Family Reunification Advocate ~ Competition

**Family Reunification Advocate ~ Competition #: 2024-131**

**First Nations Family Advocate Office**

**Category: Full-Time Permanent**

**Closing Date: December 6, 2024**

**Position Summary**

Under the direction of the Director of Children and Families, the Family Reunification Advocate will provide advocacy support to help First Nations families navigating the Child and Family Services system who are eligible for reunification. The Family Reunification Advocate will work with families to develop a Brave Path that will empower parents/caregivers to identify short and long-term goals to work toward bringing their children home.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Attend a weekly case conference to receive client files.
- Complete the intake process for all assigned client files and engage clients to develop their Brave Path.
- Practice and understand the importance of Informed Consent and Confidentiality.
- Remind new clients of the Terms of Service Agreement.
- Establish effective working relationships with collaterals and parents/caregivers to support the reunification process.
- Work with families to evaluate case plans and determine priorities to bring children home.
- Advocate for meaningful contact between parents/caregivers and children to improve the relationship and strengthen the family bond.
- Liaise between Child and Family Services Agencies and clients to develop a plan to work toward family reunification.
- Work closely with the Advocacy Coordinator to address any challenges as it relates to client files.
- Maintain up-to-date records of client files in the FNFAO Database to ensure proper statistical tracking.
- Connect families to internal and external resources to improve mental health and wellness, build on parenting skills, and to help parents/caregivers to overcome any issues that may be preventing family reunification.
- Facilitate ongoing assessments to ensure that families are on track throughout the reunification process.
- Provide added support to parents involved in the Justice System by attending court proceedings and liaising with crown counsel and lawyers.
- Maintain up to date records of client files in the FNFAO Database.
- Facilitate orientation presentations and assist with the intake process as required.
- Adhere to office policies and procedures, and confidentiality.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications**
- Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Arts Diploma or Degree. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in the Manitoba Child and Family Services system.
- Knowledge of First Nation issues related to the child welfare system and health services.
- Strong knowledge of the Child and Family Services system, policies, laws and regulations, standards and recent legal and regulatory developments.
- Experience working with and in First Nations.
- Knowledge of First Nation issues related to the child welfare, justice, education and healthcare systems.
- Excellent verbal, written, inter-personal communication skill.
- Strong problem solving and organizational skills.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Knowledge of management, organizational and planning principles.
- Proficient use of Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Able to work flexible hours and travel upon request.
- Must have a current satisfactory Criminal Record Check, and Clear Child Abuse Checks
- Possess a valid Class 5F Driver’s License and vehicle and able to travel upon request.

**Human Resources**

**Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs**

**14th Floor, 275 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B3