Guardianship Social Worker

**Po**
**siti**
**o**
**n Summary**
Reporting to the Team Leader, the Guardianship Social Worker will be responsible for the cultural, relational, physical and legal permanence of children in the care through the Agency. She/he will maintain an understanding of traditional processes to ensure the children in care are connected to their culture, and adhere to the policy and standards associated with Guardianship and Adoptions delegation.

**Primary Responsibilities and Duties**
- Under the direction of the Team Leader and in accordance with legislation, policy and standards, the Guardianship Social Worker will act as legal guardian to children and youth in the Continuing Care and will:

- Ensure that culturally appropriate and specific Care Plans are developed for every child and that Care Plan meetings are scheduled, where possible and appropriate;
- Liaise with other involved professionals and the child’s Aboriginal community to assist with planning for the child-in-care;
- Involve biological family and community in the Care Plan;
- Ensure that the child is seen separate and apart from the caregiver according to timeframes set out in AOPSI Standards;
- Ensure that the child is aware of their rights as a child in care;
- Advocate for the child’s needs;
- Ensure that documentation and file recordings are complete;
- Work closely with Foster Parents, caregivers and the child’s Aboriginal community to ensure that the child’s needs are being met;
- Develop culturally appropriate permanency plans in the child’s best interest.
- Develop and supervise the Care Plan:

- Ensure the physical and emotional safety of the child through the child’s time in care;
- Establish family and community’s involvement and continued rights and shared responsibilities for the child’s health, education and spiritual development;
- Promote the child’s existing relationships with siblings, family and community;
- Arrange or facilitate access to resources for caregivers;
- Respond to requests from caregivers regarding the child as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- Provide support to children in care:

- Provide ongoing support and guidance for the duration of a child’s time in care, taking into consideration the child’s voice and the best interests of the child;
- Assist in preparing the child for transitions into new placements or long-term plans;
- Assist in preparing the youth for adult transition from out of care;
- Advise the Public Guardian Trustee of any injuries or legal action involving a child in continuing custody;
- Thorough documentation of critical incidents and plans of care with a strong child-centred approach;
- Work closely with the child’s family on inclusive planning or rescindment planning;
- Perform other tasks within the scope of the position, as assigned.

**Basic Qualifications**
- All employees of NIFCS are required to submit a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Screening, comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), its regulations and all occupational health and safety policies and procedures. Further, to work evening and flexible hours and attend cultural awareness training, among other training.
- Valid class 5 driver’s license; First Aid/CPR.

**Education / Work Experience / Abilities**
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Child and Youth Care or a related degree, or equivalent combination of education and 2 - 5 years First Nation/Aboriginal child welfare experience.
- Preference will be given to an applicant who has completed Delegation Training according to the CFCSA within the last two years.
- Knowledge of Aboriginal values, urban Aboriginal/First Nations communities and organizations.
- Thorough understanding and knowledge of the Child, Family and Community Service Act, Adoption Act, and other related legislation and policies.
- Have a strong understanding and knowledge of the history of Aboriginal people within Canada and the resultant child welfare issues.
- Awareness of resources available to urban Aboriginal clients and knowledge of the referral process.
- Ability to work with clients from a trauma-informed practice place and promote healing opportunities for children and families.
- Well-developed interpersonal counselling and assessment skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; excellent time and general management skills.
- Excellent computer skills including Word, Internet Explorer, Windows and Outlook.
- Travel in this position is required (to clients’ residences, communities, foster care homes and other locations as necessary), and as such, there is a potential for violence.

**Co**m**pen**s**a**ti**o**n & Benefits**
- You can expect a supportive work environment, a total compensation package that includes a competitive wage, extended health, and dental benefits.
- This is a Bargaining Unit position. An eligibility list may be established to fill future vacancies.

**Submission Deadline**
- Open until filled.