Child Well-Being Worker

Child Well-Being Worker

About 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.

About The Position:

We are recruiting for a Child Well-Being Worker. This is a full-time position.

The Child Well-Being Worker provides for the protection of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation children in all child welfare matters.

Responsibilities:

• Respond to all child welfare agency notifications
• Investigate and participate in investigations of families requiring child and youth protection
• Provide brief intervention, crisis intervention, counselling, and seek other supports as needed.
• Develop a working relationship with Family & Children Services engaged with AoPFN members
• Create, monitor, and evaluate plans of care and make recommendations regarding amendments
• Attend and participate in court proceedings and make oral and written presentations
• Ensures client case files are maintained and updated regularly
• Provides ongoing follow-up and support in all cases
• Facilitate and support participating in family and healing circles and other dispute resolution
• Ensures that AoPFN members are fully aware of their rights
• Participate on relevant boards, committees, and community development projects
• Provide night duty (emergency) services as scheduled
• Participate in developing strategic plans and annualized work plans.
• Promote and advertise programs and activities
• Complete all required reporting
• Respond to emergencies or urgent situations outside of regular working hours
• Diagnose problems remotely or provide initial troubleshooting assistance over the phone, through email or text
• Ensures the protection and privacy of all information and records

• Bachelor of social work degree or master of social work degree
• Three-years of experience in child welfare and child protection
• A minimum of a class G driver's licence and daily access to a vehicle

Knowledge:

• Child welfare case management
• Culture and history of First Nation populations, specifically AoPFN
• Local, regional, and provincial indigenous and non-indigenous services
• Clinical assessment, counselling, crisis intervention and customary care
• Child, Youth & Family Services Act (Ontario)
• Appropriate sections of the Criminal Code regarding intake and abuse procedures

Abilities:

• Interpret legislation and legal documents
• Research, investigation, analysis, critical thinking and evaluation skills
• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills
• Exceptional written and verbal skills
• Strong computer skills
• Facilitation, coordination and management skills in alternative dispute resolutions, circles of care, multi-disciplinary case management meetings, family and group conferencing and workshops (experience is an asset)

Personal Suitability:

• Strong interpersonal, leadership and 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 for the customs, traditions, culture and aspirations of AoPFN
• Pleasant personality, positive attitude, self-motivated, reliable and thorough
• Exhibit a high degree of initiative and self-direction

Conditions of Employment:

• Proof of degree
• Provide an acceptable vulnerable sector check
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• 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

We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Pension plan
• Long and short-term disability
• Paid sick days, vacation days, and special days
• 14 provincial and federal statutory holidays
• Health spending account (i.e. dental, vision, prescriptions)

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.