Band Rep. Protection

Fort William First Nation; Neebing; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Force Inspection Services is seeking a Band Representative to advocate forFort William First Nation in child welfare court proceedings, ensuring culturally appropriate dispositions and timely responses to notifications.

The role involves liaising with First Nation representatives, agencies, and legal counsel, accompanying CAS workers during investigations, and promoting the rights and cultural needs of Fort William First Nation members while developing protocols with CFSA and CAS partners.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma in a related field is required.
• Minimum 3 years of social services experience with First Nations.
• Valid driver’s license and own vehicle.
• Criminal reference and vulnerable sector check required.
• Knowledge of First Nation Interest in Child, Youth and Family Services Act (Ontario).
• Able to interpret legislation and legal documents.
• Strong written and oral skills.
• Willing to travel with minimal notice.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with other First Nation Band Representatives, Agencies and Legal Counsel.
• Accompany Children’s Aid Service Workers during investigations in Fort William First Nation territory.
• Ensure Fort William First Nation members are aware of their rights in child welfare proceedings.
• Develop relationships with Child and Family Services and CASs.
• Develop and implement protocols with CFSA and CASs.
• Liaise with the Fort William First Nation and the CAS.
• Liaise with Fort William First Nation member families and the CAS.
• Provide family support services that promote culture and aspirations of Fort William First Nation.
• Support identified community and family placements for Fort William First Nations Children and Youth.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong communication

Negotiation

Oral communication

Word processing

Education

Post-secondary diploma in Social Work / Law Clerk / Child and Youth Worker

Job description

• Location 100 LITTLE LAKE ROAD, SUITE 201,FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION, ON, P7J 0L2,Canada
• Employee Type Full-time

Description

JOB POSTING

POSITION TITLE: Band Representative- Protection - FINAL REPOST

Two (2) Full-Time Permanent Positions

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION:

The Band Representative acts on behalf of the First Nation as a party in the Court Proceedings involving the First Nation’s children and youth under CYFSA. The role of the Band Representative is to protect the collective best interest of the First Nation’s children and to ensure a culturally appropriate disposition of the case. The Band Representative ensures that every notification from Child Welfare Agency is responded to within the required time.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To liaise with other First Nation Band Representatives, Agencies and Legal Counsel.
• Accompany Children’s Aide Service Workers during investigations in Fort William First Nation territory.
• Ensure that Fort William First Nation members are fully aware of their rights in child welfare proceedings.
• Develop a working relationship with all Child and Family Services and CASs engaged with Fort William First Nation Members.
• Develop and implement protocols with Child and Family Services and CASs engaged with Fort William First Nation Members.
• Liaises with the Fort William First Nation and the CAS.
• Liaises with the Fort William First Nation member families and the CAS.
• Provides family support services that promotes the culture and aspirations of the Fort William First Nation.
• Supports identified community and family placements for Fort William First Nations Children and Youth.
• Other related duties as assigned.

BAND REPRESNTATION:

• Represent the First Nation at Court as a Party to Child Welfare Proceedings.
• Prepare the Plans of Care, including recommendations for placement of children.
• Prepare, respond to and process legal documents as required.
• Supports alternative dispute resolution in place of court proceedings; interests to courts, Children’s Aid Societies and other agencies.
• Engages legal counsel to support the preparation of court documents and to represent the First Nation in Court on complex matters.

CASE EVALUATION/ DEVELOPMENT:

• Compile all relevant case-related information and documentation.
• Liaise with community service.
• Coordinate case management conferences with all community services involved to monitor client’s plan of care and progress Legal Responsibilities.
• Prepare, serve and file additions or amendments to the client’s plan of care.
• Gather evidence, prepare arguments, prepare witnesses and draft orders.
• Prepare for and attend settlement conferences to represent the First Nation interests.
• Oral and written presentations in court, as required.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

• Ensure client files are maintained and updated on a regular basis.
• Report to his/her immediate supervisor and Chief and council, as directed.
• Data collection and submission of reports.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Overtime, after hours, flexible, on-call schedule required.
• Constant interaction with the general public.
• Ability to attend and conduct presentations.
• Travel may be required.
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
• Position is considered frontline in office/person.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum, Post-Secondary Diploma in Social Work/Law Clerk/Child and Youth Worker or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of social services experience with First Nations
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and own a vehicle
• Must provide a criminal reference and vulnerable sector check.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the First Nation’s Interest in Child, Youth and Family Services Act (Ontario) and proceedings involving the First Nation’s Children
• Able to interpret legislation and legal documents
• Knowledge of Case Management techniques
• Strong written and oral skills
• Strong negotiation skills, techniques and advocacy
• Willing to work flexible hours and travel with minimal notice
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential subject matter
• Strong computer skills with experience using word processing software