Title: Social Worker - Wikimanej Kikmanaq Family Group Circle

Status of employment: Permanent

Reports to : Supervisor of Wikimanej Kikmanaq

Office Location: Dartmouth, NS

Position Summary:

Wikimanej Kikmanaq Mi'kmaw Family Group Circle Social Worker will be responsible for organizing and facilitating family focused circles. To work collaboratively with families and stakeholders to engage them in a process to develop safety and permanency plans for the child or children. The program serves all First Nations communities in Nova Scotia. The FGC enables a least intrusive approach to serving families where child protection issues are present and can be used as an alternative to the court process. FGC process provides a forum for families, so they may have an opportunity to restore the central role and responsibility of the family back to the families and empowers families to take responsibility for their children. At the same time the agency retains the responsibility to ensure the plans that are developed result in a safe environment and ensures the best interest for their child(ren).

Key Responsibilities:

Identifies and makes contact with key family members and relatives to assess their willingness to participate in an FGC.
Schedules the FGC and provides any resources required such as transportation to ensure full participation.
Facilitate the confidential discussion at the FGC with the objective of developing a safe plan for the child or children in the community.
Identifies resources the child/children or family may require for the plan to be successful.
Partners with community agencies as required to implement the plan.
Consults with the Supervisor and legal counsel to resolve any issues related to the plan.
Participates in team meetings to discuss issues and how they can be addressed.
Reconvenes the FGC when issues emerge that impact on the plan that was agreed upon at the FGC.
Promote the Wikimanej Kikmanaq Mi'kmaw Family Group Circle Program to communities and other agencies.

Qualifications:

BSW or MSW, previous child welfare experience considered an asset
eligible for or have membership in the NSCSW
a good knowledge of child development, family dynamics and functioning, child abuse and neglect
demonstrated skills in investigation and therapeutic intervention with children and families
knowledge of the Children and Family Service Act is a definite asset
a valid driver's license, vehicle in good working order and insured for transporting clients
excellent oral and written communication skills and a willingness to work in an environment where Mi'kmaw is the first language.
experience working in Mi'kmaw communities considered and asset
Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively-respect for diversity, understand aboriginal culture, able to build relationships and work with parents/child in a caring manner, acts in a nonjudgmental manner and recognized that the problems of parents are sometimes connected to poverty and other issues of marginalization.

Classification Range: SW1(0.80) - SW1(1.20)

Salary range: $63,960 - $101,270

What We Offer

Based on the employment status, we offer a wide range of benefits such as:
A comprehensive health and dental benefits package as well as a defined contribution pension plan
Employee and Family Assistance Program
Three (3) weeks' vacation to start
Fifteen (15) wellness days per year
Annual wellness benefit
Paid time off for Christmas office closure
Reimbursement for registration fees to the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers
General Illness

_ Successful candidates may be eligible for our comprehensive health and dental benefits package as well as a defined contribution pension plan. _

A resume with a cover letter should be submitted directly to:

Kirstin Ward, Recruitment & Development Coordinator

Email:

_ Interviews may take place during the posting period. _

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $63,960.00-$101,270.00 per year

Benefits:
On-site parking
Schedule:
Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person