CAREER ADVICE

This section explores some strategies to start a meaningful and satisfying professional career once you graduate with your Law and Justice (or Criminology/Criminal Justice) degree. While many students go on to Law School or continue with graduate studies after they finish their B.A. degree, there are many alternatives for you to start career right after you graduate.

There are several keys to launch a satisfying career. The first one is preparation. Start preparing as soon as possible, ideally when you start your university studies. You may not know yet what you will want to do three or four years down the road. But even if you change directions, most of the strategies suggested here will result in valuable skills, connections, and experiences which you will be able to transfer to other fields. In order to prepare well, you need to know what you will want to go. Once you have identified the type of work you will want to do and the type of organization you will want to work for, start devising a plan to land a good job and begin a career once you graduate. But, bear in mind that since you will probably change your mind several times, do not embark on anything too specific which will be difficult to transfer to other areas. Second, try to develop your employability. Below there are some ideas to improve your chances to get meaningful employment. Third, explore the existing job opportunities. Talk to people that are already working in the field. These will be your network of contacts for when you start your job search. Make the most of the University resources, e.g., talk to your professors, advisors, and alumni. Come see me to discuss any aspect of your future career. I will be glad to chat with you and give you advice.

If you have special circumstances, such as you are an international student, come talk to me or an international student advisor to discuss your situations. There are many alternatives for you to work legally in Canada.

WAYS TO INCREASE EMPLOYABILITY

· Start to plan your career as early as possible, ideally when you start your university studies.

· Obtain an Internship in a law-related –or Criminal Justice-related- organization.

· Get involved with research or independent study projects to explore an area which may be of interest to you and which may be in demand.

· Acquire skills that are valued by employers in most fields, such as languages (e.g., French and Spanish), computer literacy skills, etc.

· Obtain quality practical experience prior to graduation through relevant part-time, full-time, and summer job positions.

· Pursue elective course work or additional training related to your professional field of interest.

· Participate in volunteer and service learning opportunities.

· Become an active student member of college, community, or professional organizations, which enhance leadership skills and promote networking relationships with fellow professionals.

· Try to publish an article or two about your field of interest. It does not have to be an academic article. It could be a newspaper article or an article in an industry newsletter.

· Try to give some presentations in an industry convention or a congress.

· Network as much as possible.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS FOR LAW AND JUSTICE

AND CRIMINOLOGY/CRIMINAL JUSTICE MAJORS

The following is a list of possible career paths. It will give you an idea of what you can do once you graduate and a starting point for applying for positions. There are many other alternatives.

Parole, Probation, and Classification Officers

A Probation officers monitor the conduct and behaviour of criminal offenders serving probation terms. Parole officers monitor the reintegration of criminal offenders serving the remainder of sentences while conditionally released into the community on parole. Classification officers assess inmates and develop rehabilitation programs for criminal offenders who are incarcerated in correctional facilities. They are employed by federal and provincial governments and work in the community and in correctional facilities.

A Parole Officer's most important skill is the ability to accurately assess the behaviour of the offender. For it is on the basis of this assessment that the Parole Officer develops appropriate programming and treatment options to address the offender's behaviour.

For this reason, Parole Officers must be especially skilled at interviewing, counselling, identifying and assessing human behaviour.

Parole Officers, working within the institution or in the community, are key to the goal of successfully reintegrating offenders into society. They work closely with others to help them in their evaluations, actively seeking input from psychologists, instructors, program delivery officers, correctional officers, and the offender.

Probation and parole officers perform some or all of the following duties:

Interview offenders, police, family, friends, school authorities and employers to prepare pre-sentence reports and assess offenders' prospects for successful reintegration into the community
Plan rehabilitation programs with offenders, establishing rules of conduct, goals and objectives
Refer offenders to community and social service programs, as required
Supervise the terms of a probation order and attend court
Interview probationers and parolees regularly to evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and maintaining the terms specified in their probation contracts and rehabilitation plans
Recommend remedial action or initiate court action when terms of probation or parole are violated
May perform administrative duties and supervise support staff
May participate in policy development.

Classification officers, correctional institutions, perform some or all of the following duties:

Interview inmates to assess adjustment problems and develop suitable rehabilitation programs
Prepare classification reports recommending type of incarceration and types of interventions considered most beneficial for the rehabilitation of the inmates
Plan rehabilitation programs with offenders, identifying needs and setting out goals and objectives
Liaise with the inmates' families and contacts in the community to maintain established bonds outside of the institution
Advise and counsel inmates regarding their problems and evaluate their progress.

Employment requirements

A bachelor's degree in social work, criminology, psychology, sociology or other related social science discipline is required.

Federal government

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is recruiting in all regions across the country for the positions. The CSC is made up of five geographic regions. Each region is responsible for its own recruitment, selection and assessment, based on national standards. You can correspond with, or apply directly to, any of the regions that interest you.

The process of assessment and selection that determines who will be offered employment within the Correctional Service of Canada begins with the establishment of a basic inventory of qualified applicants. To be placed in the inventory, you must be eligible to work in Canada. Preference for employment within the Correctional Service of Canada will be given to Canadian citizens.

You should also regularly visit the Public Service Commission of Canada's web site at jobs.gc.ca to review postings of jobs that are open to the public. The Correctional Service of Canada's recruitment offices also post notices on this public access site.

National Headquarters

Correctional Service of Canada
National Headquarters
Human Resources Division
340 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0P9
Tel. (613) 944-1566
Fax (613) 947-6065
E-mail nhqrecruitment@CSC-SCC.GC.CA

Ontario

* Ontario & Nunavut (* Excluding Thunder Bay West)

Correctional Service of Canada
Regional Headquarters - Ontario
Human Resources Office
466 Union Street West
Kingston, ON
K7L 4Y8
Tel. (613) 545-8910

Website: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/emplo-eng.shtml

Ontario government

Public safety is a top priority for the Government of Ontario. Probation and parole officers are employees of the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services who play an important role in helping to ensure public safety by managing offenders sentenced to serve their sentences in the community.

Because probation and parole officers play an important role in protecting public safety, the ministry strives to attract and recruit candidates of the highest calibre. Candidates wishing to be considered must:

hold an undergraduate degree, preferably in the social sciences, from a recognized university;
possess strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as counselling and assessment skills; and
be able to establish and maintain client and stakeholder relationships.

Once hired, new probation and parole officers must successfully complete a comprehensive basic training program that builds on the empirical research and principles of effective correctional intervention and programming. They are given ongoing training in subjects that will help them perform their duties in a professional and effective manner.

To apply for probation and parole officer opportunities,

submit expressions of general interest through the area manager of a local probation and parole office;
apply for posted vacancies (see www.gojobs.gov.on.ca); or
approach your local probation and parole office about volunteer opportunities in order to gain some experience in probation services.

For more information on how to become a probation and parole officer, contact:

Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services
Central Recruitment Unit
25 Grosvenor Street, 10th Floor
Toronto, ON, M7A 1Y6

Telephone: (416) 327-9896
Toll Free: 1-888-412-8111

Website: http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/English/corr_serv/careers_pp_officer.html

Correctional Officers

Correctional service officers guard prisoners and detainees and maintain order in correctional institutions and other places of detention. They are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments.
Main duties

Correctional service officers perform some or all of the following duties:

Observe conduct and behaviour of prisoners to prevent disturbances and escapes
Supervise prisoners during work assignments, meals and recreation periods
Patrol assigned area and report any problems to supervisor
Observe behaviour of prisoners and prepare reports
Escort prisoners in transit and during temporary leaves
Prepare admission, program, release, transfer and other reports
May supervise and co-ordinate work of other correctional service officers.

Employment requirements

Completion of secondary school is required.
Correctional officer recruits must successfully complete the Corrections Canada training course to be employed by federal institutions.
Correctional officer recruits are usually required to complete a basic training course to be employed by provincial/territorial institutions.
Correctional service supervisors require experience as a correctional service officer.

Federal government

The Correctional Officer is vital to the fulfillment of the mission of the Correctional Service of Canada. As the primary contact for offenders, the Correctional Officer works with offenders on a continuous basis. This gives the Correctional Officer in-depth knowledge of an offender's personality and behaviour, vital to maintaining the security of the institution. At the same time, this knowledge supports and assists in the case management process, and builds understanding and trust, essential to the successful reintegration of the offender into society.

Federal Correctional Officers are professionals. They possess a belief in the values of the organization, the flexibility and desire to work within a team, the ability to thrive in a demanding work environment and, most importantly, the motivation to work with offenders.

You only need a high school diploma and experience in dealing with people to apply as a Correctional Officer with the Correctional Service of Canada.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) recruits in all regions across the country for the positions of Correctional Officer, Parole Officer, Nurse, Psychologist and Psychiatrist.

The CSC is made up of five geographic regions. Each region is responsible for its own recruitment, selection and assessment, based on national standards. You are invited to correspond with, or apply directly to, any of the regions that interest you. Addresses are listed below for your reference.

The process of assessment and selection that determines who will be offered employment within the Correctional Service of Canada begins with the establishment of a basic inventory of qualified applicants. To be placed in our inventory, you must be eligible to work in Canada. Preference for employment within the Correctional Service of Canada will be given to Canadian citizens.

National Headquarters

Ontario

* Ontario & Nunavut (* Excluding Thunder Bay West)

Correctional Service of Canada
Regional Headquarters - Ontario
Human Resources Office
466 Union Street West
Kingston, ON
K7L 4Y8
Tel. (613) 545-8910

Website: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/emplo-eng.shtml

Ontario

Correctional officers employed by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services are peace officers responsible for the care, custody and control of offenders.

Duties are varied and include supervision of offender activities and control of offender movement throughout the institution.

Correctional officers must be:

alert and prepared to react to the unexpected;
able to handle a variety of difficult situations when dealing with the offender population;
able to communicate effectively with a variety of people;
able to work as a member of a team of professionals in the care and rehabilitation of inmates; and
willing to work shifts.

Correctional officers receive a thorough training program, both on the job and at a ministry training site. Training includes search procedures, self-defence and emergency response.

Correctional officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making a positive contribution to public safety in Ontario.

A career in corrections will appeal to individuals who enjoy working rotating shifts and the challenge of balancing the two diverse components of the job: security/custody and the rehabilitative needs of the offender.

For more information on how to become a correctional officer, please contact:

Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services
Central Recruitment Unit
25 Grosvenor Street, 10th Floor
Toronto, ON, M7A 1Y6

Telephone: (416) 327-9896
Toll Free: 1-888-412-8111

Website: http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/English/corr_serv/careers_pp_officer.html

Police officers

Police officers protect the public, detect and prevent crime and perform other activities directed at maintaining law and order. They are employed by municipal and federal governments, some provincial and regional governments and the armed forces. This unit group includes military police and railway police.

Main duties

Police officers perform some or all of the following duties:

Patrol assigned areas to maintain public safety and order and to enforce laws and regulations
Investigate crimes and accidents, secure evidence, interview witnesses, compile notes and reports and provide testimony in courts of law
Arrest criminal suspects
Provide emergency assistance to victims of accidents, crimes and natural disasters
Participate in crime prevention, public information and safety programs
May supervise and co-ordinate the work of other police officers.

Employment requirements

Completion of secondary school is required.
Completion of a college program or university degree in law and security or in the social sciences may be required.
A three- to six-month police training program is provided.
Physical agility, strength, fitness and vision requirements must be met, and psychological or other tests may also be required.
Experience as a constable and the completion of specialized courses are required for detectives and sergeants.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

To apply for a job as a regular member of the RCMP, you must meet the following basic requirements:

be a Canadian citizen
be of good character
be proficient in English or French
have a Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma or equivalent
possess a valid Canadian driver’s licence
be 19 years of age at the time of engagement (may apply at 18 years of age)
meet medical/health standards
be willing to relocate anywhere in Canada
be physically fit

Application process

While it is not mandatory to attend a Career Presentation, it is strongly recommended. During this presentation, an RCMP officer will discuss the opportunities in a policing career, outline the recruiting process step-by-step, provide advice, and answer questions.

The application process involves the following steps:

1. Written Exams

2. Selection Package

3. Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (PARE)

4. Interviews

5. Pre-Employment Polygraph

6. Background Investigation

7. Medical/Health Assessment

8. Prerequisites and Enrollment

Aboriginal Youth Training Program

The Aboriginal Youth Training Program (AYTP) offers Aboriginal youth the chance to work with police members of the RCMP. Aboriginal youth from all across Canada who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or in the criminal justice field are encouraged to consider this summer program.

This program provides the selected candidates with hands-on experience in the RCMP's training program, an inside look at the life of a police officer and ample opportunity to do meaningful work in the community.

Those accepted to the program attend a three-week training program at the RCMP Training Academy (Depot)in Regina, beginning in May. The training focuses on teaching collaborative problem-solving skills, law enforcement, public speaking, cultural diversity and facilitating Safe Community Workshops in communities. There are also elements of physical fitness and drill which promotes team work and provides students with long-term strategies to meet personal fitness goals.

After graduation in June, students are posted to RCMP detachments near their home community where they will work along side seasoned police officers for 14 weeks. The duties and activities the student engages in are at the discretion of the detachment commander who ensure students are not exposed to any hazardous situations. Activities and duties vary depending on the need of each region but the students will get a first-hand look at a career in policing.

Website: http://www.rcmp.ca/recruiting-recrutement/home-accueil/introduction-eng.htm

Ontario Provincial Police

Basic Conditions of Appointment

Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Minimum 18 years of age.
Ontario Grade 12 or equivalency.
Class ‘G’ driver’s license with:

No more than 6 demerit points; and
Full driving privileges.

No criminal record for which a pardon has not been received or an absolute/conditional discharge that has not been sealed.
Certified in First-Aid and C.P.R.
Pass credit, background and investigation checks.
Possess a valid Certificate of Results (C.O.R.).

O.P.P. applicants must be willing to serve anywhere in the province. Preferences for posting are taken into consideration.

Website: http://www.opp.ca/Recruitment/opp_000577.html

Sault Ste. Marie Police Service

http://www.ssmps.org/employment_opportunities/employment_opportunities.html

Military Police

Qualification Requirements

Military Police members must be courageous, dedicated, patient, and tactful. They must have good reasoning abilities, good powers of observation, a memory for detail, initiative, physical and mental stamina, and a genuine interest in working with and helping all members of the community. They must also communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. The minimum academic requirement is a community college diploma in Law and Security Administration, Police Foundations, or a similar program from a recognised Community College or CEGEP. Related employment experience will also be considered in determining education equivalency.

Candidates must meet CF medical standards and successfully complete a selection process consisting of interviews and a wide range of examinations.

Following the initial screening, all eligible candidates will attend a career orientation and undergo aptitude assessment at a Military Police Assessment Centre (MPAC), to ensure that they have a realistic view of the Military Police occupation and the potential to succeed.

Training

Basic Military Qualification

The first stage of training for everyone is the 13-week Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course at the CF Leadership and Recruit School in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the CF physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

BMQ covers the following topics:

  Policies and regulations of the CF

  CF drill, dress and deportment

  Basic safety

  First aid

  Personal survival in nuclear, biological and chemical conditions

  Handling and firing personal weapons

  Cross-country navigation

  Personal survival in field conditions

Basic Military Police Training

After successful completion of the BMQ course, candidates will attend Basic Military Police Training at the CF Military Police Academy at CFB Borden, Ontario. Over a six-month period, they will learn the basics of Canadian civilian and military law, investigative techniques, and acquire skills necessary to perform daily Military Police functions.

Employment

Provisional Employment Period

Candidates who successfully complete Basic Military Police Training will be assigned to a Military Police detachment in Canada for a one-year provisional employment, or internship period, where specially trained coach-officers will monitor, mentor and guide them through a formal accreditation process leading to their Military Police certification. The provisional-employment period will cover all aspects of police response, investigation and administration that junior Military Police members encounter in their day-to-day duties.

Website: http://www.recruiting.forces.gc.ca/v3/ENgraph/jobs/jobs.aspx?id=811&bhcp=1

Intelligence Officer

Intelligence Officers are involved in a wide variety of activities and work mainly for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). CSIS is always looking for candidates who possess various educational backgrounds. To be considered for employment as an Intelligence Officer, you must be a Canadian citizen residing in Canada. You must also be eligible to receive Top Secret security clearance.

You must also:

possess a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university;
have a valid permanent Canadian driver's licence;
agree to relocate anywhere in Canada and / or abroad, depending on the requirements of the Service, throughout your career;
possess strong interpersonal skills;
be motivated, and have the ability to take initiative;
be empathetic and sensitive to the cultural mores of a changing Canadian society;
be adaptable, and embrace new experiences with confidence;
have a proven ability to work both independently and as a member of a team; and
be aware of current events and have an appreciation of how CSIS' mandate meets the federal government's security intelligence requirements.

Proficiency in both official languages (English/French) is an asset, as are foreign language capabilities, and computer literacy. If you are not proficient in one of the official languages, you may be eligible to receive language training.

Website: http://www.csis-scrs.gc.ca/crrs/bcm-eng.asp

By-Law Enforcement and Other Regulatory Officers

Officers and inspectors in this unit group enforce by-laws and regulations of provincial and municipal governments. They are employed by provincial and municipal governments and agencies.

Main duties

The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:

Animal control officers respond to citizen complaints concerning stray domestic animals, livestock and wildlife; issue warnings and citations to owners; and impound lost, homeless and dangerous animals.
By-law enforcement officers enforce municipal and provincial regulations, investigate complaints, and issue warnings and citations to commercial and residential property owners and occupants.
Commercial transport inspectors inspect commercial vehicles to ensure compliance with regulations governing load restrictions, the transportation of hazardous materials and public safety.
Garbage collection inspectors investigate complaints concerning infractions of garbage collection by-laws.
Liquor licence inspectors conduct inspections of licensed establishments, advise licencees on laws and regulations, and report contravention of laws and regulations to provincial liquor control boards and agencies.
Parking control officers enforce parking by-laws on city streets, regional roads and municipal properties.
Taxi inspectors inspect taxicabs for mechanical reliability, cleanliness, licensing and meter accuracy; investigate public complaints, issue citations and prepare reports; and give evidence to city councils, taxi commissions and in court.
Zoning inspectors investigate properties in violation of zoning and related by-laws, after receiving requests for licence clearances pertaining to zoning and related by-laws, and on receipt of building permit applications.

By-law enforcement officers may specialize in the enforcement of one specific by-law.

Employment requirements

Completion of secondary school is required.
Completion of a college program or courses in law and security or other related field
or
Experience in a related administrative or regulatory occupation is usually required.
Zoning inspectors or zoning enforcement officers may require a college diploma as a civil engineering or architectural technologist or technician and several years of experience in enforcement and/or building construction or a related field.
On-the-job training is provided.

Municipal Law Enforcement Officers are appointed by Council under the provisions of the Police Services Act or other Provincial Statute to enforce local municipal by-laws and other applicable Provincial Statutes

Website: http://www.mleoa.ca/job_opportunities.htm

Court Clerks and Other Personnel

Court clerks perform support functions in courts of law, such as calling court to order, preparing court dockets and maintaining exhibits. Court clerks are employed by federal and provincial courts.

Main duties

Court clerks perform some or all of the following duties:

Call courts of law to order; read charges; take pleas from defendants; swear in witnesses and perform other clerical functions in the courtrooms
Prepare court files, court dockets and other documents
Record main court proceedings, including pleas, names of witnesses, dates, times and rulings
Manage care and custody of court exhibits
Prepare documents for and participate in jury selection
Update and maintain court office paper and electronic indexes and files on actions taken by court or in response to court decisions
Receive, disburse and account for fines, fees and trust monies
Assist the public in court offices.

Employment requirements

Completion of secondary school is required.
On-the-job training is provided.

Website: http://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/

Additional links: Court Reporters' Association of Ontario: http://www.crao.ca/

Court Services Division, Ministry of the Attorney General: http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/courts/

Paralegal, Non-Lawyer Notary Public, and Related Occupations

Legal assistants and paralegals prepare legal documents, maintain records and files and conduct research to assist lawyers or other professionals. Notaries public administer oaths, take affidavits, sign legal documents and perform other activities according to the limitations of their appointment. Legal assistants and paralegals are employed by law firms, by record search companies and in legal departments throughout the public and private sectors. Independent paralegals are usually self-employed. Notaries public are employed by government and in the public and private sectors or they may be self-employed.

Main duties

Legal assistants and paralegals in law firms or in other establishments perform some or all of the following duties:

Assist lawyers by interviewing clients, witnesses and other related parties, assembling documentary evidence, preparing trial briefs, and arranging for trials
Prepare wills, real estate transactions and other legal documents, court reports and affidavits
Research records, court files and other legal documents
Draft legal correspondence and perform general office and clerical duties.

Notaries public perform some or all of the following duties:

Administer oaths and take affidavits and depositions
Witness and certify the validity of signatures on documents
May draft contracts, prepare promissory notes and draw up wills, mortgages and other legal documents
May arrange probates and administer the estates of deceased persons.

Independent paralegals perform some or all of the following duties:

Represent clients in small claims court and in other lower court proceedings, at tribunals and before administrative bodies
Advise clients and take legal action on landlord and tenant matters, traffic violations, name changes and other issues within their jurisdictions.

Employment requirements

Legal assistants and paralegals in law firms require a bachelor's degree in law or a college diploma in a legal assistant or law clerk program
or
In-house training from a law firm or other legal establishment.
Independent paralegals require knowledge of legal principles and procedures usually obtained through industry-sponsored courses and through experience, or on completion of a community college paralegal program.
Notaries public are appointed after examination and certification of their qualifications by the governing judiciary in their province or territory. All appointments have specific limitations on the activities they can perform and for specific periods of time.
Notaries public require a provincial licence. Notaries public usually receive in-house training and perform their duties in rural or remote areas or in the business offices in which they are employed.

A paralegal is an individual qualified through education or experience licensed to provide legal services to the general public in areas authorized by the Law Society of Upper Canada.

Presently paralegals are licensed to represent businesses and the general public in

Small Claims Court
in the Ontario Court of Justice under the Provincial Offences Act
on summary conviction offences where the maximum penalty does not exceed 6 months imprisonment
before administrative tribunals e.g., the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB)

In Ontario, persons who work under the direction of a Paralegal or are supervised by lawyers are referred to as Law Clerks or legal assistants.

Website: http://paralegalsociety.on.ca/home/

Website: http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/en/OffDoc/STEL02_046906.html

Court Interpreters

Court interpreters translate oral communication from one language to another during court and related proceedings.

Main duties

Interpreters perform some or all of the following duties:

Interpret oral communication from one language to another aloud or using electronic equipment, either simultaneously (as the speaker speaks), consecutively (after the speaker speaks) or whispered (speaking in a low whisper to one or two persons as the speaker is talking)
Provide interpretation services in court or before administrative tribunals

Ontario

The Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General accredits court interpreters.

To receive accreditation as an interpreter, an applicant must:

pass the Standard Interpretation Aptitude Test (SIAT) in his or her language
attend a training seminar
pass a written test in court procedure and interpreter ethics (S.2.1- Ministry of the Attorney General Court Interpreter Coordinator's Manual)

The Ministry of the Attorney General provides an up-to-date Registry of Accredited Freelance Interpreters to every court in Ontario.

Website: http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/

Additional links: http://www.toronto.ca/court_services/interpreters.htm

Border Services Officer and Student Border Services Officer

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is usually looking for qualified people from a variety of backgrounds to become border services officers. It also has a special program for students.

Candidates must have the following qualifications and meet these conditions of employment:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.
Be proficient in English and/or French.
Have the education, experience and security clearance level as stated on the job advertisement.
Obtain and maintain Airport Restricted Access for positions located at airports.
To have successfully completed the Canadian firearms safety course and the Canadian restricted firearms safety course.
Possess and maintain a Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) for firearms. (Please note that it takes several weeks to obtain this license).
Possess and maintain the Standard First Aid Certification (according to the Canada Labour Code, Part II, Canada Occupational Health & Safety Regulations, Part XVI).
Undergo a medical examination for isolated posts.
Possess and maintain a valid unrestricted driver’s license.
Obtain a re-certification in Control & Defensive Tactics as per CBSA guidelines.
Meet and maintain a physical standard to safely perform the functions of a Border Services Officer.
Willingness to accept deployments or a series of work assignments within the District or Region.
Work various shifts on rotation, weekends and statutory holidays.
Wear and maintain a uniform and required protective clothing and job-related equipment such as Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray and a baton as per
CBSA standards.
Work overtime as required.
Willingness to operate a government vehicle.
Travel as required.
The duties of a Border Services Officer will require you to carry a firearm. As such, you agree to qualify and re-certify in its use and maintenance as well as other restricted and prohibited weapons. You also agree to meet and maintain any medical, behavioural and psychological requirements (including the vision and hearing standards required to carry a duty firearm), as prescribed and required by the CBSA.

How to become a Student border services officer

Positions for student border services officers are located in regions across the country (Atlantic, Quebec, northern Ontario, Niagara/Fort Erie, Windsor/St. Clair, Greater Toronto Area, Prairies and Pacific).

Eligibility and Experience

The CBSA is looking for highly motivated, mature and reliable post-secondary students to work as student border services officers.

To be eligible, candidates must meet the following general criteria:

be enrolled full-time in an accredited post-secondary institution;
be returning to full-time studies in the next academic term;
meet the minimum age requirements to work in the province or territory where the job is located;
have experience dealing with the general public; and
undergo a Reliability security assessment.

Preference may be given to students in a field related to the job, such as law, law enforcement, criminology or business administration.

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

Training

Upon recruitment, student border services officers will receive three weeks of formal training and on-the-job shadowing/coaching.

Conditions of Employment

Student border services officers must successfully complete the Border Services Officer Test and meet the following conditions of employment:

have a valid driver’s licence;
obtain a Reliability security clearance;
successfully complete Control and Defensive tactics training, which requires significant physical exertion;
successfully complete a course on the safe handling of firearms;
have and maintain a certain level of physical fitness;
be able to work flexible hours and shifts;
wear and maintain a uniform.

Website: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/job-emploi/menu-eng.html

Citizenship and Immigration Officers

Citizenship and immigration government officers administer and enforce laws and regulations related to immigration and citizenship. They are mainly employed by CIC.

Main duties

Immigration officers perform some or all of the following duties:

Determine admissibility of persons seeking entry into Canada by examining documents and conducting interviews
Grant landed-immigrant status, admit persons or order detention or deportation
Locate and apprehend persons presumed to be infringing on immigration laws
Assist in the removal of deported people by seeking authorization from receiving countries and securing necessary travel documents
Appear as a witness in cases related to immigration appeals.

Immigration officers review applications for immigration and temporary resident permits in Canada and at 90 missions abroad. They verify documents and interview applicants to ensure their applications are accurate and decide whether a person may enter and stay in Canada. They present written explanations that outline the legal basis for their decision.

Citizenship officers: They review applications to see if a person is eligible for Canadian citizenship. To do this, they must examine documents, assess citizenship test results, and interpret the terms of the Citizenship Act. Citizenship officers also help plan citizenship ceremonies where they often lead new citizens in swearing the citizenship oath.

Refugee assistance program officers determine if refugees are eligible for income support. They also oversee private sponsors who provide support to refugees coming to Canada from abroad.

Corporate services officers work in human resources (PE), finance (FI) and administration (AS), communications (IS) and information management and technologies (CS). Budgetary planning, media relations, staffing and computer programming are some of the tasks these officers perform.

Citizenship and immigration assistants: They give applicants advice on applications and procedures, provide administrative assistance, and schedule and monitor citizenship testing.

CIC has job opportunities for booth professionals looking for a change and recent graduates just beginning their career.

Website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/careers/index.asp

Justices of the Peace

Justices of the peace administer oaths, issue subpoenas, summonses and warrants and perform other court-related duties such as conducting bail hearings. They are employed by federal and provincial courts. A Justice of the Peace is an independent judicial officer appointed for the Province of Ontario by an Order in Council.

Justices of the peace perform some or all of the following duties:

Issue subpoenas, summonses and warrants, including search warrants
Receive affidavits, declarations and affirmations
Administer oaths
Conduct bail hearings
Release defendants on judges' orders and explain rights and obligations
Hear evidence at trials on summary conviction offences and may preside over trials of criminal offences at the discretion of the chief judge of the jurisdiction or as provided for in federal, provincial or territorial statutes
Perform civil marriages.

A Justice presides at and is the trier of fact at trials for Provincial Offence charges. This includes, but is not limited to, charges under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Environmental Act, Highway Traffic Act, Liquor, Trespass to Property, Compulsory Automobile Ins. Act, as well as all municipal bylaw charges.

Addition responsibilities include: presiding over bail hearings to determine if a person in custody should be released or detained until trial, peace-bond hearings and weapon hearings. A Justice receives all charges, whether brought by an individual, government ministry or by the public and either confirms or issues process on these charges.

The Justice of the Peace also considers the granting of search warrants and arrest warrants.

Primary functions relate to the authority associated with the Ontario Court of Justice. For this reason, marriages are no longer conducted at the Court Houses and very few Justices conduct marriages on their own time. However, this can be arranged on an individual basis.

Justices of the Peace have no authority to grant restraining orders under the Family Law Act but do have the authority to hear breach of restraining orders charges.

Justices of the Peace are part of a lay bench in Ontario. Justices have a varied educational, business and community background and are usually the first contact with the judicial system. Upon appointment, all justices complete an extensive specialized mentoring program, regardless of whether or not a law degree has been obtained.

Employment requirements

Justices of the peace in the provinces are appointed by the lieutenant governor in council and, in the territories, by federally appointed territorial commissioners.

Website: http://www.ontariocourts.on.ca/jpaac/en/index.htm

Mediators and Other Alternative Dispute Resolution Professionals

Alternative dispute resolution has become a popular way to identify the root cause of a problem and to build a solution strategy – both in and out of the business world. In some environments this is accomplished by a mediator or arbitrator. Mediators act as neutrals to reconcile differences before proceeding to arbitration or litigation. Arbitrators act as neutral third parties to hear the evidence and decide the case. Arbitration can be binding or non-binding.

The mediator and arbitration professions are not –yet- regulated in Canada. But there are many organizations that offer certification and/or accreditation.

While you can be employed as a mediator, it is more frequent to find mediators and arbitrators that act independently.

Main duties

Handle complaints, settle disputes, and resolve grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Use mediation techniques to facilitate communication between disputants, to further parties' understanding of different perspectives, and to guide parties toward mutual agreement.
Prepare settlement agreements for disputants.
Analyze evidence and apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, and precedents in order to reach conclusions.
Prepare written opinions and decisions regarding cases.
Arrange and conduct hearings to obtain information and evidence relative to disposition of claims.

The Ontario Mandatory Mediation Program started on January 4, 1999 in Toronto and Ottawa, and in Windsor on December 31, 2002. The Program is designed to help parties involved in civil litigation and estates matters attempt to settle their cases before they get to trial, thereby saving both time and money.

Many parties negotiate during the course of litigation. Over 90 percent of all lawsuits settle before getting to the trial stage. Under the Ontario Mandatory Mediation Program, cases are referred to a mediation session early in the litigation process to give parties an opportunity to discuss the issues in dispute. With the assistance of a trained mediator, the parties explore settlement options and may be able to avoid the pretrial and trial process.

Under Rule 24.1, civil actions that are subject to case management are referred to mandatory mediation. Case management is a system in which the court supervises cases and imposes strict timelines on their movement through the pretrial and trial process. Certain civil actions, such as family law cases, are excluded from mandatory mediation. Under Rule 75.1, contested estates, trusts and substitute decisions matters are referred to mandatory mediation.

Website: www.adrcanada.ca/education.html

http://www.adrontario.ca/

Social Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers

Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, develop policy and implement or administer programs in areas such as consumer affairs, employment, home economics, immigration, law enforcement, corrections, human rights, housing, labour, family services, foreign aid and international development. They are employed by government departments and agencies, industry, hospitals, educational institutions, consulting establishments, professional associations, research institutes, non-government organizations and international organizations or they may be self-employed.

Main duties

The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:

Social policy researchers develop social programs, social legislation, or proposals based on demographic, social and economic analysis and the evaluation of pilot projects.
Housing policy analysts identify and assess economic, demographic, and social developments and report on their implications for housing policy.
International aid and development project officers plan, organize and administer foreign aid and international development policies and programs.
Social survey researchers develop questionnaires, co-ordinate and conduct surveys, analyze data, and compile and interpret statistics on social issues and policy areas.
Social services planners conduct research, develop social programs, assess, coordinate and develop awareness of existing social services, and ensure that duplication of services is avoided. They may also work with land use planners to determine the impact of major land use plans for transportation, housing and recreational facilities projects.

Employment requirements

A bachelor's degree or college diploma in a social science or related discipline, or in business administration is usually required.
A master's degree in a social science or related discipline or in business administration may be required.

Contract Managers

Contract managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the activities of a business or other organizations, and develop and implement the contract policies. They are employed throughout the public and private sectors.

Main duties

Contract managers perform some or all of the following duties:

Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the contracting activities of an establishment
Develop policies and procedures and control contract budgets
Evaluate cost and quality of goods or services
Negotiate or oversee the negotiation of contracts
Participate in the development of specifications for equipment, products or substitute materials
Review and process claims against suppliers
Interview, hire, and oversee training of staff.

Contract Administration involves those activities performed by government officials after a contract has been awarded to determine how well the principal and the contractor performed to meet the requirements of the contract. It encompasses all dealings between an organization and the contractor from the time the contract is awarded until the work has been completed and accepted or the contract terminated, payment has been made, and disputes have been resolved. As such, contract administration constitutes that primary part of the procurement process that assures the principal gets what it paid for.

In contract administration, the focus is on obtaining supplies and services, of requisite quality, on time, and within budget. While the legal requirements of the contract are determinative of the proper course of action of officials in administering a contract, the exercise of skill and judgment is often required in order to protect effectively the principal's interest.

The specific nature and extent of contract administration varies from contract to contract. It can range from the minimum acceptance of a delivery and payment to the contractor to extensive involvement by program, audit, and procurement officials throughout the contract term. Factors influencing the degree of contract administration include the nature of the work, the type of contract, and the experience and commitment of the personnel involved. Contract administration starts with developing clear, concise performance based statements of work to the extent possible, and preparing a contract administration plan that cost effectively measures the contractor's performance and provides documentation to pay accordingly.

Employment requirements

A bachelor's degree or college diploma is usually required.

Insurance and Real Estate Assistants

Insurance and real estate assistants help managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the activities of departments or establishments that provide insurance, mortgage, and real estate services. They are generally responsible for business development and must ensure that their group reaches performance levels related to established objectives. They are employed by insurance companies, real estate firms, stockbrokers, investment dealers, and mortgage brokers.

Main duties

Insurance and real estate assistants help managers perform some or all of the following duties:

Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of an establishment or department that provides automobile, fire, life, property or other types of insurance services.
Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of an establishment or department that buys, sells and leases residential and commercial property for clients.

Employment requirements

A university degree or college diploma in business administration, economics or other related field is usually required.
Several years of experience within the appropriate industry are usually required.