Rapid Response Family Support Worker FT/Temporary (18 months)

Objective

The Primary objective of the MFS Rapid Response Family Support Worker is to work in concert with MFS and MCFD Child Protection staff to ensure the safety and well-being of Métis children and assist in the preservation of the Family unit.

Job Summary:

The RRW will work in a fully integrated case practice model with MFS and MCFD Child Protection staff. They will accompany and assist MCFD child protection staff with all child welfare investigations involving Metis families involved with MFS and/or MCFD Circle Five. They will assist in the development and implementation of risk reduction planning through intensive one-to-one support in the home and will offer a variety of culturally sensitive family support programs. The Rapid Response worker will work with clients for a period not to exceed twelve weeks. For long-term service and support, the RRW will refer the family to other Community Strengthening programs.

Under the direction of the MFS Director of Program and Practices, the Rapid Response Worker will promote a least disruptive measures philosophy and provide MFS and MCFD protection staff with viable alternatives to the removal of children if and whenever possible. In the event of a removal, the Rapid Response worker will focus on an early return of the children of seek a family based alternative to mainstream foster care.

Reports to : The Family Strengthening Supervisor Team Leader

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Gathers information relevant to the client’s problems, needs, and risks by interviewing, observing behavior, meeting with caregivers and service providers, and using a variety of inventories, checklists, and questionnaires. Assesses the information gathered to identify client problems, needs and risks. Develops and implements an intervention plan within programming guidelines.


• Assesses famlie4s for suitability for traditional or mainstream family support programs


• Assist in the creation and implementation of Risk Reduction Plans


• Provide intensive one to one support in the client’s home (i.e. life skills, home management skills, parenting skills, behavior management training, access visit supervision, transportation as needed etc…)


• Provide emotional support and feedback to clients


• Assist MFS and MCFD staff to identify potential problems as well as client’s strengths


• Maintain individual client files


• Consult with the Supervisor on a case by case basis


• Participates as part of a support team, monitoring client progress and well-being, evaluating effectiveness of the intervention and family plan and making further recommendations prior to closure of file.


• Maintain liaison with community partners, agencies, and professionals.


• Provides support and guidance to clients and families; facilitates positive family communication, assists clients in making positive changes and solving problems related to family functioning and child safety, using techniques such as active listening, conflict resolution and basic counselling techniques.


• Maintains related records and statistics. Produces client service plans, progress and discharge reports in accordance with established program policies and guidelines.


• Other duties as required

  Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Social Work degree or a related human/social service field.


• Practical knowledge of child welfare and family support services in the community.


• One (1) year recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience

Skills and Abilities

• Good knowledge of Indigenous issues


• Knowledge of Child development milestones


• Excellent oral, written facilitation and interpersonal communication skills


• Demonstrated teamwork skills.


• Good time and general management skills


• Ability to work effectively with program staff, non-profit or publicly funded groups / agencies, MCFD and other organizations

Additional Information:

This position requires the ability to function independently frequently under pressure while managing multiple concurrent projects and deadlines including effectively managing emergency situations. Program delivery activities may require a moderate level of physical fitness to effectively carry out duties of the position.

Core Competencies:

Indigenous Relations Behavioural Competencies:

• Cultural Agility is the ability to work respectfully, knowledgeably, and effectively with Indigenous people. It is noticing and readily adapting to cultural uniqueness in order to create a sense of safety for all. It is openness to unfamiliar experiences, transforming feelings of nervousness or anxiety into curiosity and appreciation. It is examining one's own culture and worldview, and the culture of Métis Family Services, and to notice their commonalities, and distinctions with Indigenous cultures, and worldviews. It is recognition of the ways that personal and professional values may conflict or align with those of Indigenous people. It is the capacity to relate to or allow for differing cultural perspectives and being willing to experience a personal shift in perspective. Effectively to other people from diverse backgrounds with diverse views.

Behavioural Competencies

• Results Driven concern for surpassing a standard of excellence. The standard may be one’s own past performance (striving for improvement); an objective measure (achievement orientation); challenging goals that one has set; or even improving or surpassing what has already been done (continuous improvement).


• Teamwork and Co-operation is the ability to work co-operatively with diverse teams, work groups, and across the organization to achieve group and organizational goals. It includes the desire and ability to understand and respond effectively to other people from diverse backgrounds with diverse views.


• Service Orientation implies a desire to identify and serve customers/clients, who may include the public, co-workers, other branches, other ministries/agencies, other government organizations, and non-government organizations. It means focusing one's efforts on discovering and meeting the needs of the customer/client.


• Seeking and Using Feedback involves recognizing that improving performance and authenticity can occur through a reciprocal relationship. This requires an acknowledgement that here is an opportunity for mutual learning and development and levels the field in what is brought to supervision. Reciprocal learning can require active listening and modeling personal change in order to foster trust.


• Reflective Practice is the ability to critically assess how one’s values, beliefs, ethics and culture influence decisions and relationships. An ability to demonstrate exemplary behaviour and curiosity regarding the perspectives of others, results in appropriate boundaries and insightful practice.


• Responsive Learning is facilitated through multiple approaches to encourage a deepening and expanding of skill sets with a view to continuing to build expertise that result in improved individual and organization outcomes.


• Handling Crisis involves effectively managing risks and crises and handling public relations

Other Requirements:

• Required to use own vehicle. Valid Class 5 Driver’s License, Driver’s Abstract and a reliable and safe vehicle.


• Subject to a positive reference check.


• Successful completion of security screening requirements of Métis Family Services, which includes a criminal records check, and/or Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) check, police record checks, enhanced security screening and degree verification.


• Satisfactory proof of legal authorization to work in Canada.

Rate of pay : JJEP Wage Grid 12 $29.17 to $33.49

Start date : As soon as possible.

Please apply for this position from our website at the following link

This position requires union membership.

Metis Family Services thanks all applicants for their interest in this career opportunity; however, only those considered for the position will be contacted.