Community Access Worker *RE-POST*
Henvey Inlet First Nation is currently seeking a full-time Community Access Worker to join our Administration. The Community Access Worker reports to the Band Representative Lead and is responsible for facilitating and supervising access visits for families with children in care. This position requires strong observational and analytical skills and exceptional interpersonal communication skills.
Henvey Inlet First Nation offers competitive wages, paid vacation and personal emergency days, an incredible pension and benefit package, on-site daycare services for working parents, fifteen paid federal, provincial and First Nations holidays, annual cultural leave, paid Christmas break, and half-day workdays every Friday.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
The Community Access Worker will be responsible to:
- Assist with the development of a program structure for Henvey Inlet First Nation in collaboration with the Band Representative Team
- Assist with the establishment of a Child Welfare Committee and collaboratively develop Henvey Inlet First Nation child welfare laws, regulations and practices
- Develop a goals-based Family Access Plan in collaboration with the Band Representative Team and child welfare agency
- Set-up and facilitate family access visits, ensuring safe arrival and departure of children at the access centre
- Transport families and children to community and family access visits, including activities and services to achieve case plan objectives
- Open and close the access centre, including setting-up and cleaning-up of required equipment
- Inspect and/or clean centre equipment and toys as per recommended health and safety standards
- Provide continuous supervision to non-custodial/visiting persons with their children during access visits
- Monitor access visits, recording objective, accurate and factual observations of visits and exchanges in case files and logs
- Ensure the health & safety of all parties involved and end a visit if there is a safety risk
- Assess, report, and update the status of the set goals to the Band Representative, protection worker or other relevant assigned case worker
- Provide guidance, support and modeling for families in visit settings and troubleshoot and address any issues as required
- Complete all required agency forms and all paperwork associated with visits and client contact as per policies and procedures
- Provide feedback to child and youth, and protection workers as required
- Provide information to Band Representative Lead concerning client needs, requests or complaints
- Behave in a professional manner when acting as a representative of Henvey Inlet First Nation
- Maintain a broad knowledge of local resources available to assist clients in achieving goals
- Work collaboratively and cooperatively with all levels, including community professionals, in order to help families in providing safe and nurturing environments for children
- Provide opportunities for the enhancement and development of positive cultural identities of children, families and community members served
- Assist with the development of BCR’s as needed with full briefing notes for Chief and Council
- Assist with coordinating, setting-up and cleaning-up for departmental programming, including picking up and shopping for supplies when requested
- Build and maintain trusting and supportive client relations
- Attend all court proceedings related to band member child welfare cases as required
- Maintain an empathetic and supportive demeanor to band members and their families
- Develop and maintain accurate, up-to-date and concise work files
- Create and maintain a secure filing system with gathered information on all our members with open files with each child welfare agency throughout Canada in accordance with PIPEDA regulations
- Maintain strict confidentiality at all times
- Adhere to all HIFN Policies and Procedures
- Participate in continuous learning and maintain up-to-date knowledge on current industry regulations, trends and practices
- Participate in mandatory training workshops as required
- Attend and actively participate in team, staff and community meetings
- Perform other duties as assigned from time-to-time by the Band Representative Lead, Director of Finance/Administration or Chief and Council
QUALIFICATIONS
- Post-secondary certificate or diploma in Social Services, Family Services, Child and Youth Services or other related field
- 1-2 years of experience working with parents and children in a social services setting preferred
- Current and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check
- Valid Ontario Class G Driver's License with access to a reliable, insured vehicle
- Current First Aid and CPR Level C an asset
- A strong understanding of First Nations’ cultures, values and history required
- Knowledge of Henvey Inlet First Nation community and practices an asset
- Previous experience working within a First Nations organization an asset
- Knowledge of the history of child welfare as it pertains to First Nations’ communities
- Full understanding of the Child and Family Services Act (CFSA), Bill C92, federal and provincial child welfare laws and regulations and Customary Care Agreements
- Previous experience developing detailed plans and critical path timelines
- Knowledge of family dynamics and intervention models
- Knowledge of child development and effective parenting skills
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build professional relationships with HIFN members/clients and affiliates
- Ability to supervise and mentor parents and provide insightful feedback of behavioural dynamics
- Strong public speaking and advocacy skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Exceptional organization and time-management skills
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Highly resourceful with the ability to adapt to changing work needs and demands
- Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion
- Professional attitude and a strong work ethic
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong computer and typing skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Willingness to travel for work when needed
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including on-call, evenings and weekends when requested
HOURS OF WORK
Full-Time – 35.5 hrs/week
REMUNERATION
Negotiable based on experience
START DATE
As soon as possible
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Open until filled
Those interested in applying should submit their resume and cover letter in confidence to:
Henvey Inlet First Nation – Human Resources
295 Pickerel River Rd.
Pickerel, ON P0G 1J0
Tel: (705) 857-2331
Fax: (705) 857-3021
Email:
We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Henvey Inlet First Nation gives preference to all qualified First Nations people in accordance with Section 24(1) (a) of the Ontario Human Rights Code.
