CFS Child Protection Investigator

The Position

Reporting to the Intake Supervisor, the Investigator will complete investigations where a child/ youth is at risk of harm due to abuse or neglect. The investigator will gather information, contact collaterals, complete interviews with the family unit, complete home visits and complete historical information on the family. The investigator will also communicate and work jointly as required with both internal and external agencies and teams. The investigator will work collaboratively with a team of professionals.

Responsibilities

• Investigates incidences of children in need of protection, conducts comprehensive, mandatory risk assessment and determines required strategy for ensuring the safety of the child which may include apprehension;
• Interview child, family, extended family and persons of sufficient interest (can include elders, community members, school officials, neighbours, etc.) and conduct mandatory risk assessment of all factors related to the child’s environment, family’s/individual’s environment including factors associated with the safety and protection of the child, and services for the child’s parents, and family service needs of extended family members;
• Communicate and collaborate with local law enforcement, other First Nation agencies and provincial agencies to ensure all information is included in the investigation report;
• Communicate regularly with STC Well-Being Intake Supervisor and STC secondary level support team members, ensuring collaboration occurs with relevant positions involved in the project and community plans;
• Transport children/ youth to hospital, law enforcement agencies, kinship care placements throughout the course of the investigation as required;
• Maintain documentation and reporting standards concerning all received concerns in accordance with legislated and accredited obligations and provide statistical reporting on a bi-weekly basis;
• Ensure all relevant information is inputted into the program database and confidentiality requirements are followed;
• Determines options for the placement of the child/ youth found to be in need of protection and requiring out-of-home care with family members, extended family members, community members or persons of sufficient interest, and negotiates placement arrangementsincluding financial supports, support services required, visitation arrangements with the parents and family/persons of sufficient interest;
• Make recommendations based on the investigation findings to the intake supervisor;
• Acquire working knowledge of all programs and services available through Saskatoon Tribal Council and at the First Nation community in order to facilitate referrals or request for services;
• Participate in planning and development at the First Nations community level to improve community-based programs, supports and services;
• Perform other related duties as defined and assigned by the reporting Director or designate on an as and when required basis.

Education and Experience

• Post-Secondary degree in social work from an accredited post-secondary institution;
• Two (2) years in a child and family services position specifically related to child welfare and protection services
• Must be eligible or member in good standing of Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW)
• Experience working within a governance structure in a community development capacity with First Nations; familiarity with First Nations culture, history is considered an asset.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability in case management, risk and family assessment and crisis intervention procedures;
• Demonstrated ability in child protection, children in-care services and ‘protocols’ with related agencies;
• Knowledge of the Saskatchewan Child and Family Services Act;
• Knowledge of indicators and effects of child abuse and the family dynamics that contribute to abuse;
• Knowledge of child development milestones;
• Ability to apply and interpret provincial/federal policy for children in care;
• Ability to facilitate quality assurance measures for case management, case planning and file documentation;
• Effective time management, problem solving, and decision making;
• Ability to work in a calm, confident and effective manner, to coordinate and facilitate discussion with various viewpoints in determining the best interest of the child;
• Ability to work independently, critical thinking skills, highly motivated and enthusiastic of program goals and direction;
• Knowledge of community services, urban services and resources;
• Possess an understanding of Inherent and Treaty Rights, traditions, culture, language and history and ability to provide service from a holistic family systems framework of practice that honors and respects First Nations governance, authority and aspirations;
• Demonstrated skill and proficiency using computer applications to enter and retrieve data, access information, and produce and edit a variety of correspondence, documents and reports;
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills as well as effective oral and written communication skills;
• Knowledge of the political, social and economic objectives of the Saskatoon Tribal Council and of the Dakota, Cree, and Saulteaux cultures will be considered an asset.

Other Work Conditions

• Must possess a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license and meet STC’s insurance requirements;
• Must provide a current, original, Canadian Criminal Record Check (CPIC) with vulnerable sector search as a condition of employment;
• Must be available for after-business-hours situations on a rotating/ unscheduled call back/cover- off basis.
• Must be willing to travel 3-4 days per week by vehicle (provided) to STC Member First Nations. There may be times that inclement weather conditions will be encountered during course of driving.
• Given the traditional practices of the Dakota, Cree, and Saulteaux cultures, from time to time there can be exposure to wood smoke and the burning of sacred medicines, including tobacco, sweet grass, sage or cedar, may occur within the work setting.
• Positions in the field of Child Protection can be both mentally and emotionally challenging. The nature of the 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.