Preservation Worker

Northwestern Ontario
Metis Child & Family Services

Supporting Metis Children, Families and Communities

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Position: PRESERVATION WORKER
Location: Dryden, ON
Status: Full-time, fixed term contract (two-year) position with the possibility of an extension
Closing Date: Open until filled

Northwestern Ontario Metis Child and Family Services is a non-profit agency providing culturally safe support services for children, youth, families and elders using a Wholistic Service Delivery Model (WSDM).

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Preservation Worker is a full-time program support position. The Preservation Worker provides culturally relevant, family-focused, in-home, and one-on-one services to families in crisis to improve parenting and family functioning while ensuring children are safe. The Preservation Worker will provide support and education to individuals and families in areas including, but not limited to, child development, positive parenting strategies, communication, domestic violence, employment, housing, home management, financial skills, school-related issues, and overcoming addictions and mental health concerns. Outcomes of service provision will ensure the well-being of children, reduce incidences of abuse and neglect, strengthen family units, and reduce the number of children requiring alternative placements outside of the home.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide relevant, competent services to Metis families, children, and youth from the point of referral to case closure.
• Provide comprehensive case management, including assessment, planning, coordination, and ongoing monitoring of family support services.
• Consult and coordinate with Elders, Metis Knowledge Keepers, and other cultural supports/resources to provide advice and support to families.
• Assist and teach parents to develop culturally safe and competent strategies to strengthen parenting skills and knowledge, develop an understanding of age-appropriate expectations and discipline and effective coping skills.
• Work alongside families in cases which have open protection files with Indigenous Child and Family Well Being Agencies or Children’s Aid Societies to ensure that families are empowered.
• Assess the needs of young people and plan, coordinate, and deliver services and programs related to life skills development such as education, employment, mental health, housing, budgeting, cooking, health and fitness, smoking, drug use and helathy relationships.
• Mentor, coach, and support Metis children and youth to build on their strengths and capacity to facilitate personal, social, and educational growth to foster healthy growth as they age.
• Plan, organize, and deliver culturally relevant workshops, group sessions, and community events that support parenting, life skills, cultural learning, and family well-being.
• Provide in-home services to assist the family in obtaining skills and knowledge through empowerment to successfully maintain their family unit and strengthen links to all applicable helping resources to ensure children grow up safe within their own families.
• Provide hands-on, in-home support to families struggling with various parenting and/or relationship challenges as well as concerns related to home care and management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Social Work with a minimum of two years’ experience in family support services; however, a combination of education, experience and skills may be considered
• Experience working with Indigenous agencies and Indigenous programs

REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of NWOMCFS vision and mission, structure, Prevention and Family Preservation, service development, service planning, and social work case management
• Ability to be a firm and articulate advocate for Metis people
• Demonstrated ability to prepare comprehensive reports regarding service delivery and procedures
• Commitment to helping Metis people through all stages of life by providing services in ways that respect Metis cultural and spiritual practices
• Strong leadership skills including modeling, coaching, and mentoring
• Demonstrated commitment to community partnership development and ability to negotiate and manage partnerships with external organizations
• Knowledge of computer equipment with related software such as Windows, Word, Outlook and related database applications
• Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of staff on a wide variety of topics
• Demonstrated initiative, time management, and excellent organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience working effectively as a team member
• Professional integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to speak Michif is an asset
• Must provide a current satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Must possess an Ontario Class G Driver’s License, have access to a vehicle, willing to travel, and provide a three-year uncertified Driver’s Abstract

Compensation: $58,707 – $72,000 per annum

Benefits: Dental and vision care, extended health, life insurance, EAP, flexible scheduling, paid time off and a workplace committed to personal well-being.

Working Conditions:
This is a full-time position working standard office hours (35 hours per week). This position functions in a normal office environment with extended periods of sitting using typical office equipment. There are no unusual physical demands. The noise level can be moderate to high. The position may expose the Preservation Worker to high levels of tension ad there may be some challenging contacts or situations that arise.