Piikani Child and Family Services- Caseworker

The Child Intervention Caseworker is a front line position that reports directly to their Casework Supervisor. This position is responsible for receiving and assessing safety and risk to children and youth, and working with parents, extended family and community to mitigate risk for the child / youth.

The Caseworker is required to follow Child Intervention practice standards, particularly standards for face to face contact with children, youth, parents and caregivers.

In addition, standards for paperwork requirements including assessments and plans is expected to be submitted as per Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act (CYFEA) Policy and Procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a full-time, one-year contract position with the possibility of an extension based on performance evaluation and funding availability.

Hours of work will be 8am-4pm Monday through Friday. Some evenings and weekends may be required. This job will work mainly from our Brocket office, but work in Lethbridge may be required.

The annual salary of this position will be $60,000-$80,000 depending on education and experience levels. A benefits package will be provided after a successful probation period of 90 days.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Intake / Assessment.

• Participate in the Intake function on assigned days.
• Screening of reports.
• Risk assessment (reports and ongoing cases).
• Assess family strengths and child resilience.
• Gather information including collateral information to determine intervention needs as per CYFEA.
• Collaborate with community members and professional partners as needed.
• Address all Guardianship and Custody needs as required by CYFEA and Policy.
• Complete Safety planning family.
• Document using specified Intervention templates and enter into the Child Intervention Database.
• Consult with the Casework Supervisor.
• Submit documentation to Casework Supervisor for approvals as required by CYFEA Policy

Case Plan :

• Based on information gathered during Assessment phase(s), fill out a plan required for specific legal authorities with the family and / or caregivers.
• Ensure goals on plan are realistic, measurable and understandable to all parties present for case planning.
• Focus on the following developmental needs for each child / youth and work toward goals that meet these needs :
• Cultural
• Spiritual
• Physical
• Educational
• Social
• Emotional
• Identify and refer family to appropriate resources and monitor resources during involvement.
• Prepares and facilitates placement of children being placed outside the family home when necessary for child’s safety.
• Evaluate goals, reassess and set new goals or indicate goals are complete at CYFEA Policy recommended time lines.
• For court orders, follow the CYFEA Policy process for preparing all required documentation for court applications.
• Ensure parents / guardians are provided with all the information regarding any court applications and their right to contest the application and / or secure legal counsel is explained.

Ongoing Case Management :

• Every action taken to manage a child intervention file needs to be documented as per CYFEA Policy.
• In addition to clear and timely case documentation, communication with the Casework Supervisor should be ongoing and noted when direction is given.
• Ensuring CYFEA Policy standards for regular face to face contact with children and caregivers is met.
• Ensure CYFEA Policy standards for ongoing contact (i.e. phone,email, etc) are met.
• Continually assess the level of risk and make key decisions in a timely manner.
• Organize / provide transportation for children / youth / parents / caregivers if and when appropriate.
• Support conflict resolution between family members as needed.
• Find and involve extended family members and other supports as required to build a network of connection around the child / family.
• Always keep permanency for child / youth as the primary goal (this may be with parents or other family or community members).
• Provide support to caregivers as needed.
• Works with Placement Resource staff / team to ensure seamless service to child / youth and family.

Other

• Present in a respectful and professional manner at all times.
• Respond appropriately to varying levels of crisis and complexity.
• Foundation of working knowledge of Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act and Regulations and Policy.
• Familiarity with related legislation (i.e. Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act; Drug Endangered Children Act; etc).
• Current working knowledge of new Federal legislation as needed (i.e. An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families).
• Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of referred services.
• Deal with issues as they arise in each case.
• Legal aspects managed including returns to court for extensions or changes to Orders as needed.
• Liaising with Child and Youth Advocate as needed.
• Collaborate with community members and organizations as needed.
• Ensure that all youth in care on caseload have Youth Transition Plan and follow up as per needs of each case (i.e. assessments for AISH applications, referrals to Public Guardian etc).
• Work with parents and education on parenting skills as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma or Degree in Human Services.
• Knowledge and skill in the area of family violence and best practices in human services.
• Ability to conduct effective interviews with children, youth and adults.
• Knowledge of community resources and ability to facilitate professional relationships with external agencies.
• Experience working within a case management framework.
• Working knowledge of trauma informed practice.
• Understanding of issues surrounding substance use and dependency and how to apply the harm reduction model.
• Ability to engage with children, youth and families during times of crisis.
• Ability to resolve conflict, maintain control in crisis situations and restore calm after crisis.
• Familiarity with Blackfoot language and Piikani culture is considered an asset.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a flexible manner.
• Basic computer skills.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Current clean Criminal Record Check.
• Current clean Child Intervention Check.

Please send a resume and cover letter to to apply.

The job will remain posted until a suitable candidate is found.

PCFS thanks all applicants and wishes to advise that only the candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.