Family Support Worker

Employment Opportunity

Family Support Worker

Position Title
Family Support Worker

Department
Administration- First Nation (FN) Children and Family Services

Salary
$23.00 to $27.00 per hour

Term
Term/Full-Time/40 Hours Per Week/2 year term with the possibility of renewal dependent on funding

Location
Dependant upon the successful candidate's location
Supports and travels to all Wasoqopa'q First Nation (WFN) communities

Estimated Start Date
November 2026

Wasoqopa'q First Nation (formerly Acadia First Nation) is governed as a custom band under the provisions of the Indian Act with established bylaws, policies and procedures. The First Nation's electoral system constitutes an election once every five (5) years with positions for one Chief and eight (8) councillors. Chief and Council elect, are the governing body responsible for making decisions for the overall health and well-being of communities, Elders, youth and families.

Wasoqopa'q First Nation is unique in its geographical composition, spread throughout the Southwestern regions of Nova Scotia spanning five counties from Yarmouth to Halifax, encompassing six (6) reserves - Yarmouth, Ponhook, Medway, Wildcat, Gold River, and Hammonds Plains, in both rural and urban settings. To support administration and business operations, Wasoqopa'q First Nation, with supporting staff, provides programs and services within two (2) Health Centres, a Youth Centre, two (2) Community Centres, six (6) administration offices, and six(6) business establishments, including economic development, education, employment, fishing, forestry, health, housing & maintenance, human resources, and social.

Position Overview and Objective

WFN is currently recruiting for a Family Support Worker, reporting to the FN Children and Family Services Program Manager, responsible for providing community-based support and preventative services to WFN families, focused on prevention, early intervention, family wellbeing and healthy relationships, and service coordination, through education, awareness and connections to internal and external resources, in a holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally safe approach, grounded in Mi'kmaw traditions and values.

Essential Functions and Duties

• Provides direct support and advocacy to families, in a holistic, two-eyed seeing approach, with traditional and western models, that promote a safe and nurturing home environment e.g. home visits, liaison between families and programs, connection to resources
• Assists families in developing family support plans, that address the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well being
• Respects children and family's identity, belonging and intergenerational knowledge transfer
• Encourages and implements, traditional, community-based approaches to assisting families e.g. sharing circles, ceremonies, teaching and values
• Organizes and facilitates community programming, education, outreach and prevention programs focused on child welfare, family well-being and community, encouraging connection to language, traditions and cultural practices
• Connects families to internal and external resources, dependant on the needs of the family
• Develops and delivers prevention and early intervention programming and supports that focus on overall family well-being and healthy relationships, including parenting skills, life skills, and coping strategies
• Conducts community outreach services to children and families off reserve
• Monitors family progress in achieving support plans and adjust, as necessary
• Evaluates programming and services for relativity, success and impact on children and families
• Contributes to data collection of the FN Children and Family Services Program, reporting and program improvement
• Advocates for children and family's external access to resources that are culturally appropriate
• Provides transportation, accompaniment, support and advocacy for external meetings and or appointments, as necessary
• Provides referrals to the Band Designate in matters beyond the scope of the role for legal matters, and child protective services
• Maintains the utmost confidentiality of information regarding children and families
• Adheres to all child welfare standards, privacy legislation and funding requirements of the program
• Adheres to all Wasoqopa'q First Nation (WFN) Policies, Procedures and necessary procedures, as required
• Working in a team environment, other duties, training and activities, as required

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in Social Work, Human Services, Community Services, or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform all the essential tasks of the job may be considered
• Knowledge and experience working in a Mi'kmaq community is preferred
• Knowledge of Mi'kmaw culture, traditions and community values are preferred
• A minimum $2,000,000 third party liability insurance on a personal auto insurance policy and approval to carry passengers
• First Aid & CPR, and WHMIS considered an asset
• Non-Violence Crisis Intervention and Prevention Certificate considered an asset
• Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check required upon hiring
• Child Abuse Registry Check required to be renewed every three years

Required Abilities, Skills and Competencies

• Excellent negotiation, and problem-solving skills to address unique situations, while keeping a positive attitude
• Strong interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication skills, to communicate to varying audiences
• Ability to manage sensitive situations involving staff, families, or children with discretion, empathy, and sound judgment
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and culturally based approaches
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, schedules, and deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) for documentation, scheduling, reporting, and presentations
• A commitment to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Demonstrated adherence to integrity and sincerity

Working Conditions

• Hours of work are expected to occur during regular office hours for Wasoqopa'q First Nation, which are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday, inclusive
• A travel intense position, providing support across all WFN communities
• A valid driver's license and access to a vehicle are required
• Occasionally, time and travel for meetings may fall outside of the regular office hours
• Minimal physical effort required except for the movement of equipment, and supplies with weight of up to 20 lbs.
• A great deal of time is spent working indoors in well maintained, heated/ventilated environment with modern and up-to-date equipment
• Long periods of work on a computer can occur

Application Requirements

Submit Cover Letter and Resume to [email protected]

**Please quote #FAMILYSUPPORTWORKER on your cover letter and indicate your salary expectations for this position.

WFN appreciates the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. WFN does not assume candidate expenses related to this recruitment process.

In accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, if all qualifications are equal, preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal ancestry and if a Wasoqopa'q First Nation Band member.

Deadline to Apply
Deadline to Apply: OCTOBER 22, 2026

Wasoqopa'q First Nation is committed to fostering a safe workplace that provides an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment, where employees are treated professionally and with dignity and respect. We value the contributions that each person brings, and are committed to ensuring equal opportunity and participation as part of the WFN team.

We are a community. We make a difference.