FAMILY SERVICES MANAGER

Vision
M’Chigeeng First Nation is committed to strengthening the well being of children, youth and their families. This will be accomplished through the development, delivery and service coordination of culturally appropriate prevention programming that will enable each to improve their well-being for attaining a healthy lifestyle that contributes to achieving a safe, caring and healthy community.

Reporting Relationship
The Family Services Manager will report directly to the Director of Health and Wellness and will ensure that internal working relationships are developed with all Departments within M’Chigeeng First Nation.

Position Summary
This position will take the lead to carrying out the mandate of the First Nation Band Representative and In-Home Support Services programs, safe and transitional home. The position is responsible for overseeing and monitoring the daily supervision, management and administration of the programs, relative to the effective and efficient implementation of goals, objectives, vision and strategic planning of the First Nation including the development and evaluation while building capacity for sustaining an integrated community-based model of service delivery for the M’Chigeeng First Nation. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality family services with a focus on supporting First Nation families.

Essential Functions

• Ensure all M’Chigeeng First Nation protocols and Bylaws are adhered to, and program activities are conducted in accordance with recommendations and policies as set by Chief & Council.
• Will be current on all Child Welfare matters as required to act as an authorized Representative of M’Chigeeng First Nation in these matters and to act as advocate at all child protection hearings, and ensure prevention and intervention solutions to issues directly affecting band membership children, youth and families.
• Incorporate and promote Anishnabek cultural values, beliefs and practices and Anishinabemowin into program delivery.
• Provide leadership within the intake and assessment process and provide direct assistance in the coordination and development of service plans and plans of care when required and needed.
• Act as a liaison and advocate for First Nation families to ensure their needs are met.
• Provide leadership and direction to First Nation Band Representatives and In-Home Support workers to work with families to assess situations, identify solutions and develop and implement safety plans.
• Ensure the utilization and implementation of the Caseworks case management system for the Family Services programs.
• Practice strict confidentiality, privacy, ethical and non-bias approaches.
• Formulate goals and objectives and identify appropriate internal and external resources to meet identified needs in the provision of services to children, youth and families.
• Engage with the Community to promote awareness of family services and gather feedback to improve program delivery.
• Engage in regular liaison with related programs and/or departments and external agencies to establish service coordination and planning for families.
• On behalf of the First Nation Band Representative and In-Home Support program respond to requests for information, case consultations and community public relations requests when required and needed.
• Provide leadership in an active role to coordinate interdepartmental annual planning activities by assisting in the formulation of annual program goals and objectives for the First Nation, Band Representative, In-Home Support program, Child Welfare – Federal Compensation Program, Prevention Programs, Safe and Transitional home.
• Develop and monitor service protocols with internal and external services and develop policies and procedures specific to the First Nation Band Representative and In-Home Support program and the program’s integrated service delivery model.
• Participate in local and regional initiatives whose mandates relate to the identified local community issues.
• Monitor program effectiveness and make recommendations for improvements to the Director of Health and Wellness.
• Serves as a Community Role Model while at work and away from the office.

Management & Supervision

• Manage and supervise program staff for the Family Services program, on-call services and students.
• Provide leadership and empower an effective team composed of a diversity of skills, talents, working knowledge and perspectives to support families.
• Assist in the Recruitment & Selection process and orientation of new program staff and conduct annual performance appraisals.
• Facilitate regular program staff meetings on a bi-weekly basis.
• Ensure confidentiality of required records and documentation for the department.
• Ensure compliance is exercised to applicable acts and regulations pertaining to the First Nation Band Representative, In-home Support program, Prevention Programs, safe and transition homes.
• Ensure administration procedures for tracking attendance records, all leaves are monitored and maintained as necessary and based on policy.
• Assist team members with addressing and resolving concerns or conflicts.

Planning & Development

• In collaboration with departments develop annual professional development and training plans based on department needs.
• In collaboration with the Director of Health and Wellness seek additional funding for proposal and grant submissions for program needs.
• Work with community resources and partners to create a coordinated comprehensive community plan for establishing an environment that supports the maintenance of healthy lifestyle changes; to enable active involvement and participation.
• Coordinate interdepartmental annual planning activities for the development of a service delivery process to complement the financial management of program needs.
• Ensure the development of departmental workplan and ensure all staff develop and adhere to individual workplans.

Financial & Reporting

• Review, prepare and identify current and future annual budget requirements for the program and ensure maintenance in the levels of funding for program sustainability.
• Manage and monitor annual program budgets in consultation with the Director of Health and Wellness.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with funding agreements and ensure preparation and timely submission of narrative, statistical and financial reports to the Director of Health and Wellness based on assigned budgets for the department.
• Ensures program statistics and reporting is maintained and quarterly narrative progress reports and monthly financial reports are prepared and presented to the Director of Health and Wellness.
• Review financial reports from Central Finance and prepare a financial analysis and planning for the program in accordance with the approved budgets, identifying a plan to address surplus and deficits.
• Maintain program documentation and statistics of activities on a monthly and quarterly basis for reporting and annual evaluations.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Preferred

• Master’s in social work degree and/or Human Services from an accredited university with 5 years management and supervisory experience in child welfare or social services sector.
• Registered member in good standing with recognized educational institution or professional association

Minimum

• Bachelor’s in social services or related field and minimum 2-years direct work experience in senior administration and supervision in child welfare
• Working knowledge of community resources and development
• Extensive knowledge of the Ontario Child, Youth & Family Services Act (CYFSA) and other relevant regulatory and legal requirements
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of child welfare systems
• Proven strong leadership with managerial skills and experience
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in CFSA related court documentation and the Ontario Court Rules.
• Extensive knowledge of the First Nation governance matters and protocols
• Strong understanding of First Nations Child & Family matters
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; combined with the ability to negotiate positive results while managing positive relationships

Other Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Always maintains and promotes strict confidentiality.
• Knowledge of community and external resources available to families.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Ability to research, analyze and summarize government initiatives and related legislation policies and reports.
• Excellent management and relationship-building (partnering & networking) skills.
• Well organized with ability to multi-task, work well under pressure, and to prioritize workload.
• Valid Class “G” Driver’s License with personal and reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of First Nation issues, culture, traditions, customs and practices.
• Fluency in Anishinabemowin or a willingness to learn.
• Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) required (Current 30 days, original or certified copy)

CRC/VSS Rationale: M’Chigeeng First Nation and its agents are in a position of trust in services to band member children and/or vulnerable adults, so a safe and secure working environment is mandatory. Applicants must provide a clear VSS Certificate, and the CRC must have a record clear and/or dated of any convictions relating to alcohol, drugs, assault, violence and theft. The CRC and VSS must be current (30 days) and must be an Original.

Interested applicants must submit COVERLETTER, RESUME, THREE (3) CURRENT REFERENCES (2 Work-Related references from a direct supervisor/manager and 1-character reference that will be contacted upon a successful interview) and education certifications to:

Application Due Date:May 12th, 2025

Family Services Manager
c/o Human Resources
employment@mchigeeng.ca
M’Chigeeng FN, P.O. Box 333
M’Chigeeng, ON P0P 1G0 (Fax 705-377-4980)

INCOMPLETEapplications will not be considered. Preference will be given to Anishinabek people.
For Job Description, please contact Human Resources employment@mchigeeng.ca