FT Contract Family Support Worker

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, dynamic, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency.  We strive to provide quality, wholistic health services by sharing and promoting traditional and western health practices to enable people to live in a more balanced state of well-being. SOAHAC provides services to Indigenous people including those who live on and off reserve, status, non-status, Inuit, and Metis within the Southwest, Waterloo Wellington and Erie St Clair regions. SOAHAC has a mandate of ensuring that health services are accessible, of high quality, and are culturally appropriate. It is SOAHAC’s objective to build health care capacity within Indigenous communities.  Currently, we are seeking the services of a Family Support Worker to join our interdisciplinary staff team to work at our Waterloo Wellington site in Cambridge.  

Reporting to the Jordan’s Principle Program Manager, the Family Support Worker will provide culturally competent and professional social work services supporting children, youth, and their families accessing SOAHAC and Jordan’s Principle services. This will include a wide range of supports with a focus on supporting children, youth, and their families to improve wellness, achieve stability and increase resiliency.

Requirements

· Diploma in Family Support Worker, Child and Youth Worker, Social Work or Social Service Work

· Registered as a Social Worker (RSW) an asset

· A minimum of three (3) years direct experience working with FNIM children, youth and families in a support, counselling, social development, or other related health setting

· Experience advocating on behalf of children and families

· Knowledge of current evidence-based practice

· Knowledge of Indigenous culture and practices and culturally safe practices

· Knowledge of the effects of colonization and intergenerational trauma

· Knowledge of community, health and mental health services available in the area

· Knowledge of Jordan’s Principle program an asset

· Able to communicate verbally and in writing with clients, partners, colleagues and leadership

· Able to create a safe counselling environment

· Able to establish a therapeutic relationship

· Able to use critical judgement and problem solve

· Able to complete charting accurately and in a timely manner

· Able to balance competing priorities and complete work in a timely and effective manner

· Travel within Waterloo Wellington region, as well as, SOAHAC sites as required

· Valid Ontario “G” Driver’s license; personal auto insurance and access to a reliable vehicle; clean driving abstract may be required

· Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies

· Clean and current police check as a condition of employment

· Up to date immunizations and records

Responsibilities

Provide Clinical Services

· Support children, youth, and their families with social work requests including completing forms, screening and assessments of needs, referrals, advocacy, brief counseling, crisis support, development and facilitation of groups/workshops, and recommending wellness plans as part of SOAHAC’s Jordan’s Principle Services

· Receive referrals and develop support plan

· Manage and meet targets for caseload and maintain direct service requirements

· Participate in Integrated Care meetings, SOAHAC staff meetings and ceremonies as needed

· Actively participate in service area meetings, mental health and addiction team consultation and debrief sessions as required

Advocate for children and families

· Report to the Jordan’s Principle Manager and work closely with the Jordan’s Principle Care Team and other internal and external programs to ensure seamless, wraparound services

· Act as case manager when required

· Facilitate group programming including collaboration with internal programs and external agencies

· Provide education and health promotion as required

Administration and Documentation

· Author accurate and concise reports, forms, and treatment goals that incorporate third-party reports and case histories from outside agencies

· Manage indirect services, administrative duties, client statistical reporting systems as per funding requirements

· Complete intake process for all applications

· Maintain clean electronic files according to SOAHAC policy

This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.    

SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants. SOAHAC is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please advise Human Resources.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please forward your cover letter and resume to careers@soahac.on.ca.