Community Support Services Worker-1 year Contract Position with possible extension pending funding

Purpose:

Under the direction of the Health & Social Services Director, the Community Support Services worker will work closely with the Health and Social Services staff and members to provide appropriate, necessary, and comprehensive community support services. Within the Community Support Services program, the worker has a primary responsibility to become aware of community concerns and to develop a plan and implementing process for addressing these concerns. The CSSW generally does not target a specific identified client but aims at facilitation and/or improvement of social support for populations at risk, thus reducing the likelihood of need for direct intervention services among the population at risk. The CSSW is also responsible for facilitating/leading programs within the community, i.e., education of parenting skills, prevention, and child development, etc.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Carry out directives of the Thessalon First Nation, in particular the development of community assessments (initial and bi-annual) and community service plans;
• Ensure that the Health and Social Services Director is apprised of activities or concerns regarding the community support services program;
• Plan, develop, implement and evaluate educational programs and support groups for children, youth, and families;
• Assist in the ongoing development regarding the definition and application of a culturally appropriate, community relevant support service;
• Assist in identifying training needs of the community support service worker, volunteers, and any other affiliates of the community support services, activities, and programs;
• Participate in all reviews as directed by the Health and Social Services Director of all community support services program activities and programs;
• Work in conjunction with Children’s Mental Health and Mental Health and Addictions Workers, Community Health and Band Representative(s), Family Services Coordinator, and Circle of Care Team to coordinate family wellness plans;
• Report to the Health and Social Services Director and appropriate agencies i.e., Nogdawindamin, potential incidents relating to indicators of child abuse – physical, emotional, and sexual;
• Responsible for the budget, finances, report, and proposal writing associated with the program;
• Regularly, consistently and appropriately complete all necessary records, reports, and documents related to community service files, programs, and performance statistics;
• Advise proposed changes within communities and programs that would be seen to improve the quality of services to First Nations people;
• Act as a trainer/presenter within the community as requested and/or needed.

Accountability:

Directly accountable to the Health and Social Services Director and ultimately to the Thessalon First Nation Chief and Council.

Qualifications:

1. Human services diploma with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in direct service, particularly with families and groups;
2. Experience with program and curriculum development is an asset;
3. Knowledge and understanding of the Anishnabek way and proven commitment to supporting and helping Native families, communities, and services to be strong and self-determined;
4. Knowledge of the functioning and development needs of Thessalon First Nation;
5. Good communication skills;
6. Proven understanding of group process;
7. Ability to effectively facilitate both support and education-oriented groups;
8. Ability to make decisions and give clear direction;
9. Proven ability to liaise with and facilitate productive collaboration among people of varied educational, cultural, work experience, and perspectives;
10. Valid Ontario Driver’s License and use of own vehicle;
11. Ability to travel frequently and regularly;
12. Able and willing to work flexible hours, as needed and required.

How to apply:

Interested candidates can submit resumes no later than December 15, 2023, at 12:00 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: bferneyhough.tfn@vianet.ca

Please ensure that “CSSW Worker” appears in the subject line.