To provide leadership in ensuring the well-being of the children of the Curve Lake First Nation, and to provide services for the protection, care and supervision of children.
To ensure the availability of, and access to, developmental, counseling and family/ child support programs and services for the Curve Lake First Nation.
To assist in monitoring the effectiveness of the programs and services available to the children of the Curve Lake First Nation, and to assist in the developmental and maintenance of child welfare services documentation.
DUTIES:
The duties and responsibilities of this position are categorized into five main functions:
1. Case Management
Ensure client files are complete and accurate
Coordinate and facilitate customary care placements and prepare all required documents, supporting the child and family throughout the admission process
Communicate regularly with Manager of Health and Family Services regarding client progress
Provide crisis intervention and behaviour management techniques
Ensure confidentiality of all clients (past and present) is maintained
Identify and consult on accessing special programs as required
Monitor, motivate and assist clients to meet their goals
Participate in case meetings as applicable
Make referrals to outside agencies
Submit monthly client progress summary to Manager of Health and Family Services
Ensure ongoing management of cases in accordance with First Nation standards and Ministry Child Protection standards
Develop links with relevant communities on and off reserve to explore service options and strategies to address issues affecting First Nations children and families
2. Court
Ensure accuracy, completion and proper filing of documents
Ensure legislative requirements and timelines for serving notices are met
Assists clients in preparation for court
Prepares and presents evidence for Family Court when required
Acts as a witness in child welfare, criminal and juvenile court matters
3. Investigations and Interventions
Investigates and assesses allegations of child abuse and/or maltreatment
Intervenes in crisis situations, assesses risk to children and determines action which may include the need for alternative placement
Maintains current and comprehensive social history of the family on the case file
4. Support and Activities for Clients
Involves clients/children in ongoing planning when possible
Completes admission to care documentation and child background information forms for placement purposes
Respond to holistic needs and recognizes a child\xe2\x80\x99s need for the support of extended family and First Nation community
Maintains involvement of the natural parent and extended family where possible
Supervises access visits between children in care and parents/caregivers when required
Ensures natural parents receive assistance in addressing family healing so a child can be returned to home when possible
Ensures live skills are learned through appropriate placement and support of placement
5. Administration
Receive designation as an authorized Child Protection Worker
Collect information for statistical purposes specific to clients and program
Review reports to ensure information is complete and accurate
Address critical incidents as per internal reporting mechanisms
Participate in staff development activities as required
Maintain accurate and complete verbal and written exchange of information to represent all activities while on duty (logs and reports)
Participate actively in the case management process
Prepare accurate and professional client case notes
Attend and sit on community and organizational committees as requested
Provide after hours services when required
Performs other related duties as assigned by the Manager of Health & Family Services
QUALIFICATIONS: Basic Requirements: (APPLICANTS MUST SHOW NECESSARY PROOF WITH APPLICATION OR WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY SCREENED OUT)
EDUCATION:
A University degree in Social Work or related field with minimum 2 years directly related work experience
A College diploma in Social Services or related field with minimum 5 years related work experience
RATED REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Expert knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act, Child Protection Standards, Ministry of Children and Youth Services Regulations, Guidelines and Policy Directives
Knowledge of Customary Care and the philosophy of service development/delivery with First Nations
Knowledge of relevant legislative framework and policies reflecting current child welfare practice; including Federal legislation, First Nations specific case law, Indigenous rulings /declarations, traditional approaches and specific rulings about First Nation, Inuit, and Metis Children
Thorough knowledge and understanding of First Nation history and culture and the history of Child Welfare as it pertains to First Nation, Indigenous, and Metis communities
Experience with Case Management systems and procedures
Ability to interpret and apply a wide range of social work practices, principles and First Nation practices in respect to protection and placement of children at risk, understanding the principles and goals of families in crisis
Knowledge of Curve Lake First Nation resources and area agency resources for referral purposes
Excellent interpersonal and counselling skills to work with a diverse client group
Possess good time management, written and verbal communication skills, exercise good judgement
Ability to instruct clients in relevant programs
Experience and/or knowledge of report writing and file maintenance
Analytical ability and effective problem-solving skills in assessing client needs
Crisis intervention abilities (ingenuity and resourcefulness in developing alternative strategies to meet individualized programming)
Behavioural management skills
Demonstrated ability to advocate for clients
Possess excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint
Commitment to helping children and their families by providing strong services in ways that respect Anishnaabe culture and spiritual practices
Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team
Knowledge of group dynamics, consultation and conflict resolution techniques
Personal Suitability:
Be honest and trustworthy
Be respectful
Possess awareness and sensitivity to the history, language, culture and traditions of the people of Curve Lake First Nation
Be flexible
Demonstrate sound work ethics
Must demonstrate and ensure a high level of personal and professional conduct