Family Specialist

_**Unlimited Potential Community Services empowers individuals and families to reach their full potential and enhance community well-being.**_

**FULL-TIME FAMILY SPECIALIST (BRIDGES PROGRAM) - Edmonton & Parkland Area, AB**

Unlimited Potential Community Services (UP) is a non-profit charitable society that has been providing quality support and treatment since 1987. Our goal is to restore stability and hope in the lives of children, youth, adults, and families so they can achieve personal independence and family unity. UP believes cultural tradition is an important part of mental wellness, so we incorporate the culture and traditions of our clients wherever possible. UP invites applicants who are passionate about providing quality support to our clients through a culturally sensitive approach and helping us to work together towards our goal to support each child and family to reach their full potential.

**Program/Position Overview**:The Family Specialist is responsible for the delivery, coordination, and case management of support services to families in the Bridges Program. The Family Specialist works in partnership with Children Services to support families with achieving family reunification and/or maintaining family preservation. Family Specialists provide support to families based on the joint casework model, shared practice frameworks, and the specific goals and needs of families.

Family Specialists work in family’s homes and in the community. Family Specialists support families through empowerment, hands on in the moment teaching, skill development, providing information on child development, and facilitating and linking families with networks and resources in their community. **Family Specialists also provide after-hours on-call services on a rotational basis**.
- Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, customs and beliefs;
- Passion for working with children, youth and families;
- Understanding of current and emerging issues of importance to Indigenous people and communities;
- Good understanding of health issues affecting youth and adults, such as FASD, drug and alcohol addictions, intergenerational trauma, mental health, suicide and other behavioral issues;
- Good understanding of cultural differences and how they impact treatment approaches for children and youth;
- Strong understanding of family systems, child development, and different cultural and community supports and services;
- Good verbal and written communication skills with proven organizational and documentation skills;
- Able to work well in a team environment with the ability to handle stressful situations in a non-confrontational, problem-solving manner;
- Comfortable driving in rural and urban settings.

**Qualifications/Experience**: Must have a diploma/degree in Social Work (_**must be a registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Alberta College of Social Workers)**_ and 2-5 years of combined experience working with families.

**Other Requirements**: A current, clear Police Information Check (vulnerable sector included) and Child Intervention Record Check, both dated within the last 6 months. A valid AB driver’s license (minimum class 5), current driver's abstract (no more than 8 demerits) and a reliable vehicle with $2 million dollars’ insurance. **Must be willing to work flexible hours that meet the needs of the children/families including evenings and weekends.**

**Salary & Benefits: Salary Range with relevant education is $51,340.00 - $63,262.00 annually (salary commensurate with education and experience). 3-weeks’ vacation accrual to start with an additional week added after 2 years.**We provide full-time employees with a 100% employer-paid health benefits package (which includes vision, dental and prescription drug coverage, massage therapy, etc.) and a 100% employer-paid R.R.S.P. equaling 3% of annual salary. We also offer free courses and workshops in-house for all of our employees.
- **We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those applicants under consideration will be contacted.**_

Pay: $51,340.00-$63,262.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Edmonton, AB T5S 1K9: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

- Do you have experience working with families in a support capacity?
- Are you a Registered Social Worker (RSW)?

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (required)

**Experience**:

- Family Care: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

- First Aid Certification (preferred)
- Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: In person