Circle Facilitator

**POSITION TITLE**: CIRCLE FACILITATOR

**DEPARTMENT**: SUPPORT SERVICES AND ADMINISTRATION

**REPORTS TO**: CULTURAL SERVICES SUPERVISOR

**CLASSIFICATION**: FULL TIME PERMANENT

**LOCATION**: WHITBY, ON

**POSTING DATE**: DECEMBER 20TH, 2023

**CLOSING DATE**: JANUARY 14TH, 2023

***

Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services is a multi-service Indigenous wellbeing agency. We provide a stable foundation for children, youth, and families, through wraparound services that are culturally based, and family focused.

***

**PURPOSE OF THE POSITION**

The Circle Facilitator reports to the Cultural Services Supervisor and is responsible to prepare and facilitate circles and make referrals to formal Alternative Dispute Resolution processes, when necessary, in keeping with Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services’ Mission, Vision, and Values. The Circle Facilitator, in collaboration with the Cultural Services Supervisor, interprets Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services Cultural Services policies and procedures and ensures legislative standards are maintained while providing mediation and support, respecting the culture of the child(ren), youth, families and community involved.

As a Circle Facilitator, you will demonstrate your effective facilitation skills, providing a gateway for all parties to listen and be heard, in a collaborative, indigenous setting.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Promote the philosophy of Circles, which includes confidentiality, safety, building on family strengths, inclusiveness, permanency for children, acknowledging cultural diversity, family preservation / reunification, and family and community collaborative decision-making through consultations and the provision of training and education as requested.
- Coordinate and facilitate the Circle process for selected situations, including:

- Accepting referrals from staff.
- Ensuring date and venue of Circle is arranged.
- Reviewing referral information to ensure completeness and clarity.
- Preparing participants to explain the Circle agenda, ground rules, and to ensure safety, as well as expected outcomes.
- Facilitating Circles.
- Completing the Circle outcome report, sharing with participants, and providing to the Child & Youth Service Worker for processing.
- Provide support, guidance, and safety during the Circle process to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children / youth, and families involved.
- Comply with traditional protocols and best practices related to Circles and advise Supervisor of any significant departures.

**Program**:

- The position makes recommendations with respect to the Circle program and provides input into the service planning process generally.
- Assists in developing and designing Circle training programs for various parties.
- Provide consultation to management and staff of the Agency regarding when and how Circle may be used effectively.
- Provide ongoing education and training about Circles to staff, caregivers, community service providers and other community members as needed.

**Administrative**:

- Prepare and maintain regular reports, analyses and statistics as required.
- Participate in regular evaluation of Circles.
- Participate in the ongoing development and implementation of policies, procedures and best practices related to First Nation, Inuit, and Métis Circles. Participate with community and / or provincial working groups related to Circles, as may be appropriate.
- Participate in the development of an overall service plan.
- Attends all staff meetings.

**Other Duties**:

- As assigned and required.

***

**Education and Experience Requirements**:

- Social Services Diploma or Indigenous Studies Diploma
- A minimum of three (3) years relevant experience working with children and families.
- Recognized and respected by their own community as someone who has lived experience and a learned understanding of Indigenous culture and traditional teachings, and they carry themselves within community according to those teachings.
- Other educational achievements and relevant experiences which, in the opinion of the Executive Director and the Director of Cultural & Wellbeing Services is an equivalency for the purposes of this position.
- Experience, knowledge, and skill in group facilitation would be an asset.

**Availability Requirements**:

- Our office hours are 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday, with a one-hour unpaid lunch. However, based on the needs of those we serve, our frontline staff regularly find themselves working outside of these hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

**Knowledge Requirements**:

- Thorough knowledge and experience of Circle facilitation and Alternative Dispute Resolution process.
- Thorough knowledge of child welfare case management and the Child and Family Services Act.
- Strong knowledge of the child welfare system and the issues faced by the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit child(ren) / youth and family populations ser