Colin Mottershead

FROM Sheridan College Website Course description:

Build a career in community justice
Be part of an exciting and in-demand field. Our Community and Justice Services program looks at criminal justice through the lens of corrections and rehabilitation. Learn to work with individuals in the court system, during imprisonment and after release. After graduation, you may work as a correctional officer or help others re-enter society at a halfway house or other community agency.

Outstanding career preparation
Sheridan’s Community and Justice Services program gives you a strong foundation that gets you ready for the workplace. You’ll explore the social sciences, such as psychology, criminal law and criminology. You’ll learn through lectures, guest speakers and group activities. You’ll also have the opportunity to make connections with community agencies.

What you'll learn
How to use static and dynamic security techniques.
How to develop and implement a correctional program.
Methods for crisis intervention and prevention.
Offender case management.
How to work with clients with addictions and mental illnesses.
Field experience
The Community and Justice Services program includes two field practicums. You’ll first have an interview to talk about your career interests. Then you’ll do a field placement in a community and justice agency. You could work at an adult institution, youth facility, community agency or residential facility. These practicums can be a great path to employment.

What this role encompasses:

• Perform a full range of duties related to the supervision and case management of youth on an assigned rotating shift, utilizing a relationship custody/cognitive learning behavioural approach within a secure custody/detention facility setting that functions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Identify and participate in the provision of appropriate structured rehabilitative programs and services for a diverse population of youth.
• Ensure the safety and security of youth, staff, youth centre and community.

I have the following:

Mandatory
• I have successfully completed post-secondary education from a college/university of recognized standing in a related field with emphasis in behaviour management, adolescent development, and knowledge of family group dynamics, plus one year of recent relevant work experience OR a recognized secondary school diploma with supplementary courses in human behaviour plus three years of recent relevant work experience.
• I have updated/Valid Emergency First Aid, CPR (level C) and AED Certification.

Knowledge
• I have knowledge of various sociological issues impacting on youth.
• I have knowledge of case management and group work principles and techniques, and gender-responsive therapeutic programming, and treatment approaches.
• I have knowledge of mental health and behavioural disorders, abnormal and deviant psychology, symptoms and causes of deviant behaviour, and cognitive behavioural intervention-philosophy and techniques, as well as, knowledge and understanding of youth/adolescent development.
• I have knowledge of a variety of youth justice-related legislation (i.e. Youth Criminal Justice Act, Child, Youth and Family Services Act, Human Rights Code).

I possess the following Skills
• I have advanced communication skills – written, verbal and non-verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• I have good interviewing, mentorship, coaching and counselling skills.
• I am able to build positive relationships with youth.
• I have facilitation and team-building skills.
• I have analytical, interpretive, reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• I have computer skills to operate various business software and operational systems.