The Department of Social Development and Seniors is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.
Children’s Services Social Workers provide services to children (and/or their caregivers) who have been found in need of protection due to being harmed, abused and/or neglected by a parent. Additionally, the Senior Child Protection Social Worker (level 19) are dealing with more complex cases as well as providing mentorship and case direction to more junior CPSWs. They are also acting in the absence of team Supervisors on a regular basis.
Duties will include but are not limited to and depending on the team to which the incumbent is assigned::
- Complete clinical assessments regarding educational, social, cultural, developmental and emotional needs for children who are, or have been, in need of protection. Implement plans of care and cultural connection plans with children in care, monitor progress, revise plans as situations change
- Gain information and complete clinical assessments of potential GACP care providers, Foster Parents, and Adoptive families to assess the ability of the family to meet the educational, social, cultural, developmental and emotional needs of children in a safe and secure environment.
- Provide supervision and support to involved family members and develop client resources through collaboration with service providers and the community to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in out of home placements.
- Provide direction to Family Service Workers and Youth Workers to implement plans of care; gain feedback to inform monitoring and revisions to plans of care.
- Navigate and support children in care through criminal court, legal services, probation and victim services when required. Explain legal matters to the child in an age-appropriate manner and ensures their wishes are taken into consideration in making decisions in their best interest. Prepare documentation for Court, represent the Director of Child Protection in Court by providing testimony/evidence in Court .
- Provide birth parent counselling to individuals considering making a plan of adoption.
- For potential adoptive parents, provide education and support to understand and complete the application process.
- Develop family intervention plans in conjunction with the Child Protection Social Worker specific to the strengths and needs of the child which includes evidence of professional observations, incorporating the child’s perspective, any competing evidence, support for assessments, and prioritization of needs.
- Use various information systems to document all aspects of work according to legislation and policy (i.e., assessments, work plans, case notes, legal undertakings, communication, information sharing, payments, benefits, applications, contracts, supported adoption agreements, annual and biannual reviews of resources and adoptive families, etc.)
- Maintain high standard of all documentation, which are subject to subpoena to Court, opposing legal counsel, review by the Child and Youth Advocate, review by the Minister/ designate in the case of a complaint, and review pursuant to Mental Health Act.
- Incumbent knows and acts within these and other pieces of legislation: Child, Youth and Family Services Act; The Adoption Act, An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth and Families; Child and Youth Advocate Act, Judicature Act (regarding Office of the Children’s Lawyer), Family Law Act.
- Once delegated, provide on-call evening, overnight and weekend coverage in addition to full-time work week. Frequency depends on staffing. Responds to child protection calls received by the Child Abuse Line.
- For Senior Social Worker Positions –Participate in interdepartmental and interagency committees for the purpose of enhancing collaboration and relationships, and to develop new initiatives (e.g., committees for BRIDGE Situation Table, Therapeutic Court, Legal Services, Acute Care, Child Sexual Abuse, Structured Decision Making)
- For Senior Social Worker Positions-provide Acting Supervisory Coverage when required.
- Supervise Bachelor of Social Work student placements; and perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A Master of Social Work degree or a Bachelor of Social Work degree with considerable experience. Experience required is in Social Work and prior experience in child protection is preferred.
- For Senior Social Worker Positions - A Master of Social Work degree supplemented by considerable experience or a Bachelor of Social Work degree supplemented by extensive experience. The experience required is in Social Work and prior experience in child protection is preferred.
- Eligible for registration with the PEI Social Work Registration Board and for delegation under the PEI Child, Youth & Family Services Act as well as Authorization under the Adoption Act;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- A valid PEI driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle
- The employee is required, as a condition of employment, to provide a motor vehicle for the purpose of carrying out employment functions. The requirement is subject to review every 12 months as per UPSE Civil Collective Agreement.
- A good previous work and attendance record and acceptable Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Protection Record Check.
- Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, impacts of abuse and neglect on children, community resources, systems that children interact with (education, criminal justice, health including mental health and addictions, etc.), trauma and its effect on children’s well-being, mental health and addictions issues and their impacts, loss and grief, adoption related issues and the importance of permanency planning for children.
- Skills in risk assessment, interviewing, communication, case planning, case management, counselling, clinical assessment, critical thinking, anger management, conflict resolution, group work, crisis intervention, collaboration, cultural competence, computer literacy, documentation and time management.
- Ability to understand and interpret the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth and Families, the Adoption Act and other related legislation, policies and procedures.
- Training in use of Structured Decision Making
- SAFE Assessment training
- Trauma Informed Care training
Other Qualifications:
- Knowledge of other risk assessment tools
- Knowledge of all departmental social programs
- PRIDE training, Step Wise Joint Interviewing
This competition may be used to fill future job vacancies.
Please Note: Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Where possible, submitting an electronic resume or job application is preferred. Otherwise, please return forms to PEI Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 7N8. Applications may be sent by fax to (902) 368-4383.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION, BY TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE.
Please ensure that the appropriate Posting ID number is stated on all application forms. You can apply online or obtain an application form by visiting our web site at www.jobspei.ca. Forms may also be obtained by contacting any PEI Government office, ACCESS PEI Centre, Regional Services Centre, or by telephone (902) 368-4080.
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