Job Description

Position Title:

Child Welfare Manager I/II/III

Department:

Child Welfare

Location(s):

Moosonee, Moose Factory, Cochrane, Kapuskasing, Timmins, or other designated service sites

Reports To:

Director of Services - Protection or Director of Services - Care

Job Class:

Program Leader

Salary Structure:

Based on Education. PLG01 - Program Leader Grid 01/ PLG02 - Program Leader Grid 02/ PLG03 - Program Leader Grid 03.

TEER Level:

1

NOC Code:

40030

Unionized:

No

Purpose of the Role

The Child Welfare Manager I provides frontline leadership and program oversight within the Child Welfare department at Payukotayno: James and Hudson Bay Family Services. This position supports the implementation of child protection, family support, kinship, and care services in a manner that centres cultural safety, relational accountability, and Treaty 9 responsibilities.


As an early-stage leadership role, the Manager I serves as a direct supervisor to service teams, supporting day-to-day operations and fostering a high-functioning, community-connected team environment. The role helps ensure all programs and services are delivered in accordance with Omushkego laws, agency policy, Bill C-92, and the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA).

Core Responsibilities

1. Program Delivery and Operational Supervision

Supervise a designated team of frontline service staff (e.g., Family Service Workers, Resource Workers, or Customary Care Workers) Monitor service delivery to ensure timely, appropriate, and compliant actions on case files, referrals, and care planning Provide coaching and support to staff in handling complex child welfare matters and navigating interagency collaboration

2. Cultural Practice and First Nations Engagement

Support the integration of traditional knowledge, ceremonies, and Omushkego values into daily service delivery Facilitate community engagement and work in collaboration with Band Representatives and First Nations programs Support practices that respect customary caregiving, kinship placements, and Nation-based planning

3. Quality Assurance and Risk Management

Review case documentation, assessments, and safety planning to ensure alignment with policy and regulatory frameworks Conduct quality audits, address service gaps, and respond to concerns or critical incidents in a timely and transparent manner Support implementation of recommendations from internal reviews or external authorities

4. Staff Development and Team Building

Lead regular team meetings, reflective supervision sessions, and individual performance check-ins Identify staff training needs and support onboarding, cultural mentorship, and professional development Foster a team culture based on trust, accountability, and client-centered service

5. Data Monitoring and Reporting

Ensure accurate data collection, reporting, and use of the child welfare information system Track key performance indicators and contribute to monthly and quarterly reporting for departmental planning Collaborate with senior leadership on funding compliance and service trend analysis

6. Cross-Functional Coordination

Liaise with other program managers in Child Welfare, CYMS, and Administration to ensure integrated services Participate in internal and external working groups, including safety planning tables and placement conferences Serve as backup to other Program Managers or Service Directors as assigned

7. Community Crisis and Emergency Response

Provide frontline leadership in crisis situations, including child protection alerts, natural disasters, and community incidents Support after-hours decision-making and participate in the on-call management rotation as required Coordinate responses that prioritize child safety while respecting cultural processes and family voice

Required Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent lived/professional experience) Minimum 5 years of experience in child welfare or Indigenous family services, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership capacity Knowledge of Bill C-92, CYFSA, and culturally safe service practices rooted in Omushkego law and governance Demonstrated ability to lead staff teams, manage service quality, and engage First Nations partners Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and respectful collaboration

Conditions of Employment

Satisfactory Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Screening Valid Ontario Class G Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle Availability for regional travel, flexible work hours, and on-call duties Compliance with all Agency policies, service protocols, and cultural expectations

Our Hiring Commitments

Payukotayno is committed to Indigenous-led services, Nation-based healing, and culturally safe workplaces. We encourage applications from First Nations individuals, especially those from Treaty 9 communities and affiliated Nations. We honour both formal qualifications and cultural/lived knowledge as valid experience.


We are committed to employment equity and welcome applications from all qualified persons, including those identifying as Two-Spirit, non-binary, LGBTQ+, francophone, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups.


Accommodations are available throughout the application process.

AODA Statement (for postings only)

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Payukotayno will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process upon request.