Job Description
About Us
Chippewas of Nawash First Nation (CNUFN) is a warm and welcoming community located approximately 20 minutes from Wiarton and 50 minutes north of Owen Sound, along the beautiful shores of Georgian Bay. The surrounding area offers a mix- of small-town and rural living, with access to local amenities, outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community. Set near the scenic trails of the Niagara Escarpment, the region is ideal for those who enjoy nature, culture, and a balanced way of life.
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly pay with annual wage increases
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
- An optional registered pension plan
- Generous paid time off
- Professional Growth includes paid training programs, software certifications, and tuition reimbursement to help advance your career.
- Friendly and supportive work environment.
JOB PURPOSE
Under the Native child Welfare mandate to prevent child abuse, and within legislation of the Family and Children’s Services Act, the Support Services Worker is responsible to work with high-risk families and children to prevent CAS intervention, and to provide support families and children involved with CAS; including the development and implementation of programs and services to life-skills and other prevention programing.
KEY DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
The Support Services Worker’s primary goal is to fulfill the mandate, goals and objectives of the Chippewas of
Nawash Native Child Welfare program to meet the needs of clients: parents, children, foster parents and
Kinship guardians.
- GENERAL:
- Maintain full knowledge and understanding of the Native child Welfare program’s mandate, philosophy, goals and objectives
- Maintain knowledge and understanding of causation factors contributing toward child abuse and neglect.
- Maintain knowledge and understanding of the effects of abuse and neglect of children.
- Maintain knowledge of community resources and other appropriate referral sources on/off the reserve. maintain knowledge of Aboriginal culture and community organizations.
- Maintain knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act, CAS policies/procedures, Nawash Memorandum of Understanding (Nawash- Bruce and Grey Children’s Aid Societies).
- PROTECTION:
- Assist CAS workers with investigations of alleged child abuse and/or neglect
- Accompany CAS agencies/or serve on behalf of CAS role to deliver court orders.
- Provide client support using Crisis Intervention and mediated CAS role and responsibility, court proceedings, legal aid, the Band Representative’s role and Plans of Care.
- SUPPORT SERVICES:
- Conduct regular home visits with clients to assess needs and offer support services, provide basic counselling, make referrals and general monitor the home environment.
- Offer brief counselling services using agency procedures of obligations, expectations and goals. counsel parents and children in problem solving, decision making and goal setting.
- Respond appropriately to special issues ie) social, psychiatric, medical and make necessary referrals Ensure clients understand their right to legal representation and if necessary, assist in obtaining legal counsel or other professional services through referrals.
- In accordance with the Child and Family Services Act acquaint families with children’s rights ensure clients understand their right to request status review.
- Deal with crisis situations and when necessary, consult with the Family Services Supervisor. share in the supervision of family visits with other NCW staff.
- Provide transportation services and/or accompany clients to appointments (court, meetings, etc.) provide on and off reserve training, support groups, information sessions to meet client needs
- Assist with transitional planning for families when children return to their natural homes arrange periodic weekend relief parents.
- CASE MANAGEMENT
- For voluntary/involuntary clients, provide support services to meet client needs (including social, physical, medical, educational, and psychological)
- Attend or facilitate case management meetings to ensure the needs of the client are adequately met, for children requiring protection from child abuse and/or neglect, in consultation with CAS and NCW, develop short- and long-term placement plans for Kinship placements, provisional foster home, a customary care home, or within an approved foster home.
- PREVENTION PROGRAM
- Facilitate or access resources to plan, facilitate and evaluate parenting courses, life skills programs, support groups, information sessions, etc.
- Offer parenting and child management information to the community through monthly newsletters etc. ensure clients have access to appropriate behaviour management care such as anger management child discipline methods, stress management, grief counselling, etc.
- PROGRAM SUPPORT
- Plan, develop and implement child abuse prevention programs for community members. assist in fund raising ventures,
- Assist with annual activities ie., Halloween Party, Christmas Food Drive and Family Days, etc organize and attend other special “program sponsored” events
- When necessary, recruit volunteer help in accordance to program needs, represent the Native Child Welfare program in community functions as required,
- RECORDING AND REPORTING
- In accordance with the Child and Family Services Act, report any suspicions or acts of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate Children’s Aid Society and Native Child Welfare Supervisor.
- Maintain accurate up-dated records for each client service: case notes, court papers, plans of care, or other case related information.
REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience:
- Graduate from a recognized University or College with emphasis in Human Services
- Minimum of three years direct service with children and families.
- Experience in case management.
- Experience in brief counselling and group work.
Designations, Licences & Requirements:
- Must be a positive role model with clear police record
- Must have a valid Ontario driver’s license and availability of a reliable vehicle.
- Recent acceptable Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check
- CPR First Aid or ability to obtain within probationary period
- Training and Certification in WHMIS, Occupational Health & Safety Awareness, Workplace Violence & Harassment Training, COVID-19 Health & Safety, Health & Safety Overview
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act or Child Welfare issues.
- Knowledge of the Native Child Welfare Program.
- Demonstrated Knowledge of Aboriginal community organization and culture.
- Proven ability to plan, develop and implement child abuse prevention programs.
- Must be willing to learn and take training to enhance knowledge and skills must be able and willing to work with minimum supervision,
- Maintain personal health: emotional, spiritual, physical and mental, assist in orientation and training of new staff, volunteers and students, maintain an organized and near workstation
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume that clearly highlight how your experience and qualifications align with the requirements of the position. Late applications will not be accepted.
Drop off or mail to: Administration Office, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, 135 Lakeshore Blvd. Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario, N0H 2T0. Identify position applied for on outside of the envelope. Fax: 519.534.2130 E-mail: employment@nawash.ca For more information or to obtain a copy of the job description, please visit our website https://www.nawash.ca/employment-opportunities/ or by call the Band Office at 1-226-798-6068
· All applications are appreciated, however, only those selected to interview will be contacted. We strive to provide current CNUFN Employees and CNUFN Band Members with correspondence in regards to the status of their application/candidacy
· Preference will be given to CNUFN Band Members and those of Aboriginal decent who identify at time of application
· While COVID-19 vaccinations are not currently mandatory, they are encouraged for the safety of all employees, clients and community as a whole; a policy is in place, and accommodations are provided for those unvaccinated
· Due to the nature of positions, a recent acceptable Criminal Record and or Vulnerable Sector Check may be requested and paid by the Employer
