After Hours Worker (Authorized)

• Completed the Indigenous Authorized Worker Training or OACAS Authorization Training.
• Must possess an accredited college diploma in a related field of study.
• Preference is a Bachelor of Social Work Honors Degree or one in a related field of study.
• At least two (2) years of work experience in the delivery of direct, frontline, social service programming targeting children, youth, and families, preferably within an Anishinaabe community/organization is preferred.
• Must possess knowledge, respect, and sensitivity of the Anishinaabe culture and be committed to helping First Nation families strengthen and achieve a healthy level of well-being.
• The ability to speak the Anishinaabe language is a definite asset.

• Act as the first point of professional contact between the Agency and potential clients while on after-hours.
• Receive reports by telephone from the answering service concerning children/youth in need of protection. Determines responses and if the case is appropriate for intervention with Service Supervision as required. Records all necessary information within the case management system. Where reports indicate a possible need for protection, make further investigations shortly thereafter by telephone contact with parents, child/youth, schools, police, neighbors, and other agencies, assessing the reliability of the information, type of investigation needed, and risk to the child/youth, the attending worker, and the referral source. This process includes file searches within case management systems and provincial databases.
• Where reports indicate a possible need for protection, conduct an investigation according to the Ministry’s Child Protection Standards and in accordance with First Nation protocols and in conjunction with the consultation with the Service Supervisor.
• Where child welfare services are not needed, or not appropriate, inform referral sources and may refer to other sources of help in the community. Facilitates referral and acts as an advocate on behalf of the family to secure necessary services.
• Maintain liaison with the Service Supervisor covering After Hours at all times while on After-Hours duty.
• Transfers identified protection cases to investigation, highlighting case dynamics and treatment needs or completes intake for non-protection services.
• Provide advice, guidance, and information to families and other community agencies on a wide range of matters affecting the care of children/youth. Consistently presents to the community the Agency's broad capacity to intervene, facilitate, and advocate.

• Knowledge of the Differential Response Model for Child Protection in Ontario as well as of the Child and Family & Youth Services Act (CYFSA), Ministry standards and guidelines and Agency policies and procedures.
• Understand social casework principles as they relate to the assessment of family functioning and understanding of the dynamics accompanying intervention with involuntary or hostile clients.
• Must possess strong organization, evaluation, and critical thinking skills.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and possess own vehicle.

• Given the traditional practices of the Anishinabek, from time-to-time exposure to wood smoke and the burning of sacred medicines, including tobacco, sweet grass, sage, or cedar, may occur within the work setting.
• Candidates must live within service area or be willing to relocate

On April 1, 2012 Kina Gbezhgomi Child And Family Services transferred the direct service delivery and management of the prevention services inclusive of family and community support services to the First Nations. Each of the First Nations and Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services has a Contribution Agreement outlining the roles and responsibilities of the agency and First Nation in this collaborative partnership inclusive of agency support and training, funding arrangements, service and financial reporting. Kina Gbezhgomi Child And Family Services completed this process as a transition phase to a fully integrated child welfare model in preparation for designation as a child welfare agency, and also to reflect the membership requests in relation to First Nation community based delivery of prevention services. VISION: Kina Gbezhgomi Child And Family Services will honour and support our family’s and community’s inherent authority to care for their children based on unity, traditions, values, beliefs and customs. MISSION: Our services ensure children are protected and stay connected with their culture, language and community while strengthening family and community relationships.