On First Nation Worker

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Within the Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services Service Model, the protection of children and youth is a total community responsibility, everyone has a role to play. Indigenous people have an inherent right and responsibility to raise children in ways that are consistent with traditional child rearing practices. First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities retain the authority to fully participate in decisions regarding their children’s care and well-being. These partnerships are described in service agreements and protocols that the On-First Nation Worker respects and adheres to.

Reporting to the Supervisor, the On-First Nation Worker is responsible for providing support to individuals and families seeking or referred to Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services. Working from the Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services office at their respective First Nation, the On-First Nation Worker will assist the local Prevention Workers in providing support to First Nations children and families.

This position provides protection services to families that have been identified through the Initial Assessment (intake) as families having challenges of child protection risk in accordance with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act. This position conducts assessments of risk in addition to providing a varied degree of intervention and support services to families and their children who are experiencing difficulties. The On-First Nation Worker is the case manager who holds responsibility in the decision making alongside the First Nations related to child admissions, discharge from care etc. On-First Nations territory, the On-First Nation Worker will carry a generic caseload and carry out the duties of Initial Assessment (Intake) and Child and Youth Service Worker (child in care) and occasionally Alternative Care (resource).

**RESPONSIBILITIES**

**Family Service**

**Clinical**:

- Reduce the risk of harm to children utilizing the Risk Assessment Model for Child Protection in Ontario, as follows:

- Conduct Initial Assessments in ongoing child protection cases where there are new allegations of harm, including performing Safety Assessments and making Verification and Protection decisions utilizing our wholistic service model.
- Develop a plan for risk reduction intervention, based on Comprehensive Assessments and Plans of Service, as outlined in the Risk Assessment Model utilizing our wholistic service model.
- Where a child cannot remain safely within the home, shall first explore all options using alternative dispute mechanisms, engagement with parents and extended family to identify options, and work with the First Nations Designated Person, Band Representatives or community representatives to seek alternative plans to protect the child while maintaining involvement by parents, family, and community.
- Bring selected cases to Family Court to protect children when authorized to do so by the Executive Director or his/her designate.
- Develop and maintain effective and therapeutic casework relationships with families with the objective of reducing risk of harm to children.
- The incumbent is directly accountable for the provision and implementation of protective services to families and children within the Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag catchment area in accordance with the Child, Youth, and Family Services Act, Ministry standards and guidelines, and Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag policies and procedures.
- Perform internal and external record checks, i.e., CPIN, Fast Track, Child Abuse Register.

**Court**:

- Prepares legal documentation (as required) ensuring accuracy and completion prior to court.
- Prepares for, attends, and provides testimony in Family Court and potentially Criminal Court.
- Prepares families for court.

**Children and Youth Service**

**Clinical**:

- Provides an ongoing assessment of the child’s needs and to develop an appropriate Plan of Care based on these needs.
- The incumbent is directly accountable for the provision of service to children in the care of Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag in accordance with the Child and Youth Family Services Act, Ministry standards and guidelines, Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag policies and procedures and our wholistic service model.
- Participates in the development and implementation of plans for children requiring replacement.
- Monitors service provision within placements and to alert the Supervisor of any potential problems regarding the care and protection of the child.

**Court**:

- Attend youth/criminal court, if required, to provide evidence concerning children in care as well as support to the youth.
- Attend CYFSA Court, if required, by providing evidence pertaining to the child’s needs and progress in care.

**Administrative**:

- Has a strong working knowledge of all pertinent legislation, Ministry Standards and Guidelines, Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services policy, procedures, and directives, and