First Contact Coordinator

**Position Summary**:
The First Contact Coordinator will work collaboratively with Ministry of Social Services (MSS), STC communities, and other STC programs and services that support re-unification of children and youth with their family and community. This position will attend court, connect with families and other support workers to facilitate case planning for children and youth at-risk of apprehension or removal from the family unit.

**Responsibilities**:

- Refer families to appropriate community resources and prevention services to assist with mitigating child protection concerns or improving quality life for children and families;
- Create connections and collaborate with other workers at community, STC Child and Family Services (CFS) programs, &/or MSS;
- Assist in developing case plans that re-unify children and youth with their families or community;
- Attend Flex Response with the Ministry of Social Services when required;
- Attend and support families with court-related case conferences;
- Maintain awareness of community designates and communicate to MSS and other inter-provincial CFS agencies;
- Collaborate with individual member communities to implement programs and services that support the vision and strategy developed for CFS;
- Perform effective child and family support services which may include:

- Provide documentation to communities with outcomes of court proceedings;
- Provide support to CFS community staff regarding court proceedings;
- Provide documentation from MSS to the appropriate community;
- Work closely with communities to provide supports and services for their community members
- Perform other related duties as defined and assigned by the reporting Director or designate on an as and when required basis.

**Working Environment**:

- Given the traditional practices of the Dakota, Cree, and Saulteaux cultures, from time to time there can be exposure to wood smoke and the burning of sacred medicines, including tobacco, sweet grass, sage or cedar, may occur within the work setting.
- Positions in the field of Child Protection can be both mentally and emotionally challenging. The nature of this position may expose incumbents to high levels of tension when dealing with issues. The tension includes a level of stress that is usually moderate with high levels occurring on occasions.

**Physical Demands**:

- Some lifting & transport of materials required for program delivery;
- Must be willing to travel 3-4 days per week by vehicle (provided) to STC communities. The incumbent can expect there will be times they will encounter inclement weather conditions during the course of driving.
- Must be willing to work flexible hours as required, which may include some evening and weekends.

**Health and Safety**:
**Rights**:All Saskatoon Tribal Council employees have the right to information on potential hazards in the workplace, the right to participate in Occupational Health and Safety decisions, use personal protective equipment and clothing as directed by the employer and the right to refuse dangerous work.

**Responsibilities**:All employees must co-operate with the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Committee; remain alert to changes or events that might affect client or employee safety; report safety issues, accidents or injuries immediately; follow safe work practices, including the use of PPE; and use their training and knowledge to help other employees work safely as well.

**Education and Experience**:

- Post-Secondary degree in social work (BISW or BSW) from an accredited post-secondary institution
- Three to five (3-5) years of child & family services related experience;
- Must be eligible or member in good standing of Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW);
- Experience working within a governance structure in a community development capacity with First Nations; familiarity with First Nations culture, history is considered an asset.

**Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**:

- Working knowledge of the Saskatchewan Child and Family Services Act;
- Knowledge of First Nations and generalist social work philosophies, values and practices, including community development processes;
- Knowledge of child protection and children in care services;
- Ability to work in a calm and confident manner to coordinate different viewpoints in determining the best interest of the child;
- Work experience with First Nations people, with an understanding of issues encountered by First Nations people.
- An understanding of the dynamics of First Nations family systems.
- Knowledge of ‘protocols’ with related agencies.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to recognize challenges, identify causes and work with a team to support recommendations;
- Analytical ability to make decisions as situations develop or occur.
- Dependability: able to work independently, submit accurate document