| Job Description | GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Child and Family Support Worker provides strength-based, task-oriented supports to children, youth, and families to promote positive family functioning, strengthen parenting and caregiving capacity, support child and youth development, and assist families in achieving identified goals.
The position may provide supports directly to families who are not receiving child protection services or may work in conjunction with a Child and Family Protection Worker where child protection services are involved. When working in conjunction with a Child and Family Protection Worker, the Child and Family Support Worker provides specific supports and interventions related to identified family goals and shares relevant observations and information regarding the services provided. The position does not perform child protection functions.
Supports may include parenting education and modelling, behaviour management strategies, family visits, one-to-one and in-home support, assistance in strengthening natural and community support networks, connection to community resources, and other assigned family-focused services. The position may also assist with or deliver groups and programs based on service and operational needs.
The Child and Family Support Worker works collaboratively with families, Agency staff and community service providers and maintains timely, accurate and objective documentation related to services provided.
DUTIES PERFORMED ON A REGULAR BASIS:
Provides timely, accurate and relevant information to the assigned Child and Family Protection Worker, supervisor, or other designated team member and participates in case consultation as assigned.
Immediately communicates child welfare, safety, or other significant concerns arising in the course of providing services to the appropriate supervisor and/or Child and Family Protection Worker and follows Agency procedures and applicable reporting requirements.
Provides case supports including parent teaching and modelling, behaviour management strategies, one-to-one support, and in-home support.
Referrals to internal and external resources as required.
Assists families in developing and strengthening natural, family and community support networks, addressing gaps in service, accessing appropriate referrals, and following up on recommendations.
Completes timely, accurate and objective case notes, service summaries, and other required file documentation
Participates in scheduled supervision, case conferences, and other meetings to support the planning and delivery of assigned services.
Provides supervision and support during family visits, including parent teaching and modelling and support with behaviour management strategies, as assigned.
Supports parents and caregivers of children and youth from birth to 18 years of age to increase their understanding of child and youth development, build confidence in their parenting or caregiving role, and strengthen family relationships through the application of best practices.
Provides individualized support to help children, youth and families identify strengths, needs and goals; develop practical strategies; access appropriate resources and services; and work toward positive individual and family outcomes.
Provides outreach and support services to families, including families involved with Child Welfare as assigned.
As assigned, assists with the planning, organization and facilitation of groups and programs, including parenting programs; purchases required food and supplies and develops and maintains program budgets based on available fundraising funds. Program or group responsibilities may require flexible hours, including evenings.
Promotes secure attachment and positive child-caregiver relationships.
Identifies families with additional needs and supports access to relevant community resources and services; advocates on behalf of families to support access to services that are available, accessible, and inclusive.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
Completes assigned services and supports effectively, including timely, accurate and objective documentation of client contacts, services provided and relevant observations.
Provides timely, accurate and relevant information to the Child and Family Protection Worker, supervisor, referral source or other designated team member, as applicable.
Demonstrates the knowledge, skills and judgment required to provide task-oriented, client-centered supports in accordance with identified goals, assigned responsibilities and the scope of the position.
Maintains an appropriate level of direct client service and completes assigned responsibilities in a timely and effective manner.
Recognizes and promptly communicates child welfare, safety and other significant concerns in accordance with Agency procedures and applicable reporting requirements.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
Two-year community college diploma in Social Sciences or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
Bilingualism in English and French is considered an asset.
Demonstrated critical thinking and the ability to apply evidence-informed practices in the delivery of services and supports.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse families, communities and colleagues, with a commitment to anti-oppressive, equitable and inclusive practice.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage and build supportive relationships with children, youth and families.
Ability to maintain accurate, objective and timely documentation and communicate relevant observations and concerns appropriately.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Ability to work flexible hours, as required.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position involves a combination of office-based work and in person service delivery.
Work outside regular working hours, including occasional evenings, may be required based on service and operational needs.
Regular travel within the county is required and travel outside the county may also be required on a regular or as-needed basis; access to a reliable vehicle is necessary.
The role requires periods of light physical activity. This includes constant sitting, standing or walking, regular handling of lightweight objects (10lbs. weight) or constant visual attention to detail.
The position involves exposure to sensitive family situations and may occasionally involve managing emotionally charged interactions.
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