Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services (KGCFS) proclaims that we are an Anishinabek Agency servicing Anishinabek people to ensure services are delivered by honouring the Anishinabek way of life. KGCFS is derived from the overall cultural context of the Anishinabe people. Other conventional child welfare services or approaches may be used and added to supplement the Anishinabe cultural core of the agency. KGCFS believes that child welfare services outside the Anishinabe cultural core are secondary to the primary Anishinabe cultural core and that child welfare services that are responsive to the cultural circumstances of the Anishinabe client population take priority. KGCFS will be culturally grounded in its Anishinabe foundation, beliefs and practices and will be culturally responsive in its delivery of service while striving to educate, retain and protect traditional Anishinabe practices.

JOB FUNCTION

Under the supervision of the Service Manager, the incumbent is responsible for providing clinical supervision, administrative management, guidance, and leadership of assigned staff.

OVERVIEW

The Service Supervisor provides progressive leadership in all aspects of case management, including management and administration, along with supervisory case collaboration with agency and community stakeholders.

The Service Supervisor will provide supervisory coverage and manage the staffing of the Service team to ensure the safety and well-being of children and provide clinical supervision and manage cases in accordance with member First Nations community based models, Agency policies and Ministry of Child and Youth Services standards and regulations.

Duties

• Work collaboratively with all agency staff, biological parent(s) and caregiver(s), extended family and the member First Nations as required within your respective position of service.
• Create an anti-oppressive work environment while modeling respect, professionalism and act as a positive role model with integrity.
• Will complete a Historical Awareness / Self- Assessments and develop an Individual Wholistic Wellness Plan including a Competency Based Assessment Tools to develop a Cultural Training Plan and passport with intent to monitor wellness and enhance and measure cultural congruencies.
• Will actively participate in agency sponsored cultural training, staff development and educational opportunities, cultural activities, events and ceremonies with intent to enhance cultural congruencies.

Management and Supervision

Provides supervisory coverage and manage the service staffing:

• Provide regular and ad hoc supervision to staff assigned to the team.
• Provide consultation and direction to workers both in and out of the office.
• Make decisions based on an analysis of available information, consideration of the various options, evidence informed practice and best practices.
• Provide resolutions to complaints.
• Approve safety, verification, placement, and other case-related decisions.
• Ensure compliance with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, regulations, Ministry standards, and agency policies and procedures.
• Review and approve documentation and recording completed by staff.
• Coach staff providing critical feedback regarding their clinical knowledge, skills, and work performance.
• Ensure staff is acquiring and updating knowledge and skills and oversee orientation and training opportunities.
• Oversee organization of files and records.
• Liaise with other supervisors and manage scheduling of staff to ensure staff coverage.
• Review and approve time sheets, expenses, staff mileage, and requests for leave.
• Ensure workers caseloads are covered when workers are absent.
• Participate in staff screening and selection.
• Approve all overtime, compensatory time, flex time and vacation requests.
• Conduct regular team and function meetings.
• Hire, train, supervise, evaluate performance, and manage staffing resources for the team including responding to staff complaints and/or providing discipline as required.
• Attend management and staff group meetings.
• Create an anti-oppressive work environment, actively promoting and modeling respect, cultural awareness, and inclusiveness.
• Provide reports, statistics, and other information.
• Assist in the development of agency policies and procedures.
• Provide backup coverage for other agency policies and procedures.
• Represent the agency at various community events, including public speaking opportunities to key stakeholders.
• Create a learning environment within the team and participate in quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in First Nation community-based conferencing, traditional gatherings/ceremonies. Participate in traditional circles and implement plans in accordance with the Firs Nation community models.
• Consult and liaise with First Nation Band Representatives, Chief and Council as required.
• Represent the agency within professional and community-based networks and organizations on the First Nations and/or the Urban First Nation population.
• Provide direction and participate in the implementation of culturally appropriate services to First Nation families and communities.
• Work effectively with clients, First Nations service collaterals, colleagues, senior management and other community agencies and service collaterals.

Provide clinical supervision and manage ongoing protection, child/youth in care, specialized services:

• Provide consultation, supervision, and direction to frontline workers, authorizing case openings, protection investigations, case transfers and closures, and or child/youth in care recordings or specialized services.
• Ensure service planning is fully implemented with families/children in conjunction with the First Nation.
• Provide support and clear direction to staff in crisis situations and in preparing court applications.
• Make final decisions in all case related issues.
• Meet regularly with the First Nations representatives and service collaterals.
• Attend court as required.
• Participate as a Senior Management team member relative to the completion of agency and MCYS audits within the respective service departments along with quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives.

Perform general management duties:

• Provide reports, statistical analysis, and other service information as required.
• Participate in agency and community-based committees.
• Assist in the development and implementation of Agency policies and procedures.
• Provide coverage to other service teams including after-hours service supervision.
• Prepares and presents evidence for Family Court as required.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in developing and drafting policies and procedures.
• Participate in presenting to professional and community groups within the respective First Nation, local and external partners including the urban agencies serving First Nations’ members.
• Understand and follow the Agency policies, procedures, and service principles.
• Must participate and have knowledge of agency based and external committees related to children’s services and integrate knowledge into the practice of the community-based models and best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor of Social Work Degree or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline deemed appropriate.

Experience

• At least (3) years of successful employment experience in an Anishinabe Child and Family Well-Being Services is preferred or proven experience in working with Anishinabek people.

• An individual of Anishinaabe ancestry is preferred with genuine understanding and lived experiences of Anishinaabe worldviews, traditions, customs and practices.

• Applicant must have (2) years of front-line service delivery, plus (1) year of supervisory experience.

• Comprehensive experience in Child Welfare Frontline Case Management systems and Child Welfare recordings.

Conditions of Employment

• Provide a clear Police Records Check and/or Vulnerable Sector Screening Check (As determined by the police department).
• Possess a valid standard First Aid/CPR certificate or be willing to obtain one.
• Have a class ‘G’ Ontario Driver’s License, an acceptable Drivers Abstract, access to a reliable vehicle and be able to travel. A requirement of $1M Liability Insurance is required if you transport clients
• May be exposed to potentially hazardous environments this may include driving conditions and volatile situations.
• Willing to carry an agency cell phone, IT equipment, and drive agency vehicle as needed.
• Can sit/stand for extended period in front of computer.
• While performing the duties of this job, the position will typically be within an office setting both on and off site from assigned office location.
• Work a standard work week of 35 hours per week, however, the ability to work flexible hours may be required.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & ABILITIES

• Expert knowledge of the Child, Youth, and Family Services Act, Child Protection Standards, Ministry of Children and Youth Services Regulations, Guidelines and Policy Directives, Case Management and Supervision requirements particularly in relation to the delivery of Child and Family Services.
• Expert knowledge of Indigenous history, legislative rights, First Nation community models and holistic and Indigenous models of healing and wellness.
• Expert knowledge of Customary Care and the philosophy of service development and delivery; and the communities and family structure specifically in relation to local First Nation customs and traditions.
• Good knowledge of the standards for children in care including recording timelines, reporting practices including PACY and Serious Occurrence, along with new legislative amendments relative to protection services for 16–17-year-olds.
• Good knowledge of the provincial Outside Placement Resources through OARTY and group home systems including specialized treatment placement admission processes and specialized rate agreements.
• Working knowledge of the administrative structure and operations of the Agency including the service delivery model, policies, procedures and guidelines related to children’s’ services and foster care services.
• Working knowledge of youth justice and mental health services and other community resources available for youth in care and for youth support.
• Knowledge of the structure and operations including the member First Nations, external services, and service agencies in the area.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare comprehensive narrative and statistical reports regarding First Nation Child and Family Services delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and facilitate community group decision-making processes through knowledge, ideas, and service delivery experience.
• Extensive experience in designing, planning, and delivering training workshops.
• Ability to establish and maintain purposeful relationships with Family Service Workers, clients, First Nations service partners, subordinates, colleagues, other organizations, and management.
• Knowledge and the ability to interpret and apply a wide range of social work practices, principles and First Nations based practices with respect to protection and placements of children at risk and understanding the principles and goals of families in crisis.
• Knowledge of First Nations issues as these relate to child welfare
• Must be able and willing to work in partnership with First Nations families, Elders, and communities to provide best practice for First Nations children and families.
• Proven knowledge of theories of human behaviours and family systems along with the proven ability to apply social work theories in assessments, planning, implementation (action), measure and monitor to ensure competence and excellence of the provision of services.
• Strong commitment to helping Anishinaabe children and their families with having provided services in ways that respect Anishinaabe cultural and spiritual practices.
• Commitment to providing service in the Anishinaabe context of extended family and community involvement.
• Excellent supervisory, planning and organization, problem-solving, decision-making, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary Traditional Child Welfare Management Team.
• Working knowledge of group dynamics supported with working knowledge in consultation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to take direction and to work within the policies, procedures, and guidelines, mission, philosophy, and core values of the Agency.
• Ability in management of human resources.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, Frontline (Penlieu) and Internet.

CULTURAL COMPONENTS

• Must possess knowledge, respect, and sensitivity of the Anishinaabe culture and be committed to helping Anishinabe families strengthen and achieve Mino Bimaadizowin (living the good life) through healthy level of well-being.
• Expert knowledge of Anishinabe history and oppression including colonization, government interventions including federal and provincial laws, jurisdictions, policies and effects to Anishinabek.
• Strong commitment to helping Anishinaabe children and their families in ways that respect Anishinaabe cultural and spiritual healing practices.
• Proven expertise in ability to perform with cultural safety, cultural sensitivity and cultural humility with skill to encourage healing.
• Honour all children and youth who may be in transition equally and strive to provide the required supports for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and 2-spirited individuals to achieve healthy self-esteem and life enrichment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Given the traditional practices of the Anishinabek, (from time to time) you may be exposed to wood smoke and the burning of sacred medicines, including tobacco, sweet grass, sage or cedar which may occur within the work setting.
• Positions in the field of Anishinaabe Child Protection can be both mentally and emotionally challenging. The nature of KGCFS positions may expose incumbents to high levels of tension when dealing with issues. The tension includes a level of stress that is usually moderate with high levels occurring on occasions.
• The incumbent can expect there will be times they will encounter inclement weather conditions during course of driving.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sufficient vision and hearing to perform all job duties.
• Able to perform physical and mental activities related to the job duties.
• Able to occasionally lift up to 12 kg (25lbs) and operate related equipment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the “Position” will typically be in an indoor setting, the delivery of activities will most likely be held outdoors.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.