Child Protection Worker

Type

Full Time

Closing Date 

January 31, 2025

Term:

Permanent

Hours of Work 

35 hours per week

Wage

TBD

Title of Immediate Supervisor:

Supervisor, Intake

Team:

Intake

Purpose of the Role 

The Child Protection Worker, Intake will be responsible for ensuring the safety of children by completing investigations and assessing needs in accordance with the provisions of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), Ministry Standards, Child Protection Protocols, Risk Assessment Tools, Ogwadeni:deo Policy and Procedures and community standards. 

Major Position Responsibilities 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SUPPORT TO OGHWEHO:WEH FAMILIES, CHILDREN AND YOUTH  

·         Conduct child protection investigations and asses risk to children and youth in accordance with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA). 

·         Receive and review referrals and requests for service to determine eligibility and jurisdiction. 

·         Conduct case investigations including interventions in crisis situations. 

·         Assess risk to children utilizing risk and assessment tools, standards and guidelines and Ogwadeni:deo policies and procedures. 

·         Conduct joint investigations and home visits with police as appropriate to ensure the safety of children. 

·         Interview and assess all parties involved including referral source, children and extended families. 

·         Obtain information from the “Fast Tract Information” system and any other Children’s Aid Societies. 

·         Complete assessments for the purpose of formulating treatment and service plans. 

·         Provide short-term counselling services to children and families and make appropriate referrals. 

·         Consult with community partners in developing appropriate extended family and Alternative Care placements and admit children into the care and custody of Ogwadeni:deo when necessary. 

·         Prepare children for admission into care of Ogwadeni:deo. 

·         Prepare and complete legal documentation for children coming into care. 

·         Document, complete and coordinate all requirements for court hearings. 

·         Appear as a witness in child welfare, criminal or family court. 

·         Prepare children and families for the transfer of service from Intake and Investigation to Ongoing Services. 

·         Prepare and attend transfer interviews and conferences. 

·         Complete all case management reporting and recording requirements as required. 

·         Ensure completion of People profile, intake and new referral information in Agency database. 

·         Ensure completion of Ogwadeni:deo prescribed case management notes within the prescribed timeframe. 

·         Ensure completion of Investigation of Allegation & Concerns Module, Safety Assessment, Risk Assessment. 

·         Comprehensive Protection Assessment, Plans of Service, 90 Day Eligibility Review and Case Activity Modules. 

·         Prepare admission information for children admitted into care. 

·         Obtain supervisory approval and sign off on case recording documentation. 

·         Collaborate with First Nation designated authority in making decisions regarding investigations and service plans. 

·         Work collaboratively and cooperatively at all levels to support the use of a family-centered, strengths-based child focussed practice while assisting families in building their capacities to provide safe and nurturing environments for children. 

·         Demonstrate behaviours, actions and attitudes that are consistent with Ogwadeni:deo vision, mission and values. 

·         Provide opportunities for the enhancement and development of positive cultural identities of the children, families and communities served. 

·         Ensure appropriate communication and consultation with Supervisor at appropriate times. 

·         Ensure effective and professional communications with all internal and external service providers including Alternative Care homes, police, schools and medical professionals. Share information according to privacy and/or confidentiality guidelines.  

·         Work respectfully, positively, professionally and collaboratively with team members. 

·         Complete administrative functions, reports and adhere to Ogwadeni:deo policies, procedures and relevant practice. 

·         Ensure confidentiality and safekeeping of all Ogwadeni:deo documents and records. 

·         Develop and maintain a detailed work plan of activities. 

·         Develop and maintain accurate, up-to-date and concise work files. 

·         Prepare and deliver reports. 

·         Work in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Act and any other relevant legislation. 

·         Prepare and submit monthly reports, attendance records and travel expense claims. 

·         Follow the Ogwadeni:deo’s Human Resources, Finance and other policies and procedures in the performance of duties. 

·         Provide financial support to both temporary and permanent care providers that are within the team’s budget allocation, and recommends Ogwadeni:deo’s management team that the financial support be provided when the cost of support exceeds budget allocation. 

·         Participates in the development of the annual budget and expenditure plan based on the identification of team support and programming requirements. 

·         Establish partnerships and networking with other agencies. 

·         Maintains regular communications with other community-based and external service providers pertinent to sharing general information, sharing ideas about effective protective interventions and service delivery and encouraging maximum coordination of program services. 

·         Participate in the development of protocols and collaboration agreements respecting such matters as referral, information sharing, confidentiality, case conferencing, service ability, care/support planning, police involvement, role and involvement of protection program staff in service provision by other agencies. 

·         Participate in public forums, including the media, to communicate the responsibilities and practices of Ogwadeni:deo and to develop and maintain public support. 

Knowledge, Experience & Skills Required

Basic/Mandatory Requirements  

The successful applicant:  

·         Will have a BSW or equivalent University Degree from a recognized post-secondary institution, preferably with one year of front line and case management work experience within the child welfare sector OR 

·         Social Services Worker Diploma/Certificate or equivalent College Diploma/Certificate to the employer’s satisfaction with three years of front line and case management work experience within the child welfare sector, with the willingness to upgrade their studies to a BSW University degree from a recognized post-secondary institution. 

·         Child Welfare Authorization Training is preferred  

·         Must have a valid class “G” driver’s license. 

·         Must submit a favourable criminal reference check and vulnerable sector screening. 

·         Must be willing to work flexible hours. 

Knowledge Requirements  

The successful applicant:  

·         Must be thoroughly familiar with the relevant provincial legislation, regulations and guidelines. 

·         Must be thoroughly familiar with the service delivery policies and procedures. 

·         Must have the knowledge of the range of methods and techniques involved in both traditional approaches to helping as well as contemporary social service work strategies. 

Ability Requirements  

The successful applicant(s) must demonstrate ability to:  

·         Respect the Six Nations’ cultures and of the cultures of other First Nations families who reside in the designated service delivery area. 

·         Relate effectively to community members and their children.  

·         Supervise staff performing a range of service functions. 

·         Work effectively with the management and staff of other programs/agencies. 

·         Communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.  

·         Use basic computer software (e.g. Microsoft Office, Case Management Data Bases). 

·         Work effectively in a team setting. 

·         Speak and/or understand Mohawk and/or Cayuga language is an asset. 

Specific Working Conditions & Requirements

·         Positions in the field of Ogwadeni:deo, traditional Child protection can be both mentally and emotionally challenging.  This position, given that the primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of children/youth who are alleged to be and may be found to be in need of protection and managing a team interacting with families in relation to sensitive issues can involve considerable mental and emotional stress, especially where the staff are involved in traumatic situations involving families, children and youth. This position is subject to an environment that may involve physically dangerous situationsIt is the expectation that the worker will conduct themselves within the Ogwadeni:deo Code of practice in exhibiting the values and qualities, Compassion and Kindness, respecting one another, working together, assisting one another, self reflection on actions taken, taking responsibility, encouragement, honest and moral conduct, being truthful and consistent and peaceful thoughts and actions.