Summary

Family Support Workers provide home-based support to Indigenous families with children newborn to age twelve and pregnant mothers.

Description

Location:                    Calgary
Position Type:            Full time
Hours:                         Monday – Friday (37.5 hours/ week)
Program:                    Nitsanak Mamawintowak (Families Coming Together in Cree)

Position Summary:

Miskanawah is an Indigenous agency that draws jointly from the strengths and guidance of Indigenous teachings and traditions. We adopt evidence-based practices in human services to support vulnerable children, youth and families.

As a Family Support Worker, you will provide home-based support to Indigenous families with children newborn to age twelve and pregnant mothers, in order to promote healthy child development; caregiver capacity-building; family resilience; and community connections. The role demands a commitment to the principles of Wahkotiwin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTXMrn2BZB0. The position requires strong communication and facilitation skills, an understanding of the historical trauma of Indigenous peoples, and the ability to navigate the complexities of Indigenous communities with sensitivity and respect

Responsibilities:

  • Build and maintain trusting relationships with families by providing support in their homes and communities.
  • Apply knowledge of parent-child interactions, child development, and child abuse dynamics to guide interventions.
  • Teach positive parenting strategies, complete ASQ assessments, and create Developmental Support Plans based on observations.
  • Identify family needs through observation and implement appropriate interventions.
  • Utilize community resources to meet family needs, teaching parents to access those resources independently and acting as a liaison with other agencies when necessary.
  • Collaborate with parents to establish and implement family support plans with clear goals, objectives, and activities.
  • Assist in the development, setup, and facilitation of group programs.
  • Report critical incidents to supervisors following Miskanawah Policy and Procedures.
  • Meet regularly with supervisors for case review and guidance.
  • Maintain thorough and timely documentation of home visits and community activities.
  • Establish and maintain professional boundaries with families.
  • Support families with paperwork for applications to programs such as medical, financial, or housing assistance.
  •  Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, and training sessions as required.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Skills and experiences:  

  • Knowledge of and willingness to engage in Indigenous cultural traditions.
  • Experience working with families, particularly in complex and diverse settings.
  • Understanding of FASD, healthy child/parent attachment, child development, and complex needs.
  • Proficient in group facilitation with comfort and confidence.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage families independently.
  • Commitment to applying current, research-based approaches to practice.
  • Ability to take initiative and work proactively.
  • Capability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Flexibility and adaptability in dynamic, fast-changing environments.

Requirements (Qualifications and Trainings):

  • Diploma or degree in the Human Services field (equivalencies will be considered)
  • Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Child Intervention Record Check
  • Valid First Aid or CPR certification (must be completed within 3 months of employment).
  • Suicide Awareness Training (must be completed within 6 months of employment).
  • Crisis Intervention Training (must be completed within 6 months of employment).
  • Self-Harm Training (must be completed within 6 months of employment).
  • Quality Improvement and Outcomes Training (must be completed within 6 months of employment).
  • Indigenous Awareness Training (must be completed within 9 months of employment).
  • Diversity Training (must be completed within 9 months of employment).
  • Use of a reliable vehicle with $2,000,000 liability coverage.
  • Valid driver’s license and a driver’s abstract with minimal demerits.

We offer the opportunity to be part of a creative and positive work environment, a competitive salary, benefits, supports for professional development, opportunity for advancement, and the chance to be part of a team that supports children, youth and families to thrive within a culturally responsive community.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to awold@miskanawah.ca by Friday Sept 20th 2024 and reference “Nitsanak Family Support Worker” in the subject line.  We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for interview will be contacted.  This posting will close when the position is filled.