The Department of Social Development and Seniors is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

Family Ties Social Workers (FTSW) provide voluntary, clinical counselling services to children, youth and families to address mental health and relationship issues such as emotional regulation, family functioning, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, self-harm and other disorders. Priority is given to children ages six to eighteen years, and to children and families with Child Protection Services involvement, but referrals may be accepted for younger children and from other agencies.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Provide clinical counselling for a broad range of mental health and behaviour based issues;
• Screen, assess, and develop comprehensive case plans and interventions utilizing evidence-based therapeutic modalities within the social worker’s scope of practice;
• Support children and families to identify intervention goals and provide counselling to assist with goal achievement;
• Identify and refer to/ provide resources to support children and families;
• Provide group counselling sessions for children and families as required, addressing issues such as child sexual abuse, life skills, anger management, independent living preparation, etc;
• Deliver Triple P Positive Parenting Program;
• Deliver Caring Dads Program;
• Deliver CISM debriefings with Child and Family Services staff when required;
• Act as alternates for the Collaborative Response Coordinators to provide Family Group Conferencing Services with Child Protection clients and their families when required;
• Provide ongoing collaborative work with other professionals, such as Child Protection, Residential Services and other partner agencies;
• Provide counselling to children and youth in Group Homes and clinical guidance to staff at assigned Group Homes;
• Participate in team meetings, peer supervision and bi-weekly scheduled supervision;
• Attain key information from Child Protection/Children’s Services Social Workers related to key contacts, currently safety concerns and time sensitivity of conferencing services; and
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master of Social Work degree supplemented by considerable experience in the mental health field with at-risk populations of children and families is preferred. A Bachelor of Social Work degree supplemented by extensive experience in the mental health field with at-risk populations of children and families may be considered.
• Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, impacts of abuse and neglect on children, community resources, trauma and its effect on children’s well-being, mental health and addictions issues and their impacts, and the importance of permanency planning for children.
• Skills in risk assessment, interviewing, communication, counselling, case planning, case management, clinical assessment, critical thinking, anger management, conflict resolution, group work, crisis intervention, collaboration, cultural competence, computer literacy, documentation and time management.
• Understanding of legal and Court processes.
• Ability to understand the Mental Health Act, The Child, Youth and Family Services Act, An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth and Families, The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Act, the Adoption Act and other related legislation, policies and procedures.
• Registration with the PEI Social Work Registration Board.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A valid PEI driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle.
• The employee is required, as a condition of employment, to provide a motor vehicle for the purpose of carrying out employment functions. The requirement is subject to review every 12 months as per UPSE Civil Collective Agreement.
• A good previous work and attendance record and acceptable Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Protection Record Check.

Considered Assets:

• Knowledge of other risk assessment tools and treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
• Experience working in collaborative / multi-agency settings.
• Training in Triple P programs.
• Motivational Interviewing.
• Mediation and conflict resolution training.
• Family Group Conferencing training.
• Caring Dads Training.
• ASSIST Training.

Preference will be given to UPSE Civil Employees as per the UPSE Civil Collective Agreement

This competition may be used to fill future job vacancies.

Please Note: Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Where possible, submitting an electronic resume or job application is preferred. Otherwise, please return forms to PEI Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 7N8. Applications may be sent by fax to (902) 368-4383. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION, BY TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE. Please ensure that the appropriate Posting ID number is stated on all application forms. You can apply online or obtain an application form by visiting our web site at www.jobspei.ca**. Forms may also be obtained by contacting any PEI Government office, ACCESS PEI Centre, Regional Services Centre, or by telephone (902) 368-4080.**

No. 6 on Forbes’ list of Canada’s Best Employers 2024

The Public Service is inspired to make a positive impact and proud to shape the future of our Island Community.