Child Well-being Worker

October 18, 2024

Position Title:

Child Well-being Worker

Posting Period: Until the position is filled

Salary: $83,670. – $86,900. Annually

Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik Society

Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation has come together to create and assert Nigig Nibi Ki-win, which name came to the AOPFN Tanakìwin by way of our naming ceremony conducted in accordance with Inàkonigewin. For greater certainty, our inherent right to self-government, as affirmed by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and s. 35 of the Canadian Constitution Act, 1982, includes jurisdiction in relation to the wellbeing of Ninìdjànisinànig, Weshkinìgidjig, and their families.  Algonquins of Pikwakanagan have cared for our Ninìdjànisinànig and Weshkinìgidjig in accordance with our customs and traditions. Ninìdjànisinànig, Weshkinìgidjig, and their families thrived because they were immersed in their language, connected to the land, and cared for by their people. Inàkonigewin has governed these lands for millennia, well before any colonial laws were brought and imposed on our people and lands. By asserting this Law through Nigig Nibi-Ki-win, we are not bringing into force a new law, but using our knowledge of Inàkonigewin to provide aid to our people in a modern context, in a way that cares for them, our ancestors, and our descendants. The only way to undo the damage that has been inflicted on our people by colonial governments is to re-assert our inherent right to care for our Ninìdjànisinànig and Weshkinìgidjig.

SUMMARY

The Child Well-being Worker provides for the protection of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation (“AoPFN”) children all Child Welfare matters pertaining to AoPFN members undertaken, through Nigig-Nibi-ki-win Gamik (“Nigig”).  The Child Well-being Worker works with families, the community, and Nigig to assess risk and ensure the well being and safety of AoPFN children.

The Child Well-being Worker will be assigned duties that include investigating and assessing matters pertaining to child/youth protection and providing support to children and care providers through Nigig and community partners.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

First Nation Child Welfare 

  • Responds to all Child Welfare agency notifications within the prescribed time.
  • Investigate and participate in investigations of families requiring child/youth protection.
  • Provides brief intervention, crisis intervention, counselling, and seeks other supports, including alternative dispute resolution and Jordan’s Principle, as needed.
  • Develops a working relationship with Family & Children Services engaged with AoPFN members.
  • Creates, monitors, evaluates Plans of Care and makes recommendations regarding amendments.
  • Attends and participates in court proceedings and makes oral and written presentations, as required.
  • Ensures client case files are maintained and updated regularly.
  • Provides on-going follow-up and support in all cases, including follow ups with families.
  • Facilitate and support participating in family and healing circles and other dispute resolution as needed.
  • Ensures that AoPFN members are fully aware of their rights.

Collaborative Practice 

  • Works closely with Nigig’s planning committees, programs and services to ensure quality program delivery.
  • Participates on relevant boards, committees, and community development projects.
  • Referrals to support resources for mental health and supports that are culturally appropriate.
  • Participates in multidisciplinary approaches for case management as directed.
  • Liaise with various individuals throughout Nigig to support child welfare, including the Grandparents Tribunal.
  • Under the direction of the supervisor, consult with specialized services for case management as required.
  • Collaborates with other community resources to ensure services meet the needs of the children, youth, families.
  • Liaises with Family & Children Services and other external organizations.
  • Provides night duty (emergency) services as scheduled.

Community Development  

  • Identifies and prioritizes family and child(ren) needs.
  • Participates in developing strategic plans and annualized work plans.
  • Participates and coordinates new prevention strategies and initiatives.
  • Liaises and networks with community and other child and youth services for the integration of new and existing services.
  • Participates on relevant committees and meetings.
  • Promote and advertise programs and activities.

Administrative 

  • Provides detailed information on each interaction with families, society, and relevant authorities.
  • Completes all administrative reporting requirements according to policies and funding agent mandates including Briefing Notes and Discussion Papers.

Quality Management  

  • Utilizes evidence-based reporting to evaluate annualized work plans.
  • Participates in monthly staff meetings.
  • Participates in cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity training.
  • Participates in staff development initiatives, conferences and training requirements specific to Child Well-being Workers.
  • Complete incident reports as required.
  • Complete all administrative duties and responsibilities, including an inventory of materials & supplies.
  • Demonstrates timely and planned case management.
  • Ensures all certifications are current.
  • Will ensure that the program is pro-active in the Algonquin/Aboriginal/First Nation(s) perspective and efforts of child welfare and children’s mental health (social) needs. These methods shall consider aboriginal approaches in traditional and contemporary approaches in service delivery.

On-Call

  • Child Well-being Workers must be available to respond to emergencies or urgent situations outside of regular working hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Will respond promptly when contacted during an on-call shift.
  • Are capable of diagnosing problems remotely or providing initial troubleshooting assistance over the phone or through email/text.
  • May be required to physically report to a location to address emergencies that cannot be resolved remotely, such as emergency situations.
  • Must maintain clear communication channels with colleagues, supervisors, and clients to ensure that they are informed about the status of ongoing issues and any actions taken to resolve them.
  • Will document all incidents, including the nature of the problem, actions taken to resolve it, and any follow-up steps required.
  • Will be responsible for following up to ensure that any issues have been fully resolved and that any necessary preventative measures have been implemented.

Risk Management 

  • Ensures the protection and privacy of all information and records.
  • Follows program guidelines, rules, regulations and completes all necessary forms.
  • Careful judgement and vigilance are required in the use of social media and other media.
  • Participates in a comprehensive risk management plan for Child well-being.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work involves extensive public contact with clients, emergency services workers, child welfare agencies, and dispute resolution and Grandparent Tribunal. Work involves handling and dealing with issues of a very sensitive and confidential nature that will be subject to deadlines and interruptions.  Work involves both in-community and out-of-community travel. Work involves a flexible schedule.

 

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Basic Requirements:

  • BSW degree or MSW degree or Diploma with three-years experience in child welfare/child protection.
  • A minimum of a class “G” drivers’ licence and daily access to a vehicle.

 

Rated Requirements:

Knowledge:

  • Child welfare case management.
  • Knowledge, experience and understanding of the culture, history of First Nation populations, specifically the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.
  • Indigenous knowledge, in particular, knowledge of Algonquin child and family values, traditions and practices.
  • Knowledge of traditional healing practices.
  • In-depth knowledge of local, regional and provincial indigenous and non-indigenous services.
  • Excellent skills and experience in clinical assessment, counselling and crisis intervention
  • Customary Care.
  • Child, Youth & Family Services Act (Ontario) and its application and proceedings involving First Nation members.
  • Appropriate sections of the Criminal Code in order to determine and take appropriate action regarding intake and abuse procedures.

 

Abilities:

  • Interpret legislation and legal documents.
  • Research, investigate, analyze, critical thinking and evaluation skills.
  • Strong negotiation and advocacy skills and techniques.
  • Exceptional written skills i.e. Plans of Care, reports, documents, proposals etc.
  • Exceptional verbal skills i.e. presentations, facilitation, court appearances etc.
  • Strong computer skills with experience in the application of software, internet and email.
  • Facilitation, Coordination and Management skills in Alternative Dispute Resolutions, Circles of Care, Multi-Disciplinary Case Management Meetings, Family & Group Conferencing and Workshops; Experience an Asset.
  • Experience working with children, youth, and families.

 

Personal Suitability:

  • Strong interpersonal and leadership/management skills
  • Able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
  • Tact, discretion and a high level of confidentiality.
  • Sensitivity to aboriginal issues, with strong appreciation and empathy to the customs, traditions, culture and aspirations of AoPFN.
  • Pleasant personality, and positive attitude self-motivation, reliable and thorough.
  • Exhibit a high degree of initiative, self-direction; good verbal and written communications skills and possess excellent analytical and organizational skills.
  • Proactive and able to engage in a respectful, friendly and approachable manner.
  • Exhibit a high degree of versatility and professionalism throughout the performance of responsibilities.

 

Conditions of Employment:

  • Proof of Diploma
  • Provide an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Check; to be provided annually.
  • CPR and First Aid Certification; to be provided annually.
  • Proof of a class “G” driver’s license; clear driver’s abstract and access to a dependable vehicle.
  • Ability to work on-call shifts and flex hours.

 

PREFERENCE IN HIRING:

Nigig promotes equal employment opportunities for all applicants. Persons who identify as Indigenous will be given preference as this role serves the needs of members of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. Provided the candidate meets the basic requirements of the position and is deemed qualified following the interview process, preference will be given to a) the qualified Indigenous person who is a member of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation; then to, b) the qualified Indigenous person; then to, c) the qualified non-Indigenous candidate.

 

WE OFFER:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Pension Plan
  • Long- and Short-Term Disability
  • Paid sick, vacation and special day leave
  • 14 Provincial and Federal Statutory Holidays
  • Health Spending account (Dental, Vision, Prescriptions)

Please submit your cover letter and resume to: employment@nigignibi.com

Contact Information

Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik Society

1467 Mishomis Inamo,

Pikwakanagan, Ontario

Email: employment@nigignibi.com