Alternative Care Specialist

**Summary**:
The Alternative Care Specialist works in collaboration with the Service Support team, under the direction of the Alternative Care & Resource Development Manager, the Alternative Care Specialist is a direct resource and liaison for the Network with key collaterals and stakeholders. The Alternative Care Specialist provides consultation and help regarding kinship/customary and specialized foster homes, which are provided by on and off reserve First Nations child welfare agencies, under the Network, and third-party resources.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Assist Agencies with the development of kinship/customary and specialized foster homes.
- Provide consultation on the foster home appeals process.
- Assist in the emergency placement resource area.
- Act as the direct liaison with the Child Protection Branch, Southern First Nation Agencies and other Authorities.
- Coordinate foster parent training with education and training department.
- Addressing all complaints from and/or about foster parents.
- Addressing all enquiries regarding foster care.
- Assessing and resolving foster parent appeals regarding removal of children from a foster home.
- Assessing and resolving foster parent appeals regarding refusal or revoking of foster home license.
- Supporting agency compliance with licensing standards.
- Request for variances to foster home licenses.
- Assisting agencies with foster parent recruitment.

**Qualifications, Education & Experience**:

- BSW or equivalent in social services field; minimum five years child welfare and foster care experience or a combination of experience and education.
- Must have demonstrated understanding of First Nations culture and traditions.
- Knowledge of kinship, customary care, and specialized placements.
- Must have a knowledge of the process required to complete Home Studies and proposals for the development of Specialized Homes.
- An understanding of Child Welfare legislation, relevant Standards and Regulations and AJI-CWI.
- Knowledge of the resources that are currently available in Manitoba that support a continuum of services to families.
- Knowledgeable about what the current needs are for children and families involved in the child and family services system in Manitoba.
- Knowledge about the need to develop culturally appropriate resources.
- Effective and professional communication skills, both oral and written.
- Experience and familiarity with Microsoft software (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint).
- Exceptional organizational skills to optimize client and collateral staff needs.
- Detail oriented
- Proven ability to work in a fast paced, multi-tasked environment and manage deadlines.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing work conditions.
- Ability to work independently and as a team.
- The ability to communicate in an Indigenous language is considered an asset.

**Other Requirements**:

- A satisfactory and current Criminal Record Check with vulnerable sector search.
- A clear and current Child Abuse Registry Check and Prior Contact Check
- A valid class 5 MB driver's license and regular access to a reliable vehicle for business travel.

**CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS**: Tuesday, October 21, 20225 at 4:00 PM

**Please submit your cover letter and resume to**

Human Resources

Southern First Nations Network of Care

1151 Sherwin Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3H 0H7

Fax: (204) 783-7996

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

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

**Experience**:

- CFS/foster care: 5 years (required)

Work Location: In person