Early Years Family Support Coordinator

**Early Years Family Support Coordinator**:
**_ Full-time, on-site position_**

**Context**:

- You have a passion for advocating for children and families in the community._
- Your knowledge of early years development helps you to be creative and create connections._
- You have the desire to work with Indigenous children to create strong identities and strong families._

**The Role**:
The Early Years Family Support Coordinator is responsible for providing support and advocacy to enhance family care by addressing Indigenous specific social determinants of health in a manner that is culturally sensitive, respectful and holistic in approach.

**Some of the responsibilities of this position are**:

- Assess client status by gaining an understanding of the family dynamic, early years development of children, socio-economic factors, health needs, etc.;
- Serve as an advocate for client/community members regarding access to early years services, children’s services, family supports and other social services;
- Develop and encourage parental support, guidance and skill building for clients and community members;
- Assist with planning early years programming and participation through family engagement and networking with outside agencies, promote programs;
- Promote Indigenous beliefs, values and traditions that enhance health and early years development;
- Provide a case coordination function and prepare integrated plans of care when appropriate, by ensuring all available and required resources are in place and by attending or facilitating meetings on behalf of the client (case conferences, planning, education sessions);
- Work with the early years and programs team to plan and evaluate programs and develop or initiate early years teaching, workshops, etc. by identifying needs of clients;
- Encourage and assist clients and families to develop their own early years growth plans and problem solving skills;
- Maintain complete and accurate confidential records, and answer client and staff inquiries and provide direction to appropriate resources;
- Research and gather information on Indigenous-specific children’s social, financial and crisis services and corresponding mainstream services that are available;
- Raise awareness of and sensitivity to Indigenous early years issues though participation in relevant community groups and committees. Participate in community outreach activities as appropriate.

**Qualifications**:
**_ Don’t disqualify yourself You may not have all these qualifications, but Wabano values and recognizes the lived experiences of Indigenous people._**
- Bachelor degree in Social Work, Child & Youth, Early Years Education, Human Services or other applicable program;
- 3 years of experience assisting families;
- Knowledge of social, economic and health issues relevant to Indigenous children and families;
- Experience as an advocate in a non-profit environment preferred;
- Demonstrated experience with early years programming, creation and evaluation;
- Knowledge of community services and programs for children and families;
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint;
- Clear criminal reference check to work with vulnerable population is required.

**Why Work for Us**:

- Collaborative and Supportive Work Environment
- Comprehensive Group Health and Dental Insurance
- Employee Pension Plan (defined benefits) with matching contribution from Wabano
- Employee Assistance Program - the best in the world
- Four (4) weeks paid vacation time
- Ten (10) paid personal/sick days
- Access to cultural teachings and knowledge keepers
- Work with dynamic teams from various sectors

**Application Details**:
Wabano is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity or interviewing, please advise if you require accommodation.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

**_ Don’t think this is the right job for you? Let us try and find you the right fit within Wabano._