Family Support Worker

About the role

The Family Support Worker provides inclusive, client-centred support to families facing a range of challenges. This role empowers families by strengthening relationships, building resilience, and connecting them to resources that promote well-being and long-term stability. Working in homes and communities, the Family Support Worker builds trust, sets goals, and delivers culturally responsive, trauma-informed care in alignment with Rooted Connections' mission of healing, stability, and wholeness.

Core Values and Behaviours

We value empathy, accountability, collaboration, adaptability, leadership, cultural inclusivity, confidentiality, and mission-driven service.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct support to families through in-home visits, establishing trust and rapport while setting achievable goals and conducting ongoing progress reviews to support family stability and well-being.
• Develops and implements personalized service plans tailored to each family's unique needs, drawing from thorough assessments to create actionable strategies that address challenges and promote positive outcomes.
• Offers practical parenting strategies, educational resources, and emotional support, empowering parents to build stronger relationships and create nurturing home environments that enhance family resilience.
• Responds promptly and effectively to crises, following established safety protocols to stabilize situations and provide families with the necessary support during critical times.
• Acts as an advocate for families, working to remove barriers and ensure equitable access to necessary resources, services, and opportunities for growth and development.
• Connects families with external services and community resources to provide additional support, ensuring seamless integration of services and fostering long-term stability for families.
• Collaborates with community partners and multidisciplinary teams to ensure families receive coordinated and comprehensive care that aligns with their needs and service plans.
• Facilitates group workshops and educational sessions designed to strengthen parenting skills, foster healthy family dynamics, and create a supportive community for families.
• Maintains accurate and confidential client records, ensuring that all interactions, goals, and service outcomes are thoroughly documented in compliance with organizational and legal standards.
• Engages in continuous professional development through training, workshops, and team meetings, staying informed on best practices and emerging trends in family support to deliver high-quality services.

Skills

• Needs Assessment: Conducts family needs assessments to identify appropriate supports and services.
• Support Planning: Develops and implements tailored service plans that address the unique needs of families, with regular updates as goals evolve.
• Trauma-Informed Approach: Applies an understanding of trauma and its effects to create a safe and empowering space for clients, ensuring their emotional and psychological safety.
• Planning and Organization: Manages competing priorities effectively, sets objectives, and meets timelines to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Case Management: Maintains accurate and detailed case records, including goals, correspondence, and progress notes.
• Community Networking: Builds relationships with community organizations and coordinates services to connect families with the resources they need.
• Parenting Support: Provides hands-on guidance and strategies to strengthen parenting skills and improve family dynamics.
• Group Facilitation: Leads group programs designed to foster parent-child attachment and promote family stability.
• Advocacy: Acts on behalf of clients to navigate social services and access appropriate resources.
• Problem-Solving: Identifies challenges, develops solutions, and seeks input when necessary to support families effectively.
• Crisis Management: Responds calmly and effectively to urgent situations, ensuring families receive appropriate interventions.
• Technology Proficiency: Utilizes case management software, virtual communication tools, and digital resources effectively for documentation, reporting, and service delivery.

Experience and Education

• A degree or diploma in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience working with families in a direct service or support capacity.
• Training or certification in ASIST and/or Mental Health First Aid is an asset. 
• Demonstrated experience in family dynamics, child development, and community resource navigation.
• A valid Class 5  driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle for transporting clients or families to in-home and community visits.

Additional Elements

• Physical Requirements: The ability to travel for in-home visits and community engagements, with occasional evening or weekend work based on client needs.
• Work Environment: Hybrid work environment, including office-based tasks, community outreach, and in-home support.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training in trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and addiction support.