Family Engagement and Attendance Specialist

Wiikwemkoong Unceded Indian Reserve; Wikwemikong; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Wiikwemkoong Child and Family Services seeks four Family Engagement and Attendance Specialists to support attendance and family engagement within the Wiikwemkoong community. Roles report to a supervisor and focus on culturally aligned strategies for Anishnaabe families.

Responsibilities include home visits, school liaison, developing individualized plans, and coordinating with teachers and counselors to improve academic outcomes.

Qualifications

• 2 years' work-related experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory's programs and services.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to advocate for children and family's needs.
• Excellent conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with various office systems and proficient computer skills.
• Ability to understand and speak Anishnaabemowin is a definite asset.

Responsibilities

• Providing direct services to families from the Community, involved in prevention services and at risk of and involved in child welfare services.
• Build trusting relationships with families to understand unique challenges impacting school attendance.
• Conduct home visits, phone calls, and in-person meetings to provide guidance and resources.
• Empower families through education attendance policies, academic expectations, and available community supports.
• Complete comprehensive assessments to identify academic, social, and environmental factors contributing to absenteeism.
• Develop individualized attendance improvement plans in collaboration with families and school staff.
• Set measurable goals and timelines for progress, ensuring plans are culturally responsive and family centered.
• Serve as a liaison between families and schools to promote open communication and problem-solving.
• Coordinate with teachers, counsellors, and administrators to align interventions with academic objectives.
• Build positive relationships with community agencies and service providers.
• Provide services in a manner that respects Anishinaabe culture, traditions, and values.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Advocacy

Conflict resolution

Education

Social Work degree

Tools

Office software

Computer skills

Job description

Family Engagement and Attendance Specialist (4)

Wiikwemkoong Child and Family Services is seeking 4 qualified individuals to fill the positions of Family Engagement and Attendance Specialists. Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT) Child and Family Services oversees and advocates for child and family matters by following the principals and ethics of Wiikwemkoong's Gchi Naaknigewin, Wiikwemkoong's Children's Bill of Rights and Wiikwemkoong Community Standards. This will ensure the services are culturally appropriate to support the community's children and families in alignment with Anishnaabe values and practices. The Family Engagement and Attendance Specialist will report directly to their immediate Supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providing direct services to families from the Community, involved in prevention services and at risk of and involved in child welfare services.
• Build trusting relationships with families to understand unique challenges impacting school attendance.
• Conduct home visits, phone calls, and in-person meetings to provide guidance and resources.
• Empower families through education attendance policies, academic expectations, and available community supports.
• Complete comprehensive assessments to identify academic, social, and environmental factors contributing to absenteeism.
• Develop individualized attendance improvement plans in collaboration with families and school staff.
• Set measurable goals and timelines for progress, ensuring plans are culturally responsive and family centered.
• Serve as a liaison between families and schools to promote open communication and problem-solving.
• Coordinate with teachers, counsellors, and administrators to align interventions with academic objectives.
• Build positive relationships with community agencies and service providers.
• Provide services in a manner that respects Anishinaabe culture, traditions, and values.
• Comply with Community protocols and practices when engaging with families.
• Participate in ongoing cultural learning, training, and professional development.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of primary and secondary wellness programs, collecting data from programs being completed and obtaining feedback to continually improve and adapt initiatives to better serve the community.

REQUIREMENTS

• A Social Work degree or a related degree in social services field is preferred.
• 2 years' work-related experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory's programs and services.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to advocate for children and family's needs.
• Excellent conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with various office systems and proficient computer skills.
• Ability to understand and speak Anishnaabemowin is a definite asset.

Salary: $83,851 Grade 8, Step 1

Confidential: Family Engagement and Attendance Specialist - Child and Family Services
Box 112 19A Complex Drive
Wiikwemkoong Unceded Indian Reserve
Wiikwemkoong ON P0P 2J0
Email: [e-mail]