Child & Family Advocate

Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce; Canada; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce is seeking a skilled Family Support Specialist to serve Taku River Tlingit First Nation families and youth. You will gather information, assess family functioning, and implement intervention plans within program guidelines to support parenting, emotional well-being, and cultural connections.

You will collaborate with provincial and First Nation partners, coordinate with the integrated case management team, and provide referrals to community resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in a related human/social service field; equivalent life experience considered.
• Indigenous programming experience would be a strong asset.
• At least 1 year related experience or equivalent education/training.
• Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check required.
• Knowledge of First Nations culture, traditions and systems preferred.
• Experience in First Nations/public sector preferred.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.
• Work setting includes office and possible on-site field visits.

Responsibilities

• Gathers information on family functioning problems and assesses needs and risks.
• Develops and implements intervention plans within program guidelines.
• Provides referrals, guidance and problem solving to clients.
• Plans and conducts group educational sessions on family functioning topics.
• Maintains records and provides reports to supervisor.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Independent and team work

Family systems knowledge

MS Office

Education

Bachelor or diploma in social services

Equivalent life experience considered

Tools

MS Office

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Serving Taku River Tlingit First Nation child, youth, and family citizens. Gathers information on and assesses family functioning problems. Develops and implements intervention plans within program guidelines. Provides referrals, support, guidance and problem solving to clients to address issues related to family functioning. Provides parenting skill building, emotional support and feedback to clients.

• Networks and collaborates with other provincial, territorial, federal, and First Nation agencies and professionals who may have a case planning relationship with the client (s) being served. Works as a team member collaboratively in planning with other related Taku River Tlingit First Nation staff and family members of the client (s)
• Bring together family, extended family, community supports and staff to develop plans for child safety, family and cultural connections and placement.
• Gathers information relevant to the client’s problems, needs and risks by interviewing, observing behavior, meeting with caregivers and service providers and using a variety of inventories, checklists and questionnaires. Assesses the information gathered to identify client problems, needs and risks. Develops and implements an intervention plan within program guidelines.
• Provides support, guidance and problem-solving to clients to address issues related to family functioning in an individual or group setting using techniques such as active listening, conflict resolution, basic group counselling techniques and psycho-educational group methods to resolve the identified problems, needs and risks.
• Participates in the development, modification and evaluation of client service plans with the integrated case management team. Participates in integrated case management meetings on a regular basis to report clients’ activities and progress.
• Outlines services provided by the program and/or organization. Provides information on and referral to other community service providers, resources and professionals as required.
• Provides parenting skill building to clients on issues such as parent-child interaction, child development, discipline and guidance, and behavior management.
• Provides emotional support and feedback to clients.
• Plans and conducts group educational sessions on topics related to family functioning.
• Liaises with and/or promotes the interests of clients with other community service providers, professionals and school personnel as required. Accompanies clients to meetings and appointments as required.
• Maintains related records and statistics and provides reports to the supervisor.
• Actively does proposal writing and seeks additional funding to assist with the positions program mandates and completes required program and financial reporting for TRTFN and funding agencies.
• Develop individual and group Jordan’s Principal applications.
• Other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to work with children, youth, and families
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Able to work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision as well as working within a collaborative team framework.
• Understanding of family systems and child development along with relevant legislation and policy.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite
• Training, Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree or minimum two years diploma in a related human / social service field. Relevant life experience will be considered as equivalent
• Programming experience with Indigenous peoples and cultures would be considered a strong asset.
• At least one (1) year recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check
• Knowledge of First Nations culture, traditions, and of systemic issues faced by First Nations people, and of the political and administrative structures of First Nations.
• Experience in First Nations and/or public sector is preferred.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s license.
• Work setting includes the office, and potentially on the land and includes home visits
• Interacting daily with elders, youth, children, families, staff, and other community members to facilitate position responsibilities.

Conditions of Employment

Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check

References

Driver’s abstract and valid Class 5 driver’s license