ASAP
📅 Application Deadline: November 17, 2025
📧 Apply to: [email protected]

The Racialized Court Navigator (RCN) plays a critical role in supporting racialized individuals who are accused in criminal court proceedings. The RCN helps them and their supporters understand their legal rights, options, responsibilities, and the criminal court process.

The goal is to facilitate equitable access to justice and support fair representation. The position involves close collaboration with youth and families to address root causes of justice involvement, such as poverty, systemic racism, trauma, and lack of access to culturally appropriate resources.

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Primary Responsibilities
• Clearly explain the nature and consequences of criminal allegations faced by the accused.
• Educate accused individuals about their legal rights, responsibilities, and available options (e.g., diversion programs).
• Guide individuals through court processes, including appearances, adjournments, remands, trial scheduling, Judicial Pre-Trials (JPTs), and Crown Pre-Trials (CPTs).
• Refer accused individuals to appropriate legal resources, including Legal Aid and defence counsel.
• Assist with referrals to social, mental health, or addiction-related services and supports.
• Support the preparation of bail plans and explain key bail terms (e.g., bonds, sureties).
• Act as a cultural and communication bridge between the accused and court personnel.
• Raise awareness among justice system actors of cultural values, language needs, and socio-economic factors affecting the accused.
• Provide outreach and education to the broader racialized community about the justice system, diversion programs, and how communities can support individuals in navigating the system.
• Assist in building culturally competent, community-based justice initiatives.
• Liaise with families, schools, and community organizations to provide wraparound support to youth in conflict with the law.
• Organize and/or participate in public education sessions about legal rights, systemic racism, and crime prevention for Black youth and their families.
• Promote culturally grounded community justice initiatives within Ottawa’s Black and newcomer communities.
• Strengthen partnerships between SCFS, justice stakeholders, and youth-serving agencies to build an equitable justice ecosystem.

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Qualifications
• Post-secondary education in Law, Social Work, Criminology, Justice Studies, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Lived experience or strong understanding of the issues facing racialized communities in the justice system.
• Familiarity with the criminal court process and legal terminology.
• Experience working with marginalized or vulnerable populations.
• Experience in case management, mentorship, or youth advocacy.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and advocacy skills.
• Knowledge of culturally competent and trauma-informed practices.
• Multilingual abilities are an asset.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with justice partners, families, and community organizations.
• Strong understanding of systemic racism, youth justice, and social determinants of criminalization.
• Knowledge of the Canadian legal system, youth justice processes, and court procedures.
• Excellent communication, active listening, and conflict-resolution skills.

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Working Conditions
• May involve attending court appearances.
• Will require engagement with the community and legal service providers.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary.

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Application Process

Applicants should submit their resume and cover letter (combined in one document) to [email protected].

All applicants are welcome to apply — particularly Black youth with lived experience in the justice system or community work.

Let’s work together to build a justice system that is fair, equitable, and culturally responsive for all. ⚖️✨

Calling all volunteers! 🌟

Join us as a volunteer English tutors and empower newcomers through language.

We’re looking for passionate people to help adult learners build their English skills and confidence.

✨ What you’ll do:
-Support newcomers in the classroom
-Facilitate conversation circles
-Help students gain confidence in speaking, reading, and writing
-Assist with literacy development

No teaching experience needed, just a love for helping others!

Interested in joining us?
Contact: Nasra Ali
📧 n.ali@scfsottawa
📞 613-626-2075 Ext 240
📍 1719 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 7Z4

New to Canada and curious about tech? Join a FREE 3D Printing Workshop for newcomers on June 30 at 12PM! Learn how to model, slice, and print your own creations — no experience needed! 🇨🇦👩🏽‍💻

📍1719 Bank St.
📩 Register with Aouni EL Tahech: [email protected]
📞 (613) 526-2075 ext. 241

WE ARE SO HAPPY TO SEE HANNAH OMAR, A CONFIDENT AND MOTIVATED MEMBER OF OUR COMMUNITY, FEATURED AS OTTAWA'S 21 UNDER 21 RECIPIENT! GO HANNAH!🎉

Celebrating the RBC 21 Under 21 Award Winners: Meet the Young Leaders Shaping Our Future For over two decades, Youth Ottawa has celebrated youth empowerment, recognizing the incredible contributions of young people within our community. Debuting this year, the 21 Under 21 Awards Gala presented by RBC, continues this proud tradition, shining a spotlight on youth, ages 14-21, who have dem...

Email [email protected] for the link!

📢 Avez-vous entendu parler des Mercredis Mémorables?

Les Mercredis Mémorables sont une initiative créée pour ouvrir nos portes aux personnes de la collectivité qui, autrement, ne pourraient possiblement pas faire l’expérience du musée. 🐄🐔🐴 De 16 h à 20 h, certains mercredis cet été, vous et votre famille pourrez profiter de l’entrée gratuite ainsi que du stationnement gratuit au Musée de l’agriculture et de l’alimentation du Canada pour visiter les étables, les aires d’exposition et la cuisine de démonstration.

🌞 Le thème du Mercredi Mémorable de août sera « S’amuser au soleil »! De 16 h à 20 h le 21 août, Jouez à des jeux extérieurs amusants, rencontrez les animaux du Musée, dégustez de la crème glacée maison et plus encore! 🍦

https://ow.ly/rpNs50SeFyY


Pinecrest Terrace Community House
Kids Up Front Ottawa
Emily Murphy Non-Profit Housing Corporation
Somali Centre for Family Services

🤩 Plus qu’une semaine avant le Mercredi Mémorable!

🌞 Notre événement du 24 juillet sera sous le thème « À saveur d’été »! De 16 h à 20 h, vous et votre famille pourrez profiter de l’entrée gratuite et du stationnement gratuit au musée. Visitez la cuisine de démonstration pour explorer le goût des fruits et des herbes d’été. Rencontrez les animaux du Musée et aidez les guides à leur donner une délicieuse gâterie. Ajoutez à cela une gâterie juste pour vous en aidant à préparer de la crème glacée barattée à la main que vous pourrez ensuite déguster. 🍦

https://ow.ly/LYFa50SeE81


Pinecrest Terrace Community House
Kids Up Front Ottawa
Emily Murphy Non-Profit Housing Corporation
Somali Centre for Family Services

SCFS Youth is pleased to invite you to the first-ever International Youth Day BBQ & Award Ceremony!

On Monday, August 12th, 2024 from 3 PM - 5 PM at the Vanier BIA (261 Montreal Road), join us for an afternoon of delicious food, exciting games, networking, and inspiring discussions.

Scan the QR code to register or visit the link in our bio ASAP (spots are limited).

Do you know an outstanding youth? Nominate them for the Youth Award before August 2nd at 6 PM via the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/RSESADVdK1

Join us TODAY at 12 PM

If you're looking for assistance with studying G1 rules and signs, then look no further! Manar Nasser, a settlement coordinator from the Somali Centre for Family Services will be leading the session and sharing valuable tips and tricks to help you pass your test.

Register now:
https://www.ymcaottawa-nic.ca/event-details/g1-drive-test-preparation-english-16