Indigenous Child

**POSTING DATE**:SEPTEMBER 8, 2025

**CLASSIFICATION**: PERMANENT FULL TIME

**HOURS OF WORK**: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9:00-5:00 (SUMMER 8:00-4:00) SOME EVENING AND WEEKENDS REQUIRED TO SUPPORT PROGRAM NEEDS. 40 HOUR WORK WEEK

**SALARY**:TO BE DISCUSSED UPON HIRING

**START DATE**:IMMEDIATE OR AS SOON AS MUTUALLY AGREED UPON CLOSING DATE SEPTEMBER 19, 2025

**Overview**: The Indigenous Child & Family Advocate will work as part of the Unity Team, a unique partnership between FACS Niagara, Niagara Chapter Native Women, Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, and Niagara Regional Native Centre. The Unity Team’s goal is to embed Indigenous voices in the child welfare system, strengthen family well-being, and ensure safety through culturally grounded, community-led supports. This role is dedicated to supporting Indigenous children, youth, and families by advocating for their rights, connecting them to culturally appropriate resources, and working collaboratively with child welfare and community partners.

**Qualification & Requirements**: A 2-year College Diploma in Social Service Work, Indigenous Studies, Child & Youth Care or a related field. Previous experience in a similar role is an asset. Knowledge of Indigenous culture and local communities. Must have or be able to obtain a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check (CPIC). Must hold a valid Ontario Class G driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract.

**Primary Responsibilities**:
1.Advocate for Indigenous children, youth, and families within the child welfare system to ensure their culture, identity, and voices are respected.

2.Collaborate with FACS Niagara to develop coordinated safety plans that reflect Indigenous perspectives, reduce risk, and support family stability.

3.Review cases of Indigenous children and youth in care to help prevent admissions, promote reunification, and ensure cultural connections.

4.Facilitate access to existing Indigenous services and programs to address family needs in areas such as substance use, mental health, family violence, and caregiver supports.

5. Redirect referrals from child welfare to Indigenous-led services and supports whenever possible.

6. Support the development and recruitment of Indigenous-specific residential care options (foster homes, kinship care) for children and youth.

7. Participate in joint planning and service delivery with FACS and Indigenous partners, including safety planning, AADRs, case conferences, talking circles, and committee/partnership meetings.

8. Contribute to joint program development and enhancements that address the needs of Indigenous children and families.

9. Take part in workshops, education, and training to promote mutual learning between FACS staff and Indigenous service providers.

10. Assist with the development of joint documentation templates, reporting processes, and data collection to meet ministry accountability requirements while supporting positive outcomes for Indigenous families.

**Knowledge & Skills**: Experience working with children, youth, and families, preferably within the child welfare, advocacy, or social service sector. Lived experience as an Indigenous person and/or deep community connections. Knowledge of local Indigenous service providers and supports. Excellent communication and advocacy skills with the ability to navigate complex systems. Ability to work collaboratively across organizations and within a partnership framework. Critical thinking and solution-focused approach. Case Management abilities, and follow through. Confidentiality, attention to detail, and time management.

*Completed Job Application Form

*Two recent employment related reference contacts listed

*Cover Letter

*Resume

*Copies of relevant Diplomas/Certificates

The Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre is committed to a barrier-free, inclusive recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Accommodations are available upon request to applicants throughout the hiring process.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $21.00-$25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Work Location: In person