Off Reserve First Nation Child Welfare Representative - 12 Month Contract

About The Mississaugas Of Scugog Island First Nation

The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation is a strong, vibrant, and progressive Indigenous community that is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from the heart of Toronto. Located nearby to the rural community of Port Perry, MSIFN has the benefits of small-town living while having close proximity to urban areas. As part of the Anishinabek Nation and signatories to the Williams Treaties and other pre-confederation treaties, MSIFN is extremely proud of our Indigenous culture and long history of protecting our Aboriginal and Treaty rights. As owners of the Great Blue Heron Casino and creators of the Noozhoo Nokiiyan Economic Development Limited Partnership, MSIFN has an entrepreneurial spirit and expectation for excellence. We encourage team members to be professional, flexible, dynamic, team players, who have a self-starting attitude and respect for all employees in the workplace. While working within clear lines of authority, MSIFN requires someone who can bring out the best in those who surround them. We are a busy First Nation, with many capital projects and opportunities ahead. The community and workplace are led by an elected Council of 5 (a Chief and four Councillors) and a Senior Management Team led by the First Nation Manager and including Managers from Operations, Finance, Human Resources, Information Systems, Water Wastewater, and Health and Social Services. We value the hard work of our entire workforce and support them with a culture of collaboration and respect.

For more information about our vibrant community please visit our homepage by clicking here.

Make a Difference Within Our Community

Currently, the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) is looking for an experienced Off Reserve First Nation Child Welfare Representative to join our community and work with our members and management team in Scugog, ON on a fixed-term contract (12 months) basis . The hours of this role are Monday to Thursday, 8 : 30 am to 4 : 30 pm, and Friday 8.30 am to 1 : 00 pm. Position includes after-hours emergency on-call rotation.

Job Summary

Under the guidance of the Social Services Supervisor, the Off Reserve First Nation Child Welfare Representative (FNCWR)—appointed by the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN), is responsible for safeguarding the interests of MSIFN in all child welfare and protection matters. This includes active participation in legal proceedings and hearings involving MSIFN children. This position requires frequent travel, approximately 50% of the time, to attend site visits and meeting, including overnight stays when necessary to support MSIFN children and families. Flexibility is essential, as work may occur outside regular hours, including evenings, weekends, and participation in an on-call rotation for urgent child welfare matters. Engagement will take place in diverse settings such as family homes, community spaces, and partner agency offices, reflecting a commitment to holistic and culturally grounded service delivery. The role involves handling sensitive and confidential information with the highest level of discretion and respect for MSIFN. Working from a holistic and culturally grounded perspective, the FNCWR is a dedicated advocate with strong knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act. The role centers on protecting the collective well-being of MSIFN children, ensuring their cultural heritage, traditions, identity, and the rights of MSIFN members are upheld and preserved throughout all child welfare processes. The Off Reserve FNCWR will also collaborate closely with other related roles to provide integrated and culturally appropriate support to MSIFN children and families.

Essential Functions

• Support clients in accessing and utilizing a wide range of community resources, including legal aid, medical services, financial assistance, housing, employment opportunities, health and social services, transportation, moving support, child care, and other relevant referral services
• Upon receiving formal notifications, including notices of alternate dispute resolution, apprehension / protection, status reviews, Child and Family Services Review Board hearings, adoption matters, and other related proceedings—the Off Reserve First Nation Child Welfare Representative (Off Reserve FNCWR) will maintain full party status in all hearings and child protection cases involving MSIFN children. The FNCWR will assess the need for legal counsel to ensure MSIFN’s interests are adequately represented. Additionally, the Off Reserve FNCWR will provide or coordinate alternative dispute resolution processes aimed at reducing the number of MSIFN children entering care
• Provide knowledge, awareness and promotion of MSIFN’s interest, to courts, agencies and Children’s Aid Societies, of culturally and community appropriate care options, particularly customary care arrangements. Advocate for MSIFN's best interests. Act as a key contact for MSIFN
• Maintain the connection of children to their communities by working with communities, agencies and children’s aid organizations in other jurisdictions and repatriate children as deemed necessary
• Accompany youth and family care workers at all child welfare investigations into allegations of protection concerns including, but not limited to child abuse and neglect, to determine the best possible care for a child
• Receive notifications and monitor Temporary Care Agreements, Customary Care Agreements and Voluntary Service Agreements with Children’s Aid Organizations / Societies
• Provide comprehensive family support services, including conducting regular care and home visits to ensure that children receive appropriate supports, culturally relevant services, and placements that reflect the values and traditions of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
• Liaise with other First Nation Child Welfare Representatives, Agencies (Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services) and Legal Counsel. Provides input into the Client's Plan of Care
• Support children and families in accessing, or act as a liaison with, internal and community-based programs and services, including the Healthy Lifestyles Program, addictions and mental health services, housing and employment supports, and Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services (DBCFS)
• Provide intervention, advocacy, support, and guidance to help keep families together and facilitate family reunification, ensuring that children remain connected to their families, culture, and community whenever possible
• Prepare for and attend court hearings and / or conferences as set out by C-92. Provide oral and written presentations in court, as required. Prepare, respond to, and process legal documents as required
• Responsible for budgeting, financial monitoring, reporting, maintaining program statistics and preparing funding proposals for program areas. Document and maintain Child and Family services records as per the MSIFN privacy policy & the Child Welfare Act
• Emergency On-Call Child Welfare Service : Respond to urgent child welfare situations within the community outside of regular working hours, on a rotational basis with designated MISFN health and social services staff
• Collaborate with and provide ongoing backup support to other MSIFN Child Welfare staff, ensuring continuity of services and a team-based approach to supporting children and families
• Engage with external committees to research and recommend strategies that enhance supports and services for children and families, ensuring culturally appropriate and community-driven solutions

PAY RATE : $38.66 - $44.30 (Pay Grade F)

Minimum Qualifications

Specialization Required

Considered An Asset

Do you want to make a lasting difference to a vibrant First Nation community? Here’s your chance!

About The Benefits

In recognition of your hard work and dedication, you can look forward to a competitive hourly wage of $38.66 / hr. ($69,356 / yr. based on a - 34.5 hour workweek) along with the following excellent package :

This is your chance to be part of a dynamic and growing community where you will have the opportunity to implement processes and make your mark for the better of all.

If you share our values and have the skills necessary to bring success to the role, then we invite you to apply today!

Please note that a Criminal Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search (CPIC / VSS) acceptable to the position is required upon conditional offer. Expenses for CPIC / VSS are reimbursed after orientation.

Apply Now

#J-18808-Ljbffr