Regional First Nation Safety Officer Team Lead

SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

SCO provides competitive compensation and excellent pension and benefits, as well as a positive work environment.

OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Policing Consultant, the Team Lead will design and implement a team of community-centered, trauma-informed First Nation Safety Officers (FNSO) to proactively support and respond to the safety needs of SCO member Nations upon request. The team’s overall vision is to contribute to the decolonization of community safety responses while acting as Peace Officers under the Manitoba Police Services Act and First Nation Law Enforcement Officers where SCO member Nations wish them to be. The Team Lead is responsible for ensuring community needs are addressed in innovative, legal ways within the framework of First Nation Laws, federal and provincial legislation, and multiple police jurisdictions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Support a harm-reduction deployment of SCO Regional FNSOs, where peace officers work seamlessly with mental health supports, law enforcement, community leadership, and community members toward safer communities
    • FNSO Team will be between 8-20 officers, responding in teams to support the safety of First Nations citizens in SCO Nations in addition to those residing in urban and rural locations
    • Priority will be placed on the safety of team members and the best possible outcomes for the First Nations citizens we collectively serve from southern First Nations in what is now called Manitoba
  • Work directly with SCO member Nations to find innovative solutions for community-identified safety concerns. This will be done by blending lawful provincial authorities established in Manitoba’s Police Services Act with traditional, First Nations ways of knowing and being with the outcome of creating safer communities
  • Build strong, trusting relationships with leadership in SCO member Nations, existing and developing Nation-led FNSO programs, law enforcement agencies, and the police services of jurisdiction
  • Develop trusted relationships with community health teams, schools, wellness service providers/organizations, and community members
  • Provide direct supervision, performance management, mentoring, and development of SCO Regional FNSOs. This includes the establishment of a deployment schedule, ensuring all FNSOs have proper equipment, and providing oversight of FNSO teams through an established reporting and accountability framework
  • Provide ongoing mentorship and training for all FNSOs serving SCO member Nations
  • Ensure adequate and ongoing training for SCO Regional FNSOs and existing community FNSO programs
  • Develop and maintain a culturally safe and trauma-informed policy and procedures manual for SCO Regional FNSOs that is compliant with Manitoba’s Police Services Act and any applicable regulations or other legislative frameworks
  • Develop and implement a data collection framework for the SCO Regional FNSO team and ensure all funding reporting requirements are met

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A degree in Criminology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology or a related field work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 5-10 years of progressive experience in a law enforcement, military, or paramilitary role, with operational experience as a leader
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the impacts of colonization, Indian Residential and Day Schools, the 60’s Scoop, MMIWG2S+, the Child Welfare System, and intergenerational trauma
  • Demonstrated appreciation of the significance of Anishinaabe and Dakota ancestral teachings, language, songs, and ceremonies in promoting health and wellness
  • Demonstrated knowledge of concurrent conditions (mental health diagnosis coupled with problematic substance use) and de-escalation strategies
  • Ability to apply trauma-informed and harm-reduction approaches within policy and service delivery
  • Leadership experience with a focus on teamwork, community, and public service
  • Ability to lead/facilitate working groups and conduct training and/or presentations
  • Ability to objectively investigate incidents, analyze information, develop conclusions, and make recommendations to prevent the reoccurrence of public safety issues
  • Ability to establish and maintain respectful working relationships with staff, citizens, and other agencies or collaterals within a diverse community
  • Strong conflict resolution skills, with an emphasis on de-escalation, and a firm understanding and potential application of use of force, as necessary
  • Ability to work under stressful conditions including emergency situations that may result in serious incidents and/or fatality
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse audience, including organizational stakeholders and the public
  • Proficiency using Microsoft Office and its applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Ability to travel frequently within southern Manitoba to SCO member First Nations

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
  • A valid class 5 MB driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle for business travel

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, October 25th, 2024, at 4:00 PM CST

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources

Southern Chiefs’ Organization

202-600 Empress Street

Winnipeg, MB R3G 0L5

Fax: (204) 946-1871 | hr@scoinc.mb.ca

Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered complete.

Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates.

Please self-identify in your cover letter.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contacted for further consideration.

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