Job Summary:
Under the direct supervision of the Case Worker Supervisor, the Caseworker ensures the rights and safety of children are safeguarded in a healthy, cultural environment and will work with families to improve the quality of life, while endeavoring to preserve the language and culture of Stoney-Nakoda, while incorporating the child centered Legislation and Practice Strategies.
Scope:
The Practice Strategies builds on casework practice under CYFEA and uses Signs of Safety in determining the safety of the child and need for intervention, involving a collaborative approach in decision making. Practice strategies are based on the philosophy that children, youth and families should have input into the decisions that affect their lives. As a case worker you will undertake ongoing assessment of child/youth at risk, and families incorporating the four areas of connection; legal, cultural, relational and physical.
As a Caseworker, you will work along with the family, other agency staff, community partners and other service providers to develop the concurrent plan and provide services to children and families. As a Caseworker, you are responsible for the ongoing assessment of children youth and families, case planning and provision of/or management of, services and interventions to meet the child’s/youth’s/ family’s unmet needs within specified timeframes. As a case worker you will engage families, help them to understand their situation, and works with them to address issues causing the child to be in need of intervention.
As a Caseworker you will have considerable independence and are expected to consult with the supervisor at identified decision points and providing a rationale for recommendations.
All decisions are driven by consideration for the child, youth and their family and the worker’s professional judgement within the parameters of Acts, Regulations, Policies and Standards and philosophy of the Practice Strategies.
Perform Intake and Safety Assessment:
- Gather, consolidate and analyze information to assess the ongoing needs and risk of children and families in order to provide child protection services.
- Assess and plan for increased safety and reduction of risk and danger to children through collaboration with family, natural, and professional supports and with a focus on family strengths.
- Distinguish between safety concerns that require intervention versus complicating factors
- Facilitate family and network meetings
- Safety plan with families and their supports to ensure the safety of children in their home and/or community.
- Identify goals and determine appropriate programs, tasks, and services that increases safety and meets the needs of children, youth and families. Assess that services and supports are mitigating risk.
Manage ongoing case management
- Engage children to incorporate their voice in all aspects of service planning
- Make referrals to, and collaborate in partnership with, support services, community resources, and appropriate service providers
- Engage and support client progress/compliance and identify potential for positive change and increased safety
- Gather and assess information ongoing by using a variety of tools, such as Signs of Safety and practice strategies making informed decisions by checking validity of assumptions through a position of inquiry.
- Prepare legal documents including TGO, PGO, Supervision Orders, Secure Treatment, and court reports.
- Consult as needed with Children’s Services Legal team
- Present evidence or testify in court/youth court. Attend mediation, Judicial Dispute Resolution (JDR), hearings, and other pre-court appointments
- Complete casework activities such as coordinating and/or supervising visits; and driving and/or attending appointments with clients
- Respond to urgent matters after hours with children, youth, and families including requirement to participate in on-call/after hours rotation (evenings and weekends)
- Apply and adhere to the Child Intervention safety standards and CYFEA policies and procedures
- Other duties recommended by the Director
Work with children, youth and families to build social, educational, cultural, spiritual and community connections
- Support children and youth to maintain relationships that are important to them, be connected to their own culture, practice their religious beliefs, and have a plan for their care where they are included in the decision making process
- Ensure lifelong connections through family finding and cultural connections. Facilitate family meetings and develop a plan through mapping that includes everyone’s voice
- Conduct planning for family and cultural connection, including implementation of cultural plans with caregivers, and participating in Band designate consultations
- Lead the development of success in school protocols and plans
- Work with caregivers in partnership on the day-to-day care of children and youth with a focus on child development, impact of trauma and cultural connections.
Complete all administrative tasks to completing casework for child, youth and families
- Complete online documentation in CICIO System and case connect for the entry of contact logs, plans, legal, placements, health information, special cautions, etc.
- File required ongoing and extensive documents including; assessment reports, contact with caregivers, contact with families, concurrent planning, success in school, cultural plans, applications for treaty status, kinships referrals, intake referrals, placements searches, in care consultations, consent for PGO, consent for medical intervention, etc.
PRACTICAL JOB KNOWLEDGE:
- Ability to engage and build relationships with children, youth and families that identifies strengths, builds safety, and influences positive change
- Assessment skills/analytical
- Conflict resolution, crisis management and problem solving
- Effective communication, both oral and written
- Organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and as a team member
- Ability to manage emotions and stress effectively and demonstrate self-awareness and self-care
- Ability to apply authority in a skillful and respectful manner and acknowledge families as the expert of their own circumstances
- Ability to determine what critical issues require immediate consultation with a supervisor
- Questioning and interviewing skills including an understanding of both global and forensic interviewing methods
- Mediation/Problem solving in working with family members (including birth family), caregivers and other professionals
- Ability to develop strategies and work with other systems to engage youth to become successful in their transition into adulthood
THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE:
- Breadth of knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act (CYFEA), Children’s First Act, Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act (PChAD) , Drug-Endangered Children Act (DECA), Protection Against Family Violence Act (PAVA), Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act (PSECA), and Act 92.
- Demonstrates an awareness of relevant legislation and how it applies to the child and family (ie; Family Law Act; Family Support for Children with Disabilities Act; Criminal Justice Act; etc.)
- Knowledge of the application of Signs of Safety processes
- Applies provincial regulations, policies, and procedures into practice
- Awareness of community/departmental services and resources to facilitate effective referrals, such as AISH, PDD, FSCD, etc.
- Knowledge of child/adolescent development and age-appropriate developmental milestones.
- Awareness of indicators of child abuse and possible causes and contributing factors (for example, addictions, family violence, mental health, history of trauma and isolation) which may cause a child to be in need of intervention
- Familiarity with various disorders affecting children and knowledge of family dynamics and child behaviour management and techniques
- Understanding of the impact of trauma on children and brain development
- Knowledge of the impact of multi-generational trauma on families and the ability to integrate this understanding in assessment and case planning
- Sensitivity and understanding of cultural and ethnic diversity
- Knowledge and respect for First Nations, Inuit and Metis cultures and an understanding of Canada’s
Education:
- Bachelor of Social Work would be an asset.
- Social Work Diploma
Experience:
- Delegated with experience as a Child intervention services worker is considered an asset
- Advanced knowledge of Child Intervention legislation, regulations and policy.
- Safety Planning in a Child Intervention setting
- Working knowledge of Indigenous culture and the impact of colonization
- Working knowledge of Signs of Safety and the Child Intervention Practice Framework principles.
- Ability to work independently and exercise considerable professional judgment in providing services.
- Relationship building, decision-making, conflict management, strong time management and organization skills are essential assets to be successful in this role.
- Preferred experience: conducting assessments, case management and planning in a child intervention setting.
- Experience in delivering foster care, kinship care, permanency support, and family preservation or intervention services would be an asset.
- Working knowledge of the Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement.
- Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong critical thinking skills.
- Functional use of Microsoft Office 365 and windows computer software is required
- Ability to speak Stoney is an asset
Employment Conditions:
- Ability to obtain a clean criminal record check
- Must have a valid Driver’s license
- Must have reliable transportation
- Must have the skills and knowledge of Indigenous history and be able to adapt to working in a First Nation community
Work Environment:
- Fast paced office environment
- Travel e required
Hours of Work
- Standard workdays Monday to Friday
- On Call
Pay: $25.00-$40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
