Family Enhancement Worker

About Us:

Hiawatha is a vibrant First Nation community located on the beautiful north shore of Rice Lake. We are located approximately 20 minutes from Peterborough, ON and 45 minutes from Cobourg, ON. There are approximately 1000 registered citizens, with approximately 235 residing in Hiawatha. In the summer months our population increases significantly. Hiawatha is an employer that prides itself on diversity and fairness, providing a progressive working environment that fosters culture, positivity and growth.

Position Summary:

The Family Enhancement Worker will work in a confidential environment and be the primary contact for the Hiawatha First Nation citizenship, who are, or may be involved with child protection matters. The Family Enhancement Worker must act on behalf of Hiawatha First Nation as a party in the court proceedings involving the First Nation’s Children, under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act. The incumbent will develop an Implementation Plan for the delivery of Child Welfare Prevention Services for the citizens of Hiawatha First Nation. The incumbent shall provide culturally appropriate prevention based supports, education and awareness initiatives to children and families. The incumbent must follow the strategic plans of the organization, adhering to the HFN vision and values.

Reporting:

This position will report to the Director of Health and Social Services and has no direct reports.

Main Responsibilities:

Creating Plans of Care for child welfare prevention services and supports for Hiawatha First Nation citizens;

Providing community based, culturally appropriate support services to individuals, families and groups i.e. Parent education programs, Family Enhancement/preservation supports, cultural and traditional supports, in-home supports;

Providing services designed to keep families together and children in their own homes;

Advocating for and making appropriate referrals for needed client services and supports;

Complete internal risk assessments, assessments of needs, formulate and develop support plans for children and families;

Plan and facilitate mental health and wellness programming;

Providing case management and integration of service delivery with L.I.F.E. Services team and other relevant sectors for legal, medical, financial assistance, child care services, transportation, housing, employment, etc.;

Developing and implementing repatriation and reunification services for children and youth in care with their families and communities, including support for youth transitioning out of the child welfare system;

Be the liaison with all internal/external support plan partner services and agencies;

Attend all child welfare matters to determine the best possible care for the child;

Be representative for Hiawatha First Nation for related external stakeholder activists (i.e. Kaandossiwin Committee, AIAI Child Welfare Working Group);

Following all policies and practices of Hiawatha First Nation and relevant legislation;

Preparing and monitoring budgets throughout the project/fiscal year;

Preparing financial requisition and ensuring that proper approvals are obtained;

Preparing accurate reporting in a timely manner and within the deadlines of the funding.

Creating, maintaining and protecting electronic case files on clients and maintaining a confidential case management filing system;

Maintain complete accurate confidential client documentation according to the Personal Health Information Privacy Act (PHIPA)/OCAP

Other reporting as requested by funders or manager;

Attending meetings;

Preparing communication for clients, staff and other internal and external stakeholders as required;

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Completion of Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Social Work or in a Human Services Related Field

Member or eligible to be a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers;

Minimum 3 years related work experience and 5 years total work experience

A combination of education, training or work experience which Hiawatha deems to be equivalent

Valid driver’s license, own transportation and $2M liability insurance

Must provide a clear CPIC and Vulnerable Sector Check

Current First Aid/CPR Level C Certification

Alternative Dispute Resolution Training an asset

Mental Health First Aid Training

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics

Knowledge of Child, Youth and Family Services Act and other related federal and provincial legislation

Knowledge of Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services

Knowledge of the Family Court System

Knowledge of First Nations Child Welfare issues and developments

Strong analytical and problem solving skills with respect to complex client situations

Strong leadership skills to support clients and implement duties of the position

Excellent organizational skills, and demonstrated ability to self-manage time and multi task

Ability to complete accurate and timely documentation

Ability to demonstrate and maintain a professional attitude, rationale detachment and problem solving, therapeutic approaches to working with sometimes challenging clients and crisis

Computer Skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, email, internet, social media

Excellent counselling, advocating, consultation, facilitation and communication both oral and written skills

Ability to build consensus through the process of negotiating solutions and/or agreements

ie. Alternative Dispute Resolution, Child/Family Care Plans, Intensive Home Support Plans

Knowledge of financial budgeting process

Behavioural Competencies:

Must be an empathetic and non-judgemental person

Must maintain strict confidentiality

Be honest, respectful and trustworthy

Be a team player

Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity

Be creative and flexible

Demonstrate sound work ethics

Demonstrate keen attention to detail

Proven ability to work with people of diverse education, cultural and language backgrounds

Working Conditions:

Working in a sensitive environment dealing with difficult and highly confidential issues

Extended periods of sitting

Interaction with employees, management and the community

Encounters with at-risk clients in a variety of uncertain environments

Occasional overtime

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $72,520.00-$80,620.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-02-25