Community Justice Worker-Direct Accountability Program (DAP)

READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

At Elizabeth Fry Toronto, we believe in safe and just communities with strong, restorative alternatives to prison.

We are looking for passionate, committed and community-minded individuals who want to be part of that change. If you believe in second chances, restorative approaches to justice and the power of community-based support, we want to hear from you!

Reports To: Program Manager

Classification: Counsellor – Bargaining Unit Position

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

Hourly Rate of Pay: $32.87

Job Summary

The Community Justice Worker is responsible for coordinating and delivering the Direct Accountability Program (DAP), an alternative to prosecution for eligible adults over the age of 18 who have been charged with minor criminal offences. Using a restorative justice approach, the program diverts individuals from the formal criminal justice system by promoting accountability through community-based sanctions. Referrals are received from the Crown Attorney’s Office. The Community Justice Worker assesses participants’ eligibility and willingness to take responsibility for their actions, develops individualized diversion agreements, and coordinates and monitors community-based sanctions. The Worker also tracks participants’ progress and reports successful completion to the Crown Attorney’s Office for consideration of withdrawal of charges.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and interviews with adults (18+) referred by the Crown Attorney to determine eligibility and willingness to accept responsibility for their actions.
• Develop and facilitate out-of-court diversion agreements with participants.
• Coordinate, monitor and track completion of assigned sanctions, including community service, charitable donations, letters of apology and participation in educational or counselling programs.
• Maintain regular contact with participants to monitor progress and address barriers to completing their agreements.
• Liaise with Crown Attorneys, Duty Counsel, courts, referral agencies and community partners.
• Provide participants with information, resources and referrals to appropriate community support.
• Submit completion reports to the Crown Attorney when participants successfully fulfill their agreements to support the withdrawal of charges.
• Maintain accurate participant files, program statistics and required reports.
• Support program development, evaluation and community partnerships.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Degree or diploma in Social Work, Community Services or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in community justice, restorative justice, diversion programs or direct service work.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and restorative justice principles.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse ethno-cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Strong assessment, interviewing, case management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to engage participants, establish accountability agreements and monitor compliance with program requirements.
• Strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to trauma-informed, anti-racist, anti-oppressive and harm reduction practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with justice system and community partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Additional language skills, including French, are an asset.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume combined into ONE document to **[email protected]** by November 18, 2026, no later than 5:00 p.m.

Applicants must clearly identify the position they are applying for Community Justice Worker – Direct Accountability Program in their cover letter and in the subject line of the email.

We appreciate all applications. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

EQUITY STATEMENT

Elizabeth Fry Toronto is committed to equity and inclusion and encourages applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, disabled, and other equity-deserving communities. We recognize the importance of lived experience in the criminal justice system and value applications from those with relevant personal insight. We are committed to creating a respectful, barrier-free hiring process. If you require accommodation during any stage of the hiring process, please let us know.