Band Representative

Thessalon First Nation; Thessalon; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated Band Representative to support child welfare services within the community. This role involves representing the First Nation in court, advocating for children and families, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in human services, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to cultural competency. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of Indigenous families and children in the community, and help ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.

Qualifications

• Human Services Diploma in Health or Social Sciences required.
• Minimum two years experience in child welfare is essential.

Responsibilities

• Represent the First Nation in Child Welfare court proceedings.
• Manage cases and advocate for children and families.

Skills

Child Welfare Knowledge

Communication Skills

Case Management

Cultural Competency

Advocacy Skills

Education

Human Services Diploma

Experience in Child Welfare

Tools

Documentation Management

Community Assessment Tools

Job description

Band Representative Services

Purpose:

Under the direction of the Health & Social Services Director, the Band Representative Services worker works closely with the Health and Social Services staff and members to provide appropriate, necessary, and comprehensive child and family support services. The Band Representative is responsible to act on behalf of the First Nation as a party in the court proceedings including the First Nation’s children and youth under the CYFSA. The Band Representative Role is to protect the collective best interest of the First Nation’s Children and to ensure a culturally appropriate disposition of the case.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Represent the First Nation at court as a Party to Child Welfare proceedings.
2. Abide by and navigate within court and system-related rules, regulations, timelines, due dates, etc.
3. Gather information from and liaise with child protection and related sources and prepare documents and files for court proceedings as and when necessary, involving legal counsel as appropriate.
4. Apply impartial and culturally appropriate approaches and considerations when making recommendations and advising the courts in such ways that support the child and family unit.
5. Make presentations to First Nation concerning individual Child Welfare cases.
6. Case management of Thessalon First Nation child welfare clients.
   1. Compilation of all relevant case-related information and documentation.
   2. Liaison with community support service providers for Plans of Care.
   3. Attend case review meetings as required.
   4. Advocate on behalf of Thessalon First Nation children and families within the child welfare legal system.
   5. Network with TFN families for the establishment of alternative care homes.
7. Carry out directives of the Thessalon First Nation, including the development of community assessments (initial and bi-annual) and community service plans.
8. Receive and act on notifications relating to apprehensions and adoption, from child protection agencies and courts and ensures that the Health and Social Services Director is apprised of activities or concerns regarding the Band Representative services program and ultimately Chief and Council.
9. Assist in identifying training needs for families, foster parents, potential alternative care homes.
10. Participates in all case reviews and updates the Family Services Coordinator and ultimately Chief and Council of any impacts relating to families, children and Thessalon First Nation.
11. Report immediately to the Family Services Coordinator and appropriate agencies i.e. Children’s Aid Society, potential incident relating to indicator of child abuse – physical, emotional and sexual.
12. Under the direction of the Family Services Coordinator, complete all necessary documentation regarding reported incident/indicators of child abuse.
13. Regularly, consistently and appropriately complete all necessary records, reports and documents related to community service files, programs and performance statistics.

Qualifications:

1. Human Services Diploma in Health or Social Sciences.
2. Minimum two (2) years experience in child welfare.
3. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
4. Knowledge of relevant TFN, federal, and provincial legislation, regulations, policies, protocols, case laws and appeals, proceedings and guidelines such as Child Well-Being Law Development, CYSFA, family rules and health and safety.
5. Experience with program and curriculum development is an asset.
6. Knowledge and understanding of the Anishinabek way and proven commitment to supporting and helping Indigenous families, communities and services to be strong and self-determined.
7. Proven ability to liaise with and facilitate productive collaboration among people of varied educational, cultural, work experience and perspectives.
8. Exceptional verbal and written communications skills.
9. Valid Ontario Driver’s License, a clean driver’s abstract and use of own vehicle.
10. Ability to provide a clear vulnerable sector check and CPIC.
11. Ability to travel frequently and regularly and willingness to work flexible hours as needed and required.

How to apply:

Interested candidates can submit resumes no later than March 1, 2024 at 4:00 pm in person or via email to:

Brandie Ferneyhough, Health & Social Services Director

Thessalon First Nation Health Centre

40 Sugarbush Road - Thessalon First Nation, ON P0R 1L0

Via email: [e-mail]

Please ensure that “Band Representative” appears in the subject line.