Child & Family Worker

Child & Family Worker 

Fulltime

Salary: $25/hour 

3-Month Probation

Position Summary

The Child and Family Worker will represent Shawanaga First Nation band membership children, regardless of location, before the courts and will ensure the heritage, cultural traditions, identity and rights of Shawanaga First Nation children are protected and preserved by all parties involved in child welfare matters all well working in conjunction with the current Child and Family Worker. 

 The Child and Family Worker reports to the Executive Director and Chief and Council. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides support and advocates to maintain family units, advocates for satisfactory solutions to family problems, liaises with related service agencies and explains the child and family service system.
• Ensure effective delivery and monitors practices guided by relevant strategies to safeguard the children who are members of Shawanaga First Nation and who are involved with agencies who have their rights to their own culture, community, protected and upheld.
• Maintains a strong knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act, the policies and procedures of the Ministry of Children & Youth Services, Customary Care Provision and Kinship Care as CAS options rather than apprehension including; complete and filing court forms, attending court appearances on behalf of Shawanaga First Nation, communication with Chief and Council, and representing the interest of Shawanaga First Nation. 
• Meet all timelines as needed to meet legislation that governs families.
• Liaise with other First Nation Ban Reps, Agencies and Legal Counsel.
• Accompany Children’s Aid Service Workers during investigations.
• Ensure that Shawanaga First Nation band members are fully aware of their rights. 
• Represent the First Nation at Court as a part to Child Welfare proceedings.
• Prepare plans of care, including recommendations for placement of children.
• Prepare, respond to, and process legal documents as required by the new Ontario Court of Rules.
• Compilation of all relevance case related information and documentation.
• Liaison with community services, including but not limited to Family Well Being Program, NAADAP, Mental Health Programs and visiting professionals to assess client(s) progress and suggest alternative plans is appropriate.
• Coordinate Case Management Conference with all community services involved to monitor Client’s Plan of Care and progress.
• Prepare, service, and file additions or amendments to the Client’s Plan of Care
• Gather evidence, prepare argument, produce and prepare witnesses, and prepare draft orders.
• Prepare for and attend settlement conference as set out by the new Court Rules
• Oral and written presentations in court, as required. 
• Ensure client files are maintained and updated on a regular basis
• Data collection, and submission of reports
• Must confirm that the child is a member of the First Nation and research history of child and family in relation to the First Nation.
• Make a case evaluation and in conjunction with Band Council and Child Welfare Committee
• Liaise with community resources (Child Welfare Committee, Prevention Worker, Family Support and Community Workers, NNADAY, Community Health Workers, etc)
• Must initiate gathering of information or compilation of information gathered preciously.
• Monitor status of the case and discuss settlement
• Coordinate preparation of the plan
• Consider the needs of the child or children and resources available
• Monitor status of the case and implementation of the plan for the child or children
• Deals with children in custody, Crown Wards, Adoptions, Court Hearings, meeting with parents and guardians, meeting with native and non-native agencies, and legal services
• Represents Chief and Council and the community or individuals
• Promote, support and maintain effective working relations with First Nation communities. 

Qualifications & Skills

• Degree or Diploma in Social Work, Social Science or related field required
• Native Child and Family Service Worker Diploma
• Minimum three (3) years’ experience working in social services or related field in a First Nation
• Experience working with Indigenous people, organizations, and communities
• Knowledge and understanding of cultural sensitivity and traditional teachings
• Proven ability of accurate and comprehensive record keeping including keeping an up-to-date case log
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to interpret legislation and legal documentation
• Knowledge of Case Management techniques
• Strong demonstration of negotiation skills, techniques and advocacy
• Willing to work flexible hours and travel with minimal notice
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential subject matter
• Excellent time management and strong organization skills, a multi-tasker
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality

• Excellent computer skills for reporting and presentation purposes, and general office equipment knowledge
• Must have a valid Class G Driver’s License with $2M liability insurance with reliable method of transportation (organization fleet to be used)
• Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act, including Part IV, the Ministry of Child and Youth Services, and local Children’s Air Societies and local models and protocols.
• Ability to establish and develop and active working relationship with all Child and Family Services
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, community members, Chief and Council, and government agencies
• Confident working with justice system and other community providers
• Demonstrates strong negotiation skills and techniques
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in stressful situations
• Strong computer, communication verbal and written, and evaluation skills
• Current CPR with AED Certification 
• Experience with Alternative Dispute Resolution

Preference may be given to Aboriginal candidates with relevant on reserve employment experience and/or those with knowledge and understanding of Shawanaga First Nation history and community. 

Successful candidates must be able to produce and maintain a clean Criminal Record Check (CPIC).

Only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted, thank you for your interest.  Please submit a cover letter, resume and three (3) recent work-related reference letters with current contact information via email, mail, fax or in person to:

Courtney Mullen-Smith

HR Administrator

Shawanaga First Nation

2 Village Rd., Nobel, ON P0G 1G0

Tel: (705) 366-2526 * Fax: (705) 366-2740

Email:  hradministrator@shawanagafirstnation.ca

Open Until Filled