Customary Care Worker

Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikiwahp (Driftpile Children’s Lodge) is a community-based and family-oriented organization dedicated to providing care, protection, and well-being for all Driftpile Cree Nation children in a preventative manner, promoting healing for children, families, and the community. A coordinated, holistic, and interdisciplinary approach forms the foundation of the Agency, ensuring that the developmental needs of children, youth, and families are met with respect for their cultural identity, customs, traditions, beliefs, and values.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Customary Care Worker for the Main Office will report directly to the Post Majority & Family Community Preservation Director and is responsible for the assessment of potential Customary Care homes that will support Driftpile children and youth who are out of parental/guardian home. This role promotes family permanency by working with prevention teams, intervention staff, and community partners to support 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 the Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikiwahp Program.

RESPONSIBILITIES

General

• Recruit, screen, train, and support the customary care home with Driftpile Cree Nation under Mihtatakaw Sipiy Awasak Wiyaswewin.


• Develop, recruit, and support the “Kokum On-call” support network.


• Plan and facilitate customary care training for homes providing long term or temporary care to children, youth, and families.


• Liaise between Driftpile, communities, and other agencies when required.


• Work in conjunction with the Practice Specialist, Intensive Services Team, and wrap-around team to provide holistic programming for Driftpile Cree Nation children, youth, parents and families.


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


• Develop recruitment strategies for establishing customary care homes in the province of Alberta.


• Develop and maintaining a customary care roster of available placements (in and out-of-home support).


• Ensure the security checks and criteria outlined in CKAM customary care policy are completed with care homes/providers/Kokums on-call.


• Provide the required training for in and out-of-home assessments to all customary care families as part of the approval process.


• Support the customary care families on an on-going basis.


• Travel may be required, as well as other assigned duties as needed.

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 Intensive Services team to provide guidance and transition support.


• Monitor service effectiveness and adjust case plans as necessary to meet the evolving needs of the customary care homes and program.


• 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 or equivalent, with a minimum of 3 years of experience in case management or child and family services.


• Experience in case planning, risk assessment, and intervention with children and families.


• Knowledge of Indigenous child welfare laws, policies, and jurisdictional considerations.


• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and clean driver’s abstract.


• Fluency in Cree is an asset.


• Clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector and Intervention Record Check upon hire.

If you are a passionate and experienced individual looking to join our team and make a community impact, please apply to Careers – CKAM