Youth In- Transition Worker

  • CompanyChippewas of the Thames First Nation
  • Required ExperienceMinimum of 3 years’ experience working in Social Services or related field in a First Nation
  • Job TypeFull Time
  • Education / CredentialsUniversity Degree in Social Work, Social Science, or related field
  • ResumeRequired
  • Cover LetterRequired
  • Application Deadline11/16/2023

Job Description

Chippewa of the Thames First Nation is accepting applications for the position of:

Youth In- Transition Worker

Job Posting Date: October 26, 2023

Closing Date: November 16, 2023

SUMMARY:

The Youth In-Transition Worker acts on behalf of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation (COTTFN) as a support and advocate for the youth who have had past or current involvement with the child welfare system; protects the collective best interest of COTTFN child(ren); ensures effective delivery and monitoring practices guided by relevant strategies in accordance with the Nation’s Comprehensive Community Plan. The Youth In-Transition Worker is
responsible for supporting youth in their successful transition out of the child welfare system into adulthood. The Youth In-Transition Worker will help youth to develop a plan of care from a clientcentered approach and will support our youth in navigating the adult service systems relevant to their specific needs. The Youth In-Transition Worker will also support and advocate for youth to connect to existing supports and resources within their communities including but not limited to, housing supports, education resources, employment services, life skills training (e.g. financial management, household management), health and mental health services, and legal services. Youth In-Transition Worker provides support for satisfactory solutions to family problems, liaises with related service agencies and explains the child and family service system.

SCOPE:

The Youth In-Transition Worker is a part of a multi-disciplinary team ensuring that all relevant legislation and policies are adhered to. The Youth In-Transition Worker maintains regular communication with all team members as well as the direct supervisor. The Youth In Transition Worker adheres to: COTTFN Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual, the COTTFN Financial Regulations, COTTFN Financial Administrative Law. The Youth In-Transition Worker Case Worker shall draft expenditures within the scope of their approved annual work plan budget and will be authorized by the Child, Youth & Family Well-Being Services Director. The Youth In-Transition Worker promotes the vision and mission of the Child, Youth & Family WellBeing Services department as well as the overall vision of the Chippewa of the Thames First Nation. The Youth In-Transition Worker participates in the initiatives identified in the comprehensive community plan and the community story and adapts to the ongoing needs of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.
The Youth In-Transition Worker will meet with youth one on one, in a group setting, online, email and other interaction, which may occur in the community or other locations as needed. The Youth In-Transition Worker services may be required outside of regular business hours (i.e. 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday). The Youth In-Transition Worker will inform community partners about our service mandates and the referral process for potential youth clients ages 14 to 24 years old that are subject to an Extended Society Care Order, Legal Custody Order, Voluntary Youth Services Agreement, or Formal Customary Care Agreement immediately prior to the youth’s 18th birthday; or were eligible for support under policy at ages 16 and/or 17,
whether or not the youth actually received Renewed Youth Services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. GENERAL RESPONSIBLITIES
The Youth In-Transition Worker ensures the following Best Practices:

Prior to Active Case Participation:
• Confirm that the child is a member of the First Nation and research history of child and family in relation to the First Nation
• Contact other parties that are connected to the youth and gather information (agency, lawyer for child, applicants, parents)
• Make a case evaluation and in conjunction with the Nations designated Band Representative to make a decision in how to proceed

Case Evaluation:
• Liaison with Community Resources (Liaison Committee, Prevention Worker, Family Support and Community Workers, Community Health Workers, etc.).
• Initial gathering of information or complication of information gathered previously in Case Review meetings with all collateral contacts
• Review files

Developing an alternate plan:
• Coordinate preparation of the plan
• Consideration of needs of child(ren) and resources
• Regularly consult with Band Representative and other relevant sources to discuss the plan

Active Case Activities:
• Monitor status of the case and implementation of the plan for the best interest of child(ren)
• Make changes to plan as needed to suit the needs of the youth
• Report to and consult with Band Representative

Reporting:
• Data collection, completion and submission of data report form

Service Responsibilities:
1. Ensures that all COTTFN band members are fully aware of their rights of the Youth In Transition Worker;
2. Provides intake and assessment, obtains informed consent, collects client family background/case history and develops plan of care as required;
3. Develops plans of care through assessing youth’s needs while striving to meet the physical, emotional, educational, cultural, and spiritual needs;
4. Prepares and amends plans of care, including recommendations for placement of youth;
5. Assists to seek appropriate extended family placements and alternative safety plans for youths needs and prevention of removal from community;
6. Coordinates and supervises visits between youth in care and their families and/or community members when necessary;
7. Encourages youth/families to become involved with traditional and conventional community services where appropriate;
8. Coordinates Case Management Conferences with all community services involved to monitor Client’s plan of care;
9. Receives copy of assessment report relating to Secure Treatment;
10. Participates in Case Conferences, Case Management regarding adoption notices;
11. Participates in the development of an alternate plan when necessary in consultation with Justice Department;
12. Continually seeks and supports community centered Customary Care placements, youth exiting care plans.

Recordkeeping/Reports:
1. Maintains clear, concise and accurate case management notes and updates clients’ files in a timely manner;
2. Completes clear and concise reports and assessments for the development of on-going case management;
3. Maintains confidentiality and safeguards the privacy of clients’ records;
4. Completes timesheets, mileage reports, cheque requisitions and purchase orders are completed as per policy and scheduled deadlines;

Communication:
Ensures effective, efficient, recording and reporting of necessary information and/or recommendations to direct Supervisor, department staff, community participants and funders.
1. Ensure that confidentiality over department and community member information is paramount.
2. Ensures all department reporting and recording documents are complete and current: case files; case file number log, monthly, quarterly and annual reports etc.
3. Ensures an ethical and practical approach over case files and Case work.

Teamwork/Collaboration:
1. Liaises with community resources utilizing a comprehensive list of contacts;
2. Participates in regularly scheduled department meetings; Supervision meetings, Case Conference/Case Management meetings, Integrated services meetings; comprehensive community plan meetings when required in a constructive and supportive manner;
3. Maintains clear communication and initiates debriefing opportunities with direct supervisor when necessary;
4. Assists and participates in special events as required;

Professional Accountability and Development:
1. Implements and adheres to relevant best practices, policies and procedures in a fair and professional manner;
2. Ensures an inclusive, friendly and safe environment that is supportive of all visitors and participants accessing programs and services;
3. Serves as a community role model while at work and away from the office;
4. Identifies and attends training opportunities which enhance professional competence and to keep current on the changing needs of position;
5. Continuously strives to improve operations, streamline work processes and work cooperatively;
6. Keeps current on organizational policies and procedures, relevant legislation and their updates.
7. Completes training to meet organizational needs as identified for the position and as an employee of Chippewa of the Thames First Nation;

Disclaimer – This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may perform related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or designate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform job duties.

Qualifications:
1. University Degree in Social Work, Social Science, or related field;
2. Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in Social Services or related field in a First Nation;
3. Direct experience with at-risk youth for a minimum of 2 years;
4. Direct experience working in Child Welfare
5. Excellent administration skills required;
6. Knowledge of policies and procedures set by Chief and Council;
7. Strong written, verbal and evaluation skills;
8. Demonstrates strong negotiation skills and techniques;
9. Excellent time management and organizational skills;
10. Proven ability of accurate and comprehensive recordkeeping including keeping an up-todate case log;
11. Report writing skills an asset;
12. Exceptional ability in advocacy and public speaking;
13. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
14. Ability to work effectively under pressure and in stressful situations;
15. Able to work collaboratively with staff, community members, Chief and Council, government agencies;
16. Computer Literate in MS Office;
17. Experience in using electronic case management system, an asset;
18. Current First Aid/CPR Certification;
19. Must possess a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle;
20. Must possess a clear CPIC and Vulnerable Sector Check;
21. Hiring of Indigenous person will be given preference;

KNOWLEDGE:
• Strong knowledge of Ojibway culture and traditions;
• Knowledgeable of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act;
• Knowledge of Children’s Aid Societies Policies and Practices;
• Knowledge of policies and procedures set by Chief and Council;
• Knowledge of assessment and intervention;
• Knowledge of Case Management techniques.

SKILLS:
• Excellent administration skills required;
• Strong written, verbal and evaluation skills;
• Demonstrates strong negotiation skills and techniques;
• Excellent in time management and organizational Skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Computer Literate in MS Office and in using electronic case management system;
• Strong demonstration of negotiation skills, techniques and advocacy;
• Report writing skills;

ABILITIES:
• Proven ability of accurate and comprehensive recordkeeping including keeping an up-to-date case log;
• Exceptional ability in advocacy and public speaking;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in stressful situations;
• Able to work collaboratively with staff, community members and Chief and Council
• Able to work cohesively with a team as well as independently;
• Ability to take initiative, meet deadlines and work flexible hours;
• Ability to maintain the appropriate safeguards for the confidentiality of COTTFN’s information;
• Able to produce and maintain necessary monthly and quarterly data reports, case conference/ case management summaries, case note writing and effective public communications;
• Ability to keep an up-to-date case log;
• Ability to build and maintain relationships;
• Ability to interpret and apply a wide range of Social Work practices and principles and First Nations based methods;
• Maintains professionalism at all times;

ATTRIBUTES:
• Highly motivated;
• Reliable;
• Ethical;
• Non-judgmental;
• Flexible;
• Adaptable.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work takes place in an office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopier/scanner/fax, filing cabinets. The incumbent interacts with clients, staff, visitors and government agencies and will attend
individual’s homes exposing them to the outdoors, pets, stray animals and possibly allergens.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: The incumbent is required to work at a desk on a computer for extended periods of time using hands and arms. The incumbent is required to travel by car and visit homes which requires sitting, walking and standing for short periods of time.

MENTAL EFFORT: The position requires extended periods of concentration and attention to detail. The incumbent deals with highly stressful situations, deadlines, and competing priorities. The incumbent is required to respond to emergency situations. Additionally, the incumbent may work with individuals with mental health issues, addictions, poverty, and/or poor housing. All the aforementioned factors can contribute to high mental demands.

*The successful candidate will be required to submit a clear Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check (Level 3) as a condition of employment.

*Hiring of Indigenous people will be given preference, please identify*

Please submit your cover letter and resume, in confidence to the attention of:
Kate Arnold,
Human Resources Manager
COTTFN
320 Chippewa Road
Muncey, ON N0L 1Y0
hr@cottfn.com
We thank all candidates for applying; however only those selected for an interview will be
contacted. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of
the selection process.