Contract; fee for service payment;

Context

Do you want to help families who are dealing with Children Aid Society? Are you able to be a neutral party and help facilitate discussion and help families, support staff and CASO find ways to move files to resolution? Does working an Indigenous circle mediation process interest you? Are you wanting to work part time or full time? Are you wanting to be a consultant?

If so, this opportunity is for you!

The First Nations, Inuit and Métis community service agencies in Ottawa, in partnership with The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa (CASO), had developed a culture-based model of conflict resolution for self-identifying Indigenous families involved with CASO. The goal of the Circle of Care (COC) program is to include other care givers in the planning and decision making process in regards to the care of the child, using a strength-based cultural approach, and recognizing the impacts of Indian Residential Schools, 60s Scoop and the current realities of children in care.

The Circle of Care program is managed in collaboration with Minwaashin Lodge, Makonsag Head Start, Tewegan House, Tungasuvving Inuit, Odawa Friendship Centre, and Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health. To avoid any conflict of interest and to ensure neutrality, the Circle of Care Facilitators cannot be currently employed by the above mentioned agencies.

As an organization who works with the Indigenous community of Ottawa, it’s important that we provide opportunities to our community first, so First Nations, Inuit or Métis candidates will be given priority – please self-identify.

The Role

Under the supervision of the Circle of Care (COC) Coordinator, the Facilitator will:

• Review intake package completed by the COC Coordinator;
• Meet, build relationships and gather information from the family, their support and the CASO workers;
• Organize and schedule in-person meetings with clients, family, service providers and CASO workers/supervisors;
• Educate all participants on the COC Process;
• Facilitate discussions and negotiate with family, support services and CAS with the goal of creating safety plans, minimizing protection concerns & closing CAS file;
• Maintain communication with family, service providers and CASO between ‘circles’ to ensure plan is being followed;
• Maintain appropriate and confidential records of clients at all times;
• Be knowledgeable of Indigenous community services and supports, and make appropriate referrals;
• Meet with the COC Coordinator as directed or as needed;
• Keep the COC Coordinator up to date with the family situation and consult with the COC Coordinator in emergencies;
• Consult with an Elder, if needed and/or appropriate;
• Provide monthly reports, invoices, and other administrative requirements to the COC Coordinator on a regular basis.

Qualifications

Don’t disqualify yourself! You may not have all these qualifications, but Wabano values and recognizes the lived experiences of Indigenous people.

• Experience working is social work or social service or mediation domain;
• Be Indigenous (Self-Identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis) or a strong history as an Indigenous Ally;
• Experience in facilitating dispute resolution, mediation and/or conflict resolution processes, Indigenous circle processes;
• Problem-solving and negotiation skills;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
• Strong computer skills (excel, word, email);
• Knowledge of Child and Family Services Act of Ontario;
• Front-line experience working with Indigenous people*;
• Demonstrable knowledge, skills and abilities working with urban Indigenous families;
• Knowledge of Indigenous experience of colonization, Human Rights and the history of child welfare agencies;
• Knowledge of Circle teachings and protocols;
• The ability to speak a traditional language will be a desirable attribute; and
• Successful applicants will be required to submit a Criminal Record Check to work with the vulnerable population.

Why Work for Us

• Contract position can work with your schedule (full time or part time)
• Access to cultural teachings and knowledge keepers
• Work with dynamic teams from various sectors
• Work is from home and in the community

Application Details

Please submit your application to jobs@wabano.com. Application materials include a cover letter and resume. This opportunity will remain open until filled, so tell us your story early!

Wabano is an inclusive and equitable organization, encouraging applications from qualified candidates, including persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. The position is open to all qualified applicants, although preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry (please self-identify in your application).

Wabano is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity or interviewing, please advise if you require accommodation.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Don’t think this is the right job for you? Let us try and find you the right fit within Wabano.

Contact email: jobs@wabano.com