POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the provisions of the _Children and Family Services Act_, the Protection Social Worker protects children from abuse or neglect, provides ongoing services to parents, and children, and assesses families for placement of children.

Protection Social Workers require specialized knowledge, skills, and training with some components mandatory, to ensure that protection social workers have the knowledge and skills to carry out their professional duties.

It is the responsibility of the protection social worker to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children in the care of the Agency and those who remain in the care of their parents where concerns exist. Your goal is to actively work to engage parents, families, and communities to strengthen, address challenges and trauma, and create change. In this role, you will encounter unique challenges with responsibilities ranging from:

Carrying out Investigations of child protection concerns on a timely basis

Providing protection services to children and families to ensure the safety and well-being of children

Actively work toward core training specific to child protection to obtain representative status

File preparation for court hearings, settlement, and legal case conferences

Engaging in the planning, development, and monitoring of case plans

Participating in risk assessments, court testimonies, and clinical evaluations

Supervising and providing services to children in the care of the Agency

Maintaining records on the case management system

Counselling individuals and families

Participating in Family Group Conferencing to seek family and community-based solutions

Responsible for after-hours emergency duty on a rotational basis

Must be able to travel extensively

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Receive and assess allegations of child abuse and neglect in accordance with provincial legislation policies and standards.

Investigates the presence and assess the level of risk to all the children in the family by making use of a risk management system.

Initiates action under the Children and Family Services Act, where appropriate, to protect children from harm which may include developing an investigation plan, joint investigations with police services, interviewing children, parents, other family members, and community service providers making the decision to remove a child from the parent's or guardian's custody in consultation with the Caseworker Supervisor and initiating an application to take a child into care.

Assesses ongoing risk for children and monitors a child's safety and risk of maltreatment by a child's birth family, kinship caregivers, foster parents, adopting parents, childcare staff, residential care staff, other caregivers, or third parties.

Evaluate the efficacy of service interventions and provides evidence to the Court in relation to goals achieved and prognosis for family reunification.

Planning, developing, and monitoring of case plans to mitigate risk to children, consulting with the Caseworker supervisor as required.

Ensures interventions are of the least intrusive nature sufficient to address the risk to the child. Participate with the Casework supervisor and other staff in risk conferences to develop case plans.

Engages the family in the case planning process by using their strengths and resources, and adjusting the case plan when circumstances change.

Provides direct and intensive services to families to strengthen their capacity to care for their children, making appropriate referrals to community-based organizations.

Works collaboratively with community partners in accordance with client needs by telephone, correspondence, and personal contacts.

Initiates referrals to other community partners as determined to be most appropriate to meet the client's needs.

Conduct comprehensive assessments for placement and /or appropriate services for children and families by assessing family dynamics, level of risk, and functioning of family members and making decisions based on assessments that will affect children and families for the rest of their lives.

Transports children in care to placements, including placements that are located outside of Nova Scotia.

Supervises children in care by counselling, supporting, and supervision of their placements including applications for residential or secure care, attendance at court, advocating with schools and community partners, developing, and implementing the Child's Plan of Care.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, & EXPERIENCE

A completed Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution

Eligible for or have registered with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW)

Must actively work towards completing the requirements to obtain Representative Status

Strong time-management skills as the position requires attention to structured timelines

Demonstrated skills in investigation and therapeutic intervention with children and families

Knowledge of the Children and Family Service Act is a definite asset

Knowledge of, child development, family dynamics, and functioning, child abuse and neglect, and trauma-informed care

Understanding of the effects of multigenerational trauma including mental health, addictions, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and other

A Valid Driver's License, access to a reliable vehicle, and willingness to travel; may be required to be insured to transport clients

Vulnerable Sector and Child Abuse Registry Check

Demonstrated ability to work with culturally diverse individuals in an inclusive manner

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Experience working in First Nations Child Welfare, considered an asset

Previous experience working in Mi'kmaw communities is considered an asset

Understanding of the fundamental concepts of culture, including various perceptions, behaviors, and values

Must be willing to work in an environment where Mi'kmaw is the first language; ability to speak and understand Mi'kmaw language is considered an asset

Ability to work effectively both in a team and individually

Ability to maintain a high-level of confidentiality and exercise sound judgement

Willingness to enhance knowledge and understanding through additional training and workshops

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $67,600.00-$114,400.00 per year

Benefits:
Casual dress
Company events
Company pension
Dental care
Disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Extended health care
Life insurance
On-site parking
Paid time off
Vision care

Application question(s):
Do you have a Bachelor's of Social Work (BSW) Degree?
Are you registered with the Nova Scotia College of Social Work (NSCSW)?

Work Location: In person