Family Unification Specialist

**FULL-TIME FAMILY UNIFICATION SPECIALIST - Ponoka and Wetaskiwin, AB**

Unlimited Potential Community Services (UP) is a non-profit charitable society that has been providing quality support and treatment since 1987. Our goal is to restore stability and hope in the lives of children, youth, adults, and families so they can achieve personal independence and family unity. UP believes cultural tradition is an important part of mental wellness, so we incorporate the culture and traditions of our clients wherever possible. UP invites applicants who are passionate about providing quality support to our clients through a culturally sensitive approach and helping us to work together towards our goal to support each child and family to reach their full potential.

**Program/Position overview**:Under the direction and supervision of the Manager of Group Care Services, the Family Unification Specialist is responsible for supporting the youth and their family in unification, transfer of successful program strategies to the youth’s next placement, and reporting. The Family Unification Specialist will provide services and supports to empower youth and their families in their goals of safety and well-being while working towards unification.
- Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, customs and beliefs;
- Passion for working with children, youth and families;
- Strong understanding of family systems, child development, and different cultural and community supports and services;
- Understanding of current and emerging issues of importance to Indigenous people and communities;
- Good understanding and comfort level in working and supporting traumatized youth and children;
- Good understanding of health issues affecting youth and adults, such as FASD, drug and alcohol addictions, intergenerational trauma, mental health, suicide and other behavioral issues;
- Good understanding of cultural differences and how they impact treatment approaches for children and youth;
- Good verbal and written communication skills with proven organizational and documentation skills;
- The ability to work well in a team environment and handle stressful situations in a non-confrontational, problem-solving manner;
- The ability to be comfortable driving in rural and urban settings.

**Other requirements**: A current, clear Police Information Check (vulnerable sector included) and Child Intervention Record Check, both dated within the last 6 months. A valid AB driver’s license (minimum class 5), current driver's abstract (no more than 8 demerits) and a reliable vehicle with $2 million dollars insurance. **Must be willing to work flexible hours that meet the needs of the children/families including evenings and weekends.**

**Salary & Benefits: Salary range is $52,444.00 - $67,029.00 annually (salary commensurate with experience). 3-weeks’ vacation accrual to start with an additional week added after 2 years.**We provide full-time employees with a 100% employer-paid health benefits package (which includes vision, dental and prescription drug coverage, massage therapy, etc.) and a 100% employer-paid R.R.S.P. equaling 3% of annual salary. We also offer free courses and workshops in-house for all of our employees.
- **We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those applicants under consideration will be contacted.**_

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $52,444.00-$67,029.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- On call
- Overtime
- Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Wetaskiwin, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Family Care: 2 years (required)

**Language**:

- English (required)

Licence/Certification:

- Driving Licence (required)
- Social Worker Licence (required)

Work Location: In person