Information Desk Worker

Internal/ External Posting
Full-time/ Permanent

Location: Ottawa (hybrid) is preferred, open to other locations if a suitable applicant is found. 
Salary Range:  AFN offers competitive salaries that are commensurate with experience and education, generous time off (3 weeks of paid vacation per year to start, paid time off for December-January holidays, 3 weeks of paid sick leave per year, 9 days of special leave per year), a pension and benefit plan, annual amounts towards physical fitness and professional development, and maternity & parental leave top up.  

Closing Date: Open until filled
Application Instructions:  Interviews will be held over ZOOM.

Qualified persons of First Nations Ancestry will be given preference in accordance with s.16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.

The AFN is dedicated to an inclusive selection process and work environment. If you require accommodation, please advise the Human Resources representative when you are invited to meet regarding this employment opportunity.

Who We Are:

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is an advocacy organization, taking direction and fulfilling mandates as directed by First Nations in-Assembly through resolutions. As a national advocacy organization for First Nations, the AFN seeks to advance First Nations Inherent and Treaty Rights through the development policy, public education and where applicable, the co-development of legislation to build First Nations capacity.

The AFN was created out of a desire among First Nations leadership for a strong and effective collective advocacy organization. From this, values such as respect for human rights, diversity, justice, and the sovereignty of each rights-holding First Nation guide the work of the organization.

The Role:

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is currently recruiting for the position of Information Desk Worker as an essential member of the Information Desk team. The AFN Social Development sector established the Information Desk in 2021 to assist First Nations persons and other interested individuals seeking information about the First Nations and Child Family Services and Jordan’s Principle reform and the First Nations child compensation settlement. The information desk responds to inquiries and supports potential claimants with forms, accessing free legal advice and mental health services in a culturally safe and trauma informed approach.

Reporting to the Director, Social Development, the Information Desk Worker will have the following key duties and responsibilities:

• Provides information and/or assistance to First Nations clients who wish to apply for compensation.
• Provides support and referrals to applicants.
• Completes client record information using database software.
• Provides regular reports to the Director as required.
• Liaises with referral agencies and partners as required.
• Undertakes related policy research activities as required.
• Works collaboratively with team members and other partners as required.
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings, other related meetings and program meetings as required.
• Attends Chiefs-in-Assembly meetings and committee meetings and prepares meeting summaries as required.

• Participates as an integral member of the Sector by contributing positively to the team’s short-term, strategic, and tactical planning processes focusing on First Nations priorities.
• Conducts other duties as assigned by the Director.

Qualifications:

• Post secondary degree in Social Work, Counselling or related degree and a minimum of three years of experience providing direct or referral services to clients in need ideally in a First Nations setting or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• The successful candidate will be required to pass a vulnerable sector check.
• Demonstrated experience with crisis intervention techniques and theory-based practice for clients in need is preferred; however, training will be provided to the selected candidate.
• Working knowledge and understanding First Nations context related to child and family services and Jordan’s Principle, past and present.
• Ability to work compassionately with all clients.
• Ability to function well under pressure and able to maintain composure during challenging situations.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, teamwork, judgement, diplomacy, tact, and decision-making ability.
• Planning and organizational skills with an ability to handle a wide range of tasks while working under pressure and with competing deadlines.
• English is the working language however, the ability to communicate effectively in any First Nations language or French is an asset.

Thank you for your interest in employment with the AFN! We truly appreciate your application and will carefully review your resume. As we receive a high number of applications, we want to inform you that we can only contact shortlisted candidates.

AFN may cancel, postpone, or revise employment opportunities at any time.