Family Group Conferencing Facilitator

Employer: Family and Children’s Services Niagara

Reporting to: Family Counselling Centre Clinical Manager

Location: St. Catharines, Welland, Niagara Falls

Hours: Up to 20 hours per week, with no guarantee of hours. Up to 12 month contract

WHO WE ARE:

Family and Children’s Services has been making a positive difference in the lives of children, youth, and families in Niagara for more than a century. As a multiservice agency providing child welfare services, fostering and adoption, counselling, and childcare, the team at FACS Niagara works to keep children safe and families strong.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Family Counselling Centre (FCC) Manager, the Family Group Conferencing (FGC) Facilitator coordinates and facilitates family group conferences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Arranges and coordinates necessary initial or follow-up meetings.
2. Works with child welfare and referred families to ensure participants clearly understand the process; assists families in determining who should attend to ensure development of a workable plan.
3. Identifies and connects with community resources, service providers as necessary.
4. Organizes the logistics for setting up the conference including venue, transportation, refreshments and childcare.
5. Facilitates family group conferences either in person or virtually, introducing the family members to the service providers involved.
6. Provides family members with space to develop a plan ensuring the safety and well-being of the child.
7. Reconvenes the FGC when the family has a plan to be presented to the worker and supervisor for approval, including assisting the family to regroup if the first plan is not acceptable or if aspects of the plan require further discussion.
8. Ensures accurate and timely recording; prepares reports such as the agreed upon plan to all participants, the Family Plan Form and financial reports within required timeframes.
9. Facilitates Family Group Conference Rapid Responses.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

1. University degree in Social Work, or other related human sciences field preferred.
2. Minimum of 2 years related experience.
3. FGC coordinator on the Ontario Provincial Roster preferred.
4. Strong clinical skills with solid knowledge of family systems theory, behavioural modification, parenting, engagement and child development theory and practice.
5. Solid training, presentation, facilitation and public relations skills.
6. Familiarity with child welfare procedures and their legal mandate.
7. Excellent crisis intervention skills.
8. Valid G Driver’s License and access to a reliable motor vehicle with appropriate business class liability insurance is required as some FGC meetings are in person and some are held virtually.

Please submit your cover letter and resume to shawna.mcelroy@facsniagara.on.ca, by April 30, 2025, at 4:30pm.

We thank all applicants however only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Please note, you will be required to receive an updated Vulnerable Sector Check every 3 years to continue employment at Family and Children’s Services Niagara.

Family and Children’s Services Niagara is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive barrier free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please advise the Human Resources Department to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated through this process.