Band Representative

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

PROGRAM AREA: First Nation Child and Family Services
POSITION TITLE: Band Representative
DURATION: Full-Time Permanent
SALARY RANGE: $52,731 - $63,019
CLOSING: Open Until Filled

Position Summary:

Wasauksing First Nation is accepting applications for a First Nation Child and Family Services Band Representative. Under the direction of the Supervisor of Social Programming and Wellness, the Wasauksing First Nation Child and Family Services Band Representative is a highly motivated individual with exceptional advocacy skills, possessing knowledge of the Ontario Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) and its application for the First Nation and its members. The Band Representative acts on behalf of the Wasauksing First Nation as a party in the court proceedings involving the First Nation's children and youth under CYFSA. This individual is required to provide support, advocate to maintain family units, advocate for satisfactory solutions to family problems, liaise with related service agencies and explain the child and family service system.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinates the planning for cultural knowledge and activities
• Presents Wasauksing First Nation's interests in Child Protection proceedings or hearings involving children to protect the collective best interest of Wasauksing First Nation child(ren) both on and off reserve
• Ensures effective delivery and monitors practices guided by relevant strategies in accordance with Wasauksing First Nation procedures to safeguard children who are members of Wasauksing First Nation and who are involved with Child Welfare agencies to make sure their rights to their own culture and community are protected and upheld
• Provides support, advocates to maintain family units, advocates for satisfactory solutions to family problems, liaise with related service agencies and explain the child and family service system
• Maintains a strong knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act as well as the policies and procedures of the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, Customary Care Provision and Kinship Care as options for Child Welfare agencies rather than apprehension
• Liaise with other First Nation Band Representatives, agencies and legal counsel
• Accompanies Child Welfare workers during investigations with Wasauksing First Nation members
• Ensures that Wasauksing First Nation members are fully aware of their rights in child welfare proceedings
• Develops and implements protocols to develop and establish positive working relationships
• Liaise with the First Nation member families and Child Welfare agencies• Provides family support services that promote the culture and aspirations
• Supports identifying community and family placements
• Represents Wasauksing First Nation in court as a party to Child Welfare proceedings
• Engages legal counsel to support the preparation of court documents and to represent the First Nation in court on complex matters
• Prepares, responds to and processes legal documents, oral and written presentations in court, Plans of Care, including recommendations for the placement of children
• Liaise with community services and coordinates Case Management conferences
• Prepares, serves and files additions or amendments to a client's Plan of Care
• Supports alternative dispute resolution and data collection
• Completes and submits reports in a timely manner
• Adheres to all policies and procedures of Wasauksing First Nation and any other relevant policies and procedures from external agencies and partners

Education & Experience:
• Post-Secondary Diploma (College) in Child and Youth Worker, Social Services Worker or Human Service
• In good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or other applicable governing bodies is an asset
• Note: Completion of the First Nation Child Welfare Advocate (FNCWA) Certificate Program through the Anishinabek Educational Institute at Canadore College will be a requirement within the first year of hire
• Minimum two (2) years of work experience working with First Nation children, youth and families

Other Requirements:
• Valid Driver's License and reliable personal vehicle
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends
• Available for on-call after hours and during weekends as required
• Ability to travel is required, and to travel with minimal notice
• This position requires the individual to provide a vulnerable sector check

This position will remain open until filled.

Please send your resume with a cover letter, contact information and two recent employment references to:
Amanda Worm, HR Manager
https://wasauksing.bamboohr.com/careers

Or package may be dropped off at the following physical address:
Administration Office
1508 Geewadin Road Lane G
Wasauksing First Nation

Preference may be given to Indigenous candidates with relevant on reserve employment experience and/or those with knowledge and understanding of the Wasauksing First Nation History and Community.
“Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We wish to thank everyone for their application.