Child Welfare Liaison Worker

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Family Well-Being Manager, the Child Welfare Liaison Worker assists families who are involved with child welfare organizations, and/or the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) to provide guidance and information to parents regarding the process, their rights and responsibilities. This is a position functions outside of the provincial, child-welfare services and is directly located within Inuuqatigiit as an advocate and support service for the well-being of Inuit children and their families.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage referrals regarding child welfare made to Inuuqatigiit Centre
• Ensure use of a trauma informed practice to support clients and provide culturally and linguistically relevant services
• Provide responsive and inclusive guidance, support, resources, and advocacy to children, youth and parents/caregivers involved with CAS - including appointment accompaniment, home visits, and referrals • Engage in supportive counselling and assistance/guidance regarding parents’ rights and responsibilities with CAS processes and protocols
• Advocate for parent and child rights with regard to their CAS file
• Assist with safety planning as required • Liaise between parents and other parties, such as CAS, foster parents, kin placements, listed community etc.
• Support parents to obtain legal aid and legal council when involved with the court system
• Obtain informed consent from parents to liaise with parents’ lawyers and provide advocacy
• Engage in all meetings with CAS as requested by the parent
• Participate in Circle of Care process when requested by parent
• Provide crisis intervention to families and individuals as needed
• Refer parents/families to appropriate services as required and document the results of these referrals
• Maintain meaningful ongoing relationships with parents and their families
• Identify and report on concerns and issues related to parental engagement to Manager of FWB.
• Support and plan for a family’s needs throughout the engagement with CAS
• Anticipate and plan for ongoing supports following the closure of a CAS file

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge on the traumatic effects of colonization on the Inuit community
• Knowledge of the Child, Youth and Families Services Act (CYFSA)
• Ability to advocate effectively for families involved with the Children’s Aid Society
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to operate computer systems and relevant software
• Strong organizational, program planning, evaluation, fiscal management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to respond effectively in crisis situations Ability to work in a collaborative staff team environment
• Ability to function effectively in a high stress, high noise environment
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, dedication and commitment to children