The Families Matter Society of Calgary strives to promote optimal child development and family resilience by helping parents learn about early childhood development, strengthening parenting skills, promoting healthy relationships, and building natural networks of support.

Family Support Worker

12-Month Contract, Full Time Position - 35 hours per week

We are looking for a passionate and committed professional to join our organization as a Family Support Worker with the Family Development Center, which operates out of our southeast Hub in Calgary. The purpose of this role is to provide center-based individual and group support to families with children, newborn to age six, to promote healthy child development, build caregiver capacity and family resilience, and strengthen community connections. This role facilitates parent and child-centered group programs that uses engaging and fun activities to support parental learning around their childs development, as well as supporting the families on a brief 1-1 basis to find additional supports when needed.

Educational Requirements

• Degree (preferred) or Diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution, preferably in Education, Social Work, Child & Youth Care, or other field of study related to the position. We also encourage applications from candidates who have gained this knowledge through their work experience.

Experience Requirements

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  Minimum 1 year of demonstrated experience working with children under the age of 6.
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  Experience supporting parent capacity around child development and parenting.
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  Thorough understanding of and experience with early childhood development, early learning environments, and developmental screening (ASQ & ASQ-SE).
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  Experience facilitating educational parent-child group activities.
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  Demonstrated ability to support families around issues of child and family mental health.
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  Collaborative experience working with internal and external partners.
• Must have a valid driver's license and use of own vehicle

Skills and Abilities

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  Ability to apply a trauma-informed and culturally competent approach
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  Ability to support families from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of needs.
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  Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship-building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with children, parents, staff, and volunteers.
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  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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  Strong time management and organization abilities.
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  Proficient computer skills.
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  Creativity, high energy, and a sense of fun.

Key Responsibilities

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  Support families with young children (age 0-6) at our Family Development Centres; address identified family needs and implement effective learning strategies with parents and children, utilizing strength-based, solution-focused approaches.
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  Develop and deliver engaging and interactive group programming for parents and children, at our Family Development Centres. Examples of programming includes: Messy Fingers, Parent-Child Mother Goose, Nature Play, Connect & Plays (parent and child drop-in programming).
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  Assess and support mental wellness needs of parents and children.
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  Models positive parenting and respectful behavior management techniques for parents and caregivers.
  
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  Maintain early learning spaces in our Family Development Centres that encourage exploration and creativity for both parent and child in a child-safe environment.
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  Network and collaborate with internal and external partners to support families.
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  Complete assessments that are required by agency or funder directives (e.g., ASQs, participant feedback, etc.).
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  Maintain client data base entry and paperwork processes to ensure accurate participant data collection.
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  Work together with other members of Families Matter team and community partners to deliver integrated services to children and their families.
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  Participate in regular team, agency and community meetings.

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Salary & Benefits:$50,000

Our agency values the wellness of our staff, healthy work relationships, professional development, and work-life balance. We offer the option of condensed workweeks, excellent benefits, and advancement opportunities.

Closing Date: This posting will close once the position is filled. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and as such, we encourage you to apply early.

If this role sounds like a fit for your skills and passion, please submit your cover letter and resume to Jenessa Taylor [email protected] apply through this website.

We are an equal opportunity and non-discriminatory employer and welcome all qualified applicants. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information about the Families Matter Society, please visit:www.familiesmatter.ca