Practice Specialist (Edmonton)

JOB OVERVIEW

The Practice Specialist is responsible for the assessment of children, youth, and families, case planning, and the management of family preservation and support services to ensure child and family well-being. This role focuses on preservation and protection, ensuring children remain with their families whenever possible while addressing intervention concerns. The Practice Specialist will work collaboratively with families, service teams, and community partners to develop and implement case plans that support permanency and better outcomes for children, youth, and families. This role also provides consulting, training, and support for complex cases within the organization, and participates in the development of new options to meet the needs of children, families and communities. All services delivered are consistent with the vision, mission, and core values of CKAM Program.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Assessment & Case Planning

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of children, youth, and families to determine risks and needs.


• Analyze contributing factors affecting child & youth safety, including parental capacity, environmental influences, and community support.
  


• Make recommendations around appropriate strategies and support that will keep the child and family together (e.g., social, health, environmental, client’s motivation, capacity and opportunity to make changes to resolve the intervention concern(s) or escalate accordingly.
  


• Provide crisis intervention and support in emergencies.
  


• Enable or support conflict resolution between family members, families and service teams where appropriate, makes referrals to formal or informal alternative dispute resolution supports and/or facilitates family group conferencing for resolution of issues in support of the child/youth at risk.
  


• Develop case plans that outline intervention and prevention strategies, ensuring alignment with family goals and cultural considerations.
  


• Monitor the progress of children and youth and adjust case plans as necessary.
  


• Provide crisis intervention and mediation to address family conflicts and promote stability.
  


• Identify and connect families with appropriate community resources, services, and wrap-around supports.
  


• Organize and chair case conferences and facilitate family group conferencing where appropriate.

Case Management & Coordination

• Maintain an active caseload, engaging with families to implement and monitor case plans.
  


• Advocate for children and families, ensuring access to needed services and supports.
  


• Collaborate with Prevention and Post Majority (PM) teams to provide guidance and transition support.
  


• Monitor service effectiveness and adjust case plans as necessary to meet the evolving needs of the child and family.
  


• Prepare reports, legal documentation, and Tribunal submissions as required.
  


• Measures and records progress towards goals and outcomes to support families in identifying the achievement of case plan objectives.

Community Collaboration 

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with community partners and service providers.
  


• Support community-based initiatives aimed at preventing child intervention and strengthening family resilience.
  


• Engage in networking, training, and development opportunities to enhance professional knowledge and practice.
  


• Provide consultation and training to staff on best practices in family preservation and child protection.

Administration 

• Maintain accurate case files and documentation in accordance with agency policies and legal standards.
  


• Participate in program planning, evaluation, and data collection for service improvement.
  


• Ensure adherence to policies, cultural protocols, and relevant legislation affecting child and family services.
  


• Participate in CKAM Program planning and reporting, including data collection, summary and analysis as needed.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Social Work Diploma with a minimum of 5 years’ experience or equivalency;


• Knowledge of issues and practices of CKAM and the impact on children and families; services to children, family dynamics and an understanding of the sensitive situation’s families experience;


• Experience in the development and participation of case planning with children and families;


• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software including Excel (spreadsheets and pivot tables), PowerPoint, database application and e-mail, team meetings, and video conferencing;


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with accuracy and attention to detail;


• Ability to multi task and meet deadlines and work without direct supervision;


• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and clean drivers abstract;


• Fluency in Cree is an asset; and


• Criminal, Vulnerable and Child Welfare Intervention record checks will be required at time of interview.