Intake Officer

Introduction

The Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth (MACY) is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly and is independent of government. The Manitoba Advocate’s statutory mandate includes representing the rights, interests, and viewpoints of children, youth, and young adults receiving any designated or reviewable services as described under The Advocate for Children and Youth Act.

The Thompson Office is a unique joint pilot project that provides access to the advocacy assistance and complaint process for both the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth and the Manitoba Ombudsman Offices. The successful incumbent’s role plays an integral part in connecting clients from the City of Thompson and surrounding communities to the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth and the Manitoba Ombudsman head offices in Winnipeg. This position provides intake services for the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth (MACY) Office, and coverage for the Manitoba Ombudsman’s Office as required. This unique position works under the mandates of both offices and assesses incoming inquiries/complaints for risk and service needs, prioritizes requests, and determines the level of intervention required.

Conditions of Employment: Must be legally entitled to work in Canada Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, Prior Contact Check, Child Abuse Registry Check and Adult Abuse Registry Check. Must possess a valid Manitoba Driver’s License, access to a vehicle, and ability and willingness to travel throughout Manitoba. Qualifications: Essential: Relevant post-secondary degree in social work or another related discipline, with experience in a service field providing direct services to children, youth, or young adults. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered. Registration or eligibility to register as a Social Worker with the Manitoba College of Social Workers; equivalent education, experience and eligibility for registration with another regulatory body may be considered. Knowledge and understanding of provincial child and youth-serving public systems, and associated legislation, regulations, policies and standards, including, but not limited to: child and family services, youth justice, victim services/supports, mental health, addictions, disabilities, and education. Knowledge and understanding of The Advocate for Child and Youth Act. Knowledge and ability to maintain strict confidentiality and use of diplomacy and discretion when dealing with children, youth, their families, and the public. Demonstrated ability to use sound judgement with sensitivity when dealing with complex, difficult cases and public educational activities, in accordance with the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth/Manitoba Ombudsman mandates. Exceptional communication, negotiation, problem solving, and dispute resolution skills. Knowledge of advocacy principles and processes, including children’s rights, and experience delivering advocacy services Public speaking and public relations skills, with the comfort and ability to deliver public presentations. Knowledge and understanding of the lives of Indigenous peoples and the aims and objectives of Indigenous communities, and other diverse cultures with respect to the provision of culturally appropriate services. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Knowledge and ability to work with automated management information/case tracking systems, and word processing software.
Desired: Ability to communicate in one of Manitoba’s Indigenous languages and/or French.
The Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth is looking for candidates who are willing to work on a flexible schedule to cover office demands and when travelling for work-related purposes.
Duties: Under the direction of the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth Office, the incumbent functions as an Intake Officer. The Intake Officer shall receive, assess, and prioritize all requests for advocacy services according to Office policies and procedures, and terms of The Advocate for Children and Youth Act. The Intake Officer shall determine the eligibility for advocacy services through the use of alternative dispute resolution strategies, and shall provide brief advocacy services. The Intake Officer will assist the child, youth, young adult, or family and other natural advocates, inclusive of community organizations, to access appropriate services and develop self-advocacy strategies. The Intake Officer will communicate with children who are receiving, have received or who are entitled to receive any designated services described in The Advocate for Children and Youth Act or other persons representing those eligible for these services. The Intake Officer, in collaboration with MACY staff assigned to support the Thompson Office, will be responsible for initiating, developing and maintaining relationships with community-based organizations and other relevant youth-serving organizations in order to expand outreach efforts through public education and engagement. The Intake Officer will respond to enquiries regarding the special investigation review and serious injury programs, and assist the enquiring children, youth, young adults, and their families.

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