First Nations/metis/inuit Candidates

Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services is a provincially designated Child Well -Being Agency that provides Prevention, Protection and Child and Family services that reflect values, beliefs and principles rooted within the Anishinabek culture. We serve the communities of Wahnapitae, Dokis, Henvey Inlet, Magnetawan, Shawanaga and Wasauksing First Nations._

Reporting to the Alternative Care Supervisor, the Placement Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the placement of children and youth in a culturally appropriate and supportive environment. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and cultural connection of Anishinaabe children and youth in care. The position will ensure that the services meet Agency and Ministry standards. The Placement Coordinator functions within legislative requirements, regulations, policies and procedures and the Mission, Beliefs, Vision and strategic priorities of Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services.

**Total compensation includes:
- OMERS Pension Plan
- Comprehensive Health Benefits Plan
- Competitive Vacation
- Statutory Holidays + Agency holidays
- Employee Assistance Program

**KEY JOB FUNCTIONS**:
**Placement Coordination**
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to assess the needs of children and youth in care
- Coordinate and facilitate the placement process, ensuring that placements align with cultural values and community connections
- Integrate cultural practices and traditions into the placement process to support the cultural well-being of children and youth
- Work closely with elders and community resources to provide cultural guidance and support
- Conduct thorough assessments or potential placements, considering the safety, wellbeing and cultural appropriateness for each child and youth
- Develop individualized placement plans in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, children's services workers and alternative care workers
- Ensure a provincial data base is maintained of all placement options to meet specific needs
- Have a strong knowledge base of treatment centers for young people

**Supporting Children**
- Assist in coordinating services and supports to meet the child’s physical, social, emotional, cultural, spiritual and recreational needs
- Identify a strength-based approach to preparing a child and the child’s immediate family for the child’s placement in an Alternative Care setting either short-term or permanently
- Identify and differentiate healthy attachment and behavior-related problems and outline appropriate services to address the specified needs by referring to specific placement options that will assist in this area
- Identify and strengthen connections between a child and those who are identified as meaningful and beneficial caregivers while the child is in an Alternative Care setting
- Identify and ensure timely, concurrent and permanent placement options are available for children

**Supporting the Alternative Care Team**
- Utilize public relations, marketing, media, community awareness, social networking and community development strategies to support recruitment efforts
- Ensure compliance with Agency policies and procedures that are compatible with legal requirements, best practice standards and ongoing requirements in working with children in Alternative Care
- Identify and support Alternative Care Providers in responding to the issues and challenges associated with caring for children with physical or developmental disabilities, mental illness, emotional disturbance, behavior problems, chronic health issues or who have experienced trauma
- Complete all pertinent data for case records and reports, including case management notes, case assessments and reviews, case histories, legal reports needed when completing placement requests to other agencies
- Assist when needed to complete home assessments for the Alternative Care team

**Application Deadline**: Open until Filled.-
**REQUIREMENTS**:

- Self-Identify as First Nations, Metis, or Inuit
- Strong oral/written communication skills
- Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Child and Youth Care or related field, or College Diploma in Human Services. Preferred university degree in Human Services
- Two (2) years' direct experience in a social services agency
- Experience working with indigenous communities
- Equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered
- Knowledge of Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services programs and services
- Respect for sensitivity towards as well as knowledge and understanding of Anishinabek culture, traditions and the Seven Grandfather teachings
- Knowledge of the First Nation communities and structures
- Knowledge of local services available to children and families
- Knowledge and understanding of the Child Youth and Family Services Act
- Must provide a clear Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Check
- Must have a Class 'G' Ontario Driver's License, access to a vehicle