Indigenous Infant, Child & Family Avocate

Company: Niagara Chapter-Native Women Inc.

Job Posting: Indigenous Infant, Child & Family Advocate 
Office Location: Fort Erie, Ontario  
Classification: Regular, Full-time                          
Hours: 40 Hrs./Week (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)                          
Salary Range: Approx. $23.00-25.00 per hour 
Work Location: 1088 Garrison Road, Fort Erie, Ontario 

Who Are We:
The Niagara Chapter of Native Women Inc. was founded with the collective goal of enhancing, promoting, 
and fostering the social, economic, cultural, and political well-being of Indigenous women and their families. 
As an autonomous Chapter of the Ontario Native Women’s Association, we are a registered non-profit 
charity that is proudly Indigenous governed and operated, serving Indigenous women and families 
throughout the Niagara Region. 

What We Offer:
We offer full-time employment, a comprehensive benefits package following a 90-day probationary period, a 
generous personal day allotment, two paid weeks off during the winter break, and two weeks of paid vacation 
after one year of service. Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside a close-knit, 
passionate team of women who are dedicated to making a positive impact in our community! 

Program Description:
The Indigenous Advocate plays a key role in strengthening the collaborative partnership with FACS 
Niagara. The purpose of the service is to work jointly with FACS and the Lead Indigenous Advocate to 
support Indigenous children in care to maintain or reconnect with their birth families, bands, and home 
communities, and to assist with reunification where appropriate. The role also focuses on working 
collaboratively to secure Indigenous kinship, customary care, and foster placements within the Niagara 
region. In addition, the Indigenous Advocate helps improve services for Indigenous children and families 
involved with FACS Niagara by linking them to culturally appropriate programs, services, and activities 
that support the restoration or strengthening of cultural identity. This includes advocating for and 
supporting families connected to FACS Niagara as well as working with the Unity Team of FACS 
Niagara, to enhance overall service quality through system navigation, coordination, and ongoing 
collaboration. 

Qualifications:
• Understanding of Indigenous child welfare issues, urban/rural, on/off reserve, including history. 
• A Social Work degree, (equivalent proven experience) or college diploma in a relevant area. 
• Knowledge of all applicable legislation.  
• Experience with Indigenous communities. 
• Outstanding organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail. 
• Excellent case noting, record keeping, and working knowledge of Microsoft Office. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Proven good judgment, discretion and confidentiality are essential. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively. 
• Proven ability to take direction, work with minimal supervision and be able to meet deadlines. 
• Experience with or in a Children’s Aid Societies an asset. 
• Ability to work flexible hours, some evenings & weekends, if required.. 
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector) 
• Reliable transportation, with a clean driver’s license is required. 
• Knowledge of Niagara Region.  Travel throughout region required. 

Key Responsibilities: 
• Preventing Indigenous children from entering care 
• Collaboration with the Unity Team. 
• Supporting reunification efforts 
• Children in Care Support; visits and case management 
• Family Support; visits and case management 
• Prenatal & Maternal Sacred Journey Support 
• Post-Reunification & Family Support 
• Organizing and support of community programs and inter-agency collaboration

 
NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.  The employee may perform other related 
duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.  

PLEASE SEND COVER LETTER, RESUME WITH THREE (3) EMPLOYMENT REFERENCES 
ADDRESSED TO: Elaine Berwald, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
Hiring@ncnw.ca 
Open until filled 

We thank all who apply. Only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. 
Indigenous persons, Metis, and Inuit with lived experience encouraged to apply. 

“This program has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Ontario Native 
Women’s Association.”