Family Support Worker

  • CompanySouthwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre
  • Required Experience2+ years' experience in a community setting
  • Education / CredentialsCollege diploma in Early Childhood Education or equivalent
  • ResumeRequired
  • Cover LetterRequired
  • Application Deadline11/06/2023

Job Description

Family Support Worker:
Indigenous Healthy Child Development Program (Repost)

Status: Part-time, contract to December 31, 2024
Location: Cambridge, Ontario
Hours: 17.5 hours/week (2-3 days)
Pension: HOOPP (defined benefit plan) – optional
Posting Date: July 6, 2023

Deadline: open until filled

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, dynamic, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency. We strive to provide quality, wholistic health services by sharing and promoting traditional and western health practices to enable people to live in a more balanced state of well-being. SOAHAC provides services to Indigenous people including those who live on and off reserve, status, non-status, Inuit, and Métis within the Southwest, Waterloo-Wellington, and Erie St Clair regions. SOAHAC has a mandate of ensuring that health services are accessible, of high quality, and are culturally appropriate. It is SOAHAC’s objective to build health care capacity within Indigenous communities. Currently, we are seeking the services of a Family Support Worker (FSW) to join our interdisciplinary staff team, supporting the Region of Waterloo.

Reporting to the Integrated Care Manager in Cambridge, the FSW will support and assist the Registered Nurse to facilitate the implementation of the Indigenous Healthy Child Development (IHCD) program supports families with children ages 0-6 and provides wrap around care to support the wholistic (spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical) well being of families using a strength-based approach. The Family Support Worker will provide the best opportunities for healthy child development through home visiting (as requested by clients), service coordination, parenting groups, and referrals while promoting language, cultural teaching, and traditions. The FSW will work in partnership with the IHCD Registered Nurse and the Region of Waterloo’s Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program.

Position Summary
The FSW is a kind and forward-thinking individual who champions the revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures within the early years and supports system navigation, facilitates programming and connection to cultural, social and spiritual resources/supports as defined by the family.
Requirements
– College diploma in Early Childhood Education or equivalent
– Registered member of the College of Early Childhood Educators an asset
– 2+ years’ experience in a community setting
– Ability to network with other community agencies/services/organizations
– Experience tracking & reporting statistical information
– Experience providing crisis support, guidance to families and excellent referral skills
– Advocacy skills including referral to local service agencies
– Knowledge of and connection to service agencies in the region of Waterloo
– Knowledge of: parenting skills, prenatal health and issues, infant care, nutrition issues
– Knowledge of culture and local Indigenous communities in Southwestern Ontario is required
– Strong organizational skills with the ability to work effectively and independently
– Excellent communication skills
– Strong attention to detail and assessment skills
– Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team
– Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and across teams
– Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly
– Computer literacy including skills in word processing, e-mail, PowerPoint, Excel, and Electronic Medical Records
– Valid Ontario Driver’s “G” license, personal auto insurance and access to reliable transportation
– Obtain/ maintain a current and clean police check as a condition of employment
– Up-to-date immunizations
– Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies

Responsibilities
– Knowledge and understanding of current issues facing Indigenous peoples and their families
– Conduct on site assessments or home visits, as well as telephone and outreach visits
– Assist Indigenous families with children 0-6 and provide information to expectant and new parents regarding: pregnancy, healthy child development, providing a safe and nurturing environment, parenting, daily living skills, cultural teachings and traditions
– Plan and complete home visits based on plan of care and community member needs
– Schedule and keep appointments for home visits
– Assist families in setting, clarifying, and working to accomplish goals
– Demonstrate skills through role modeling
– Participate in Case Conferences/Service Coordination meetings to advocate/support families
– Participate in staff meetings and training with SOAHAC and Healthy Babies Health Children (Region of Waterloo)
– Refer and encourage families to participate and utilize other community resources/services/programs that will have a positive impact on their lives
– Provide families supports as appropriate to individual situation. Report on the provision of these supports
– Work with local service delivery agencies to provide referral to various services, including but not limited to those related to healthcare, housing, child welfare and food security
– Plan and facilitate workshops
– Crisis intervention and support when needed
– Collaborate with community partners to offer outreach services as required including public promotion of the program

This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.

SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants (please self-identify). SOAHAC is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please advise Human Resources.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please forward your cover letter and resume to:
Email: careers@soahac.on.ca
Subject Line: FSW-IHCD, Cambridge
Or mail to: Human Resources
Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre
425 – 427 William Street
London, ON N6B 3E1
Please visit Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre online at: www.soahac.on.ca or like us on www.facebook.com/soahac to learn more about us!
We thank all those for applying but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.