Karihwanoron Child and Family Care

Company: Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg

Pursuant to Section 24 of the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code), this position will give preference to applicants who identify as a member of an Indigenous community (First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples). Candidates from this group are invited to self-identify in their cover letter, transparently, as part of the application process.   

 Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg provides holistic programs and services for Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities rooted in culture and language. Our vision is to offer high-quality programming that fosters identity formation and creates a sense of belonging. 

Under the direction of the Early Years Leadership Team, the Niwasa Child and Family Program Facilitators are responsible for promoting and creating partnerships to strengthen Indigenous families, both prenatally and with children aged 0-6 years. Karihwanoron offers programming and services that support and enhance healthy child development. These services include interactive drop-ins, traditional parenting sessions, nutrition programs, land-based learning activities, and more. Facilitators are tasked with planning and facilitating Parent-Child education sessions, collaborating, creating, and developing work plans and outreach activities. 

Responsibilities 

• Develop, facilitate and deliver holistic programs and services that meet the needs of families, are of community interest and are rooted in culture and language. 

• Programs delivery on-site within Niwasa, and off-site within the communities and regions we serve. This includes services delivery coordination with outside agencies, in community facilities and in community partner locations as required. 

• Create a calendar of planned program activities responsive to the needs of Indigenous families, prenatally and with children aged 0-6 years. 

• Support families with best practice information, deliver workshops, and provide resources on topics such as Healthy Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Infant Nutrition, Safe Sleep, Family-Community Resources, Pre- and Post-Natal Nutrition, Child Development, Traditional Parenting Sessions, and Family Violence Prevention. 

• Provide and assist families with assessments/screenings at the prenatal stage and at birth to identify support for Indigenous children at risk, ensuring further assessments if required. 

• Support expecting women, and/or new parents and guardians to improve their health and the health of their newborn babies. 

• Strengthen off-reserve Indigenous families by encouraging the development, delivery, and evaluation of community-based and culturally appropriate services for Indigenous women and their babies/children. 

• Create partnerships and collaborate with other partner agencies and service providers offering complementary programs and services. 

• Establish respectful, meaningful, and trusting relationships with clients, colleagues, and the community. 

• Make appropriate referrals within the community. 

• Demonstrate knowledge of Early Years Best Practices, "How Does Learning Happen?" and Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years. 

• Collaborate with community partners to support and promote healthy living and nutrition through programming and activities. 

• Follow Public Health Guidelines. 

• Complete and submit all required reports monthly. 

• Participate in organization and team meetings. 

• Submit weekly timesheets to the direct supervisor for approval and forwarding to the OI Payroll system. 

• Work various shifts, including evenings and weekends, year-round; flexibility required. 

• Coordinate and support Niwasa sponsored community events and initiatives. 

• Perform other duties as required or assigned by the Early Years Program Manager, Associate Director and/or Executive Director, or delegate. 

Specific Job Competencies 

• Genuine commitment to helping parents/caregivers and children with healthy development. 

• Demonstrated ability to build key relationships and maintain strong professional boundaries. 

• Ability to identify key issues and creatively and strategically overcome internal and external challenges or obstacles. 

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the historical and intergenerational trauma of Indigenous peoples. 

• Experience working in a community setting with Indigenous children, youth, and families is an asset. 

• Clear and solid understanding of the issues faced by the urban Indigenous community. 

• High level of self-awareness and wellness with regular self-care participation. 

• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability. 

• Proficiency with administrative software including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 

Qualifications 

• Education related to social services, human services, or health services is required. 

• Experience in Pre and Post Natal programming is an asset. 

• Knowledge of Early Years Best Practices related to pre- and post-natal issues. 

• Clear Vulnerable Sector Screen. 

• Valid First Aid/CPR certification. 

• All required medical vaccinations. 

• Knowledge of the importance of First Nations language and cultural traditions. 

• Food Handler's Certificate. 

• Valid Driver's License and clear driver's abstract are assets. 

• Ability to lift, push, and pull heavy items over 50 lbs.  

Please note that Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg does not use AI technology for the purpose of screening or assessing applicants.