Early Years Family Advocate

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._

Wabano is seeking positive, community-minded team members who are energized by challenge and motivated to serve our community.

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an award-winning Health Access Centre that provides holistic health services to First Nation, Inuit and Métis people living in Ottawa - one of the fastest growing and diverse urban Indigenous communities in Canada. Wabano is a fast-paced, client-oriented organization that models the Indigenous values of balance, respect and community interdependence. Wabano is proud to be accredited through the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, a third-party review based on accepted organizational practices that promote ongoing quality improvement and responsive, effective community services.

**Purpose of Position**:
Reporting to the Programs Director the Early Years Family Advocate 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**:

- Assessing client status by gaining an understanding of the family dynamic, early years development of children, socio-economic factors, health needs, etc..
- Serving as an advocate for client/community members regarding access to early years services, children’s services, family supports, and other social services;
- Developing and encouraging parental support, guidance, and skill-building for clients and community members;
- Assisting with planning early years programming and participation through family engagement and networking with outside agencies, promoting programs;
- Promoting Indigenous beliefs, values, and traditions that enhance health and early years development;
- Providing a case coordination function and preparing 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);
- Working with the early years and programs team to plan and evaluate programs and develop or initiate early years teaching, workshops, etc., by identifying the needs of clients;
- Encouraging and assisting clients and families to develop their own early years growth plans and problem-solving skills;
- Maintaining complete and accurate confidential records, answering client and staff inquiries, and providing direction to appropriate resources;
- Researching and gathering information on Indigenous-specific children’s social, financial, and crisis services and corresponding mainstream services that are available;
- Raising awareness of and sensitivity to Indigenous early years issues through participation in relevant community groups and committees;
- Participating in community outreach activities as appropriate;
- Supporting program planning, delivery, and evaluation as needed.

***Qualifications**:

- A bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Child & Youth, Early Years Education, Human Services, or a related applicable program;
- Early Childhood Educator Certification or eligibility to obtain the certificate preferred;
- 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;

**Salary Range**:
$55,000-$60,000 and benefits

**Why Work for Us**:
You would be a part of a collaborative and supportive work environment. Additionally, you would have access to:

- Collaborative and Supportive Work Environment;
- Comprehensive Group Health and Dental Insurance Coverage
- A Defined Benefit Pension Plan/ Employee Pension Plan with matching contribution from Wabano (HOOPP)
- Critical Illness Coverage
- An Employee Assistance Program
- Four (4) weeks paid vacation time

**Application Details**:
Successful applicants will be required to provide a criminal reference check.

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.