Job Description

Child Welfare Supervisor,

Full-time permanent, Renfrew

Child Welfare Supervisor

Location:

Renfrew County

Department:

Child Welfare Services

Reports to:

Director of Child Welfare and Developmental Services



Family & Children's Services of Renfrew County is a multi-service agency committed to providing preventative, protective and socially inclusive services and programming that empower and strengthen everyone. We are focused on cultivating a team-oriented work environment where everyone thrives. Our goal is to develop and strengthen collaborative partnerships to increase availability, accessibility and quality of care to the surrounding community. Our agency commitments include: moving forward Anti-Oppressive Practice, French Language Services and working alongside the Indigenous Communities.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Child Welfare Supervisor will oversee and lead a team providing child welfare services aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families in Renfrew County. This role requires strong knowledge of child welfare practices, legislative compliance, and a commitment to fostering an environment where children and families can thrive. The supervisor will ensure compliance with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) and other relevant legislation, while maintaining safety, ethical standards, and promoting a supportive team culture.

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES:

Provide daily oversight, support, and guidance to staff, ensuring they are trained, supported, and adhere to Child Welfare Standards and agency best practices. Provide formal supervision to staff as outlined in the Ontario child protection standards and address performance concerns proactively and constructively while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Ensure all casework aligns with the CYFSA, Ontario child protection standards and other relevant legislation or regulations. Oversee case documentation, including legal and court-related documentation, referral eligibility, safety assessments, risk assessments, investigations, service plans, plans of care and annual learning plans, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Review and approve critical case decisions as required under the Ontario child protection standards, CYFSA, including safety planning, risk assessments, bringing a child to a place of safety, permanency planning service delivery and case closure. Ensure timely interventions in high-risk situations, collaborating with law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community resources as needed. Act as a liaison between internal teams, external agencies, legal services, and community partners. Lead case conferences and team meetings to facilitate informed decision-making and service coordination. Monitor the effectiveness of interventions, conduct case audits, and analyze trends to improve service quality. Ensure timely service delivery and that children and families receive appropriate support. Promote culturally sensitive, equitable, and inclusive practices within child welfare service delivery. Provide guidance on integrating cultural considerations into case management. Ensure all documentation is entered accurately into CPIN, upholding privacy legislation (PART X) and adhering to legislated and organizational standards Conduct performance appraisals, set goals, and ensure staff complete mandatory training on child welfare practices, safety protocols, legislation (CYFSA), and case documentation. Facilitate professional development opportunities and oversee onboarding and mentorship for new employees. Conduct thorough, compliant and neutral investigations under the Complaint and Investigation Policy and Procedure and the Discrimination, Violence and Harassment, and sexual Harassment Procedure*.
Ensure compliance with FCSRC policies, ministry regulations, standards, and directives. Perform additional duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Demonstrated use of Signs of Safety Model (principles, philosophy, tools) in case planning and recording. Staff performance evaluations completed on schedule Completion rate of mandatory training for all team members Compliance rate with the Ontario child protection standards, Foster Care Licensing Review and Extended Society Care Review as required. Timely approval of case files in their assignment, assessment, transfer and closure. Accuracy and completeness of case documentation in CPIN according to the Ontario child protection standards.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

Strong understanding of Ontario child welfare legislation. Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team of professionals. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and community partners. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage complex, sensitive situations involving children and families. Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a high-pressure environment. Strong understanding of safety protocols, risk assessment, and the application of trauma-informed practices. Ability to identify systemic barriers to equity and anti-oppressive practices and apply this lens to your work with FCSRC. Knowledge, experience, and understanding of the culture, history and current oppressions experienced by marginalized groups. Ability to understand and apply anti-colonial, anti-racist, anti-ableist, anti-cisgenderist, anti-ageist, anti-classist, anti-heterosexist lenses to social problems. Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and implement evidence-based research into practice Understanding of the CYFSA, Signs of Safety, Anti-Oppressive Practice and Strength-Based approach

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

A Master of Social Work (MSW) or equivalent degree in a related field is required. 4-6 years' experience in child welfare. Knowledge and experience in applying the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), including an understanding of child protection, children in care and resource services. Proven experience in managing complex child welfare cases, including high-risk situations involving abuse or neglect using critical thinking in support of decision making. Registered with the Ontario College of Social workers and Social Services Workers preferred French Language skills considered an asset

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal office working conditions apply Ability to travel and work out of different offices within Renfrew County Must be available to work flexible hours as required, including evenings and weekends for emergencies and on-call responsibilities. * Ability to manage the emotional and physical demands of child welfare work, including responding to crisis situations and supporting staff through challenging cases.