FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER

Reporting Relationship
The Family Support Worker will report to the Department Manager of Family Resources.

Position Summary
The Family Support Worker, on behalf of on-reserve MFN children, youth and families will assist in promoting community well-being by enabling and improving standard of living through community-based preservation programs with the inclusion of Anishinaabe culture and lifestyle. 

Essential Functions

Establish supportive and trusting relationships that reduce risk, promote healthier lifestyles, and support children and youths’ connection, stability and attachment to the family and community
Establish and maintain caring relationships and effective communication with parents, children and youth
Practice strict confidentiality, privacy, ethical and non-bias approaches
Conduct client intake and assessment procedures and work with clients to develop needs assessment and a plan of care to include physical, spiritual ,emotional, medical, schooling, self-identification, social, identified family needs; and ensure follow-up of aftercare plan(s)
Conducts on-reserve CAS investigations and prepares required reports
Receives referrals from on/off reserve professionals, agencies and self-referrals
Liaise effectively with the Foster Care Program, CAS, biological/ foster parents and other service providers
Responds and acts on inquiries and referrals in a timely and professional manner and maintains contact with CAS and other involved social service agencies to keep abreast of client cases
Provide and participate in alternative dispute resolution and mediation
Responds and intervenes in family crises situations where children require immediate attention and for the prevention of child abuse and neglect
Encourage client engagement through various methods, counselling, and other support that will assist them in relevant aspects of the case plan including building self- motivation, goal setting and problem solving, family and peer relationships, mediation, substance misuse, behavioural self-control, self-efficacy, healthy lifestyle choices, and life skills development
Provide advocacy, referral and community services as necessary to other helping services, treatment programs, support groups
Provide follow-up and support in situations when appropriate or required
Provide crisis intervention and support for youth and their families
Perform as part of a team providing integrated, holistic services to children and young people and their families
Case Management/Administration

Develop annual work plans to include professional development in relation to the position
Ensures client records and files are current accurate, properly stored and secured ready for court subpoenas; and that files are properly closed
Utilizes computer-based frontline case management system (Penlieu) for reporting requirements
Follows through on case conferences and referrals from other services providers
Coordinates and transports individuals to appointments as needed
Assist youth in identifying and accessing educational and vocational resources, recreational pursuits, and other appropriate community contacts and resources
Assists to plan, leads/co-leads, coordinates and evaluates group education, counselling and/or support activities for youth, parents and/or families
Assists to coordinate and/or participate in activities with youth, including physical, outdoor, or other active elements
Implements the procedures manual specific to the position ensuring compliance of privacy and confidentiality, and file management protocols
Complete and submit monthly statistical and narrative reports
Perform other duties as may be required from time to time by the Department Manager
Attend staff and case management meetings as required
Up-hold MFN protocol for child care, in conjunction with MFN By-Law 001/01
Qualification & Requirements

Preferred

Bachelor of Social Work Degree in related field
Education supported with 3 to 5 years work related experience within a First Nation community
Minimum

Social Services Diploma, Native Child & Family Worker, Child & Youth Worker Diploma or Diploma in related field
Experience in front-line service delivery of Native child and family services
Ability to interpret and apply a wide range of Social Work practices and principles and Native based methods designed to help families achieve healthier lifestyles
Ability to provide assessment, referral, counselling and follow-up services to clients
Knowledge of the Child & Family Services Act is an asset
Working knowledge and training in interviewing techniques for children and families
Good understanding of conflict resolution and mediation processes
Ability to engage children, relate with youth with understanding and in a strength-based approach
Promote strong healthy family values
Experience working with high-risk youth in a counselling or other helping capacity
Experience in assisting the planning and leading of counselling or support groups
Other

Must have good working knowledge of community resources
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong decision making, analytical and problem solving skills for the unpredictable nature of work
Knowledge and experience in involving families, community, community supports and other systems in case planning
Have excellent time management skills and ability to multitask and prioritize to meet deadlines
Understanding of client population, cultural and socio-economic characteristics
Must have knowledge of Anishinaabe culture, traditions and customs
Ability to speak and understand the Ojibwe language would be a strong asset
Self-motivated, ability to work independently with minimal supervision and is a team player
Willing to work flexible hours and weekends and ability to work under stressful situations
Must have or be willing to obtain First Aid /CPR, Mental Health First Aid Certificates; Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)
Must have a valid “G” Driver’s License and current drivers abstract, reliable vehicle properly insured to transport individuals
CRC/VSS requirement, thirty (30) days current, original or certified copy
CRC/VSS Rationale:  M’Chigeeng First Nation and its agents are in a position of trust in services to band member children and/or vulnerable adults, so a safe and secure working environment is mandatory.  Applicants must provide a clear VSS Certificate and the CRC must have a record clear and/or dated of any convictions relating to alcohol, drugs, assault, violence and theft.  The CRC and VSS must be current (30 days) and must be an Original.

Interested applicants must submit COVER LETTER, RESUME, THREE (3) CURRENT WORK RELATED REFERENCES (2 Work-Related references from a direct supervisor/manager and 1-character reference that will be contacted upon a successful interview) and education certifications to:

APPLY HERE
FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER
c/o employment@mchigeeng.ca
Human Resources
M’Chigeeng FN, P.O. Box 333
M’CHIGEENG, ON P0P 1G0 (Fax 705-377-4980)

INCOMPLETE applications will not be considered. Preference will be given to Anishinabek people.
For Job Description, please contact Human Resources employment@mchigeeng.ca
Job Category: Family Resources
Postal Code: P0P 1G0
Job Location: Health/Family Resources
Salary: ,CS-3 ($46 147 – $54 648)