Jobs at Family and Children's Services of Renfrew County (Now Hiring) — 7 open

Indigenous child and family well-being worker, 6-month contract, 1FTE, Pembroke

Existing Vacancy

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INDIGENOUS CHILD AND FAMILY WELL-BEING WORKER

Family & Children’s Services of Renfrew County is a multi-service agency committed to providing preventative, protective, and socially inclusive services and programming that empower and strengthen everyone. We are focused on cultivating a team-oriented work environment where everyone thrives. Our goal is to develop and strengthen collaborative partnerships to increase availability, accessibility, and quality of care to our communities. Our agency commitments include moving forward Anti-Oppressive Practice, French Language Services, and working alongside Indigenous Communities.

POSITION SUMMARY
 

The Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Worker (ICFWBW) provides protection and well-being services in accordance with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), Ontario Child Protection Standards, Signs of Safety framework, and agency policies, while integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing into all aspects of service delivery, supporting Indigenous children, youth and families in maintaining meaningful connections to their family, extended family, community, culture, language, traditions, spirituality and identity.

The ICFWBW works from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally grounded approach, supporting the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being of Indigenous children, youth, and families. This includes engaging families, communities, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers through culturally meaningful practices such as circle, Seven Grandfather Teachings, and land-based and relational approaches.

This position is designated and authorized to perform the duties of a Child and Family Protection Worker in accordance with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.

The role includes investigation, ongoing protection, and integrated/community-based work while maintaining compliance with legislative obligations and supporting culturally appropriate planning, kinship, and customary care.

CORE FUNCTIONS

The Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Worker will:

• Assess safety and risk, determine service responses, and collaborate with families, Indigenous communities, and collateral partners using both clinical and culturally grounded approaches.
• Complete investigations, case management, and service planning in line with CYFSA, Child Protection Standards, and agency policies, while incorporating Indigenous teachings and practices.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation and participate in supervision, team collaboration, and ongoing professional development.
• Ensure services are provided in compliance with applicable legislation, including the Ontario Human Rights Code, AODA, OHSA, and FLSA where applicable.
• Uphold commitments to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and support Indigenous self-determination in service delivery.
• Recognize the importance of family, extended family, community, culture, language, land, spirituality, ceremony and identity.
• Work respectfully with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous service providers.
• Support opportunities for children and youth to reconnect with their culture, community and traditional knowledge.
• Recognize that First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities have distinct cultures, traditions, governance structures, protocols and approaches to child and family well-being.

ASSIGNMENT FOCUS

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (ALL ASSIGNMENTS)

TYPICAL DUTIES
 Depending on assignment, the Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Worker will:

• Conduct interviews with children, caregivers, extended family, and community supports using culturally safe and relational approaches.
• Complete safety and risk assessments, safety planning, and documentation in alignment with legislation and standards.
• Facilitate circle, family conferences, and network meetings, incorporating Indigenous teachings and values.
• Support families to build strengths, reconnect with culture, and develop sustainable support networks.
• Assist in identifying and strengthening kinship and customary care arrangements.
• Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous communities to support planning and decision-making.

• Facilitate access to culturally relevant services, supports, and community resources.
• Support court processes, placements, and reintegration planning, ensuring cultural considerations are addressed.
• Provide after-hours emergency services as required.
• Adhere to all FCSRC policies, Ministry Regulations, Standards, Directives, and relevant legislation.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

SKILL REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position involves a combination of office-based work and in-person service delivery
• Flexibility in work hours is occasionally required to meet service needs, including after-hours or emergency response
• Regular travel within the county is required, and travel outside the county may also be required on a regular or as-needed basis; access to a reliable vehicle is necessary
• The role requires periods of light physical activity, including sitting, standing, walking, and occasional handling of lightweight objects (up to 10 lbs.)
• This role involves partnering with families and communities through sensitive and sometimes emotionally charged situations. Workers are supported to navigate complex interactions with empathy, professionalism, and resilience, utilizing available resources and training to promote well-being for both families and staff.

SALARY: $62,893 – $96,915