Job Description

Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services (KGCFS)

proclaims that we are an Anishinabek Agency servicing Anishinabek people to ensure services are delivered by honouring the Anishinabek way of life. KGCFS is derived from the overall cultural context of the Anishinabe people. Other conventional child welfare services or approaches may be used and added to supplement the Anishinabe cultural core of the agency. KGCFS believes that child welfare services outside the Anishinabe cultural core are secondary to the primary Anishinabe cultural core and that child welfare services that are responsive to the cultural circumstances of the Anishinabe client population take priority. KGCFS will be culturally grounded in its Anishinabe foundation, beliefs and practices and will be culturally responsive in its delivery of service while striving to educate, retain and protect traditional Anishinabe practices.

OVERVIEW:

Under the direction of the Service Supervisor, the Cultural Enaadaamaaget will work collaboratively with the Cultural Coordinator to implement the annual work plan / annual calendar.


The Cultural Enaadaamaaget will work in collaborative cooperation with the Cultural Coordinator in the delivery of job functions to assist children, families, staff and community partners for the preservation and promotion of traditional practices within member First Nations, to strengthen the cultural identity for children, families, and staff and ensure children stay connected with their culture, language, and community.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Delivery:

Work collaboratively with all agency staff, biological parent(s) and caregiver(s), extended family and the member First Nations as required within your respective position of service. Create an anti-oppressive work environment while modeling respect, professionalism and act as a positive role model with integrity. Will complete a Historical Awareness / Self- Assessments and develop an Individual Wholistic Wellness Plan including a Competency Based Assessment Tools to develop a Cultural Training Plan and passport with intent to monitor wellness and enhance and measure cultural congruencies. Work specifically with youth in care and kinship care and their caregivers in developing wholistic planning and cultural supports and completing youth outreach through development, coordination, and delivery of cultural and land-based programming. Development, coordination, and delivery of youth support services within the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin. Development, coordination, and delivery of a youth advisory council to assist the organization in ensuring programs and services reflect youth feedback and advice. Work collaboratively with the Cultural Coordinator and assists with organization and delivery of tasks as identified in the annual work plan / annual calendar of cultural events within prescribed deadlines. Contribute to the planning of seasonal activities based upon the Medicine Wheel relating to the delivery of cultural services, events, responsible for women's / men's ceremonies, e.g. - cultural workshops, programming and activities, teachings, ceremonies, healing practices for clients served and agency staff as required. Work collaboratively with the Cultural Coordinator to ensure the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of cultural programs, services and planning for the provision of culturally appropriate and relevant services to First Nations children, families, and caregivers. Serve as a resource and consults with effective communication with the Service Supervisor, Cultural Wellness Committee, Case Conference Coordinator, Elders Advisory Council and / or Senior Management regarding KGCFS values and cultural customs in relation to planning, developments and enhancements of cultural and service objectives. Work collaboratively with the Cultural Coordinator in the recruitment and maintenance with Anishinaabe Elders, Traditional Advisors and Healers for the provision of coordinating cultural services and/or appropriate traditional healing practices, and community partnerships with other Anishinaabe organizations, clients, and agency staff well-being by conducting presentations to communities and organizations on KGCFS cultural supports and services as determined by the Service Supervisor. Establish and maintain a collaborative relationship between KGCFS and member First Nation communities and service providers to ensure optimum cultural service delivery to the children and their families. Review and recommend best methods to identify change for improving the quality of services in all aspects while ensuring the provision of culturally appropriate services and provides recommendations to the Service Supervisor.

Administration:

Prepare statistical data and written summaries of cultural activities delivered for inclusion into monthly and / or annual reporting requirements as requested by the Service Supervisor. Create and distribute electronic communications (posters / monthly calendars) internally to promote cultural activities, resources and supports offered by KGCFS on a regular and consistent basis. Maintain complete inventory of cultural materials, supplies and equipment to assure the effective delivery of cultural programming activities and events. Prepare payment authorization forms and administrative documents for authorization, e.g. credit card purchases, vendor cheque requisitions, purchase orders, etc. and ensures expense claims for activities and resources are submitted for payment. Maintain administrative general filing system to assure accurate record keeping of documents, statistical data, reports, and forms as they pertain to the Cultural Department. Maintain an accurate data base management system (roster) of Anishinaabe Elders, Traditional Advisors and Healers, community service providers and other resource contacts. May receive incoming cultural referrals and determine eligibility and disposition of such referrals in consultation with the Service Supervisor. Completes relevant administrative records, forms and documents pertaining to the delivery of cultural services. Complete and input documentation required into the Frontline System for inclusion into relevant client files in accordance to cultural safety, risks, plans of care, service plans, naming, clan and colours, ceremonies, or any other cultural / healing areas as prescribed. Coordinate various cultural services such as craft making, drum making, regalia making, lunch and learn sessions including mentorship, cultural camps, ceremonies, sweats and General Staff Meetings. Assist with the preparation of children in attendance at agency functions to assure safety and appropriate supervision is provided. Keep current on issues and trends with regular attendance and participation as a team member in staff meetings, seminars and/or training sessions. Participate willingly and constructively in the supervision process with the Service Supervisor. Participate in agency service training and seminars, workshops, and courses as available. Abide by agency standards, and policies and procedures as required. Act in a professionally appropriate manner both when working and not working and is a positive role model for clients while representing KGCFS. Adhere and comply with internal office practices, procedures, and policies and complete administrative forms relative to services, finance etc. Promote the Agency's vision, mission, goals, and objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Must possess a minimum of two-year college diploma from an accredited college in a discipline related to Anishinaabe Studies.

Experience:

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in the delivery of services to Anishinaabe children and their families or a comparable social service program. However, a combination of skills, work experience and life learning experiences may be considered. Preference for an individual living a traditional lifestyle, and learning being a life-long journey in pursuing to further learn traditional Anishinaabe lifestyle. Must be willing to continue to learn the Anishinaabemowin language. Active participation in the Anishinaabe community especially with building knowledge of the teachings from the medicine wheel will be of significant consideration. Prior work experience for placing of Indigenous practices, approaches, and methods integral to the design of Social Work practices and principles and Anishinaabe based methods that will help families achieve a healthier lifestyle and safe well-being. An individual of Anishinaabe ancestry with understanding, practice and sharing of Anishinaabe history, clan system, protocols, etiquette, culture, traditions, ceremonies, principles, and values is preferred, these qualities having resulted in maturity and good judgement. Excellent communication skills, written skills for completion of documents and reports, oral, facilitator and presentation. Working knowledge of computer equipment and programs, e.g. - Microsoft Office: Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point and Frontline System / Penlieu. Must possess strong organization, evaluation, and problem-solving skills. Experience in working within an Anishinabe Child and Family Well-Being Services is preferred or proven experience in working with Anishinabek people. An individual of Anishinaabe ancestry is preferred with genuine understanding and lived experiences of Anishinaabe worldviews, traditions, customs and practices. The ability to speak the Anishinaabe language is a definite asset and / or willingness for continual learning. Preference will be given to applicants who can speak or write Ojibway, provided they have skills, ability and qualifications to do the job.

Conditions of Employment:

Provide a clear Police Records Check and/or Vulnerable Sector Screening Check (As determined by the police department). Possess a valid standard First Aid/CPR certificate or be willing to obtain one. Have a class 'G' Ontario Driver's License, an acceptable Drivers Abstract, access to a reliable vehicle and be able to travel. A requirement of $1M Liability Insurance is required if you transport clients. May be exposed to potentially hazardous environments this may include driving conditions and volatile situations. Willing to carry an agency cell phone, IT equipment, and drive agency vehicle as needed. Can sit/stand for extended period in front of computer. While performing the duties of this job, the position will typically be within an office setting both on and off site from assigned office location. Work a standard work week of 35 hours per week, however, the ability to work flexible hours may be required.

CULTURAL COMPONENTS:

Must possess knowledge, respect, and sensitivity of the Anishinaabe culture and be committed to helping Anishinabe families strengthen and achieve Mino Bimaadizowin (living the good life) through healthy level of well-being. Expert knowledge of Anishinabe history and oppression including colonization, government interventions including federal and provincial laws, jurisdictions, policies and effects to Anishinabek. Proven expertise in ability to perform with cultural safety, cultural sensitivity and cultural humility with skill to encourage healing. Honour all children and youth who may be in transition equally and strive to provide the required supports for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and 2-spirited individuals to achieve healthy self-esteem and life enrichment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Given the traditional practices of the Anishinabek, (from time to time) you may be exposed to wood smoke and the burning of sacred medicines, including tobacco, sweet grass, sage or cedar which may occur within the work setting. Positions in the field of Anishinaabe Child Protection can be both mentally and emotionally challenging. The nature of KGCFS positions may expose incumbents to high levels of tension when dealing with issues. The tension includes a level of stress that is usually moderate with high levels occurring on occasions. The incumbent can expect there will be times they will encounter inclement weather conditions during course of driving. All employees are required to follow the KGCFS COVID-19 Policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Sufficient vision and hearing to perform all job duties. Able to perform physical and mental activities related to the job duties. Able to occasionally lift up to 12 kg (25lbs) and operate related equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the "Position" will typically be in an indoor setting, the delivery of activities will most likely be held outdoors.

NOTE:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.