It is the mission of Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) to broadly provide Inuit-specific programs that contribute to the health and wellbeing of Inuit and to encourage and support similar programs for Inuit across the country. With over 30 years of highly successful experience in crafting the design, development, and delivery of a wide range of effective, client-centered services, TI continues to deliver quality programs and services that directly benefit our growing urban Inuit population.

Reporting to the Manager of Kamatsiarniq Services, the Child and Youth Worker is responsible for providing ongoing support, advocacy, case planning, system navigation and service coordination for Inuit children and youth currently or previously involved with the child welfare system in order to assist them in achieving their potential and being healthy, happy, and resilient, grounded in their culture and language, and thriving as individuals and as members of their families and communities.

Job Responsibilities

• Receive and Respond to CYFSA notifications pertaining to children/youth in care.
• Track notifications and maintain accountability for CAS.
• Develop and maintain rapport, trust and ethical relationships with clients.
• Provide dedicated one-to-one support for Inuit children and youth living in foster homes, group homes and non-Inuit adoptive placements, including advocacy and cultural supports.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of client needs; develop collaborative strengths-based and goal-focused plans; facilitate coordination, communication and collaboration with service providers to help achieve the plan; monitor and evaluate progress towards goals and regularly adjust plans to meet the evolving circumstances of the child/youth.
• Facilitate safe and effective connections to services, resources and supports.
• Provide emotional support, coaching, crisis intervention and conflict resolution to clients as needed.
• Respond appropriately and in a timely manner to crisis situations; carry out crisis stabilization, service delivery, and client contact in a timely and professional manner.
• Provide objective information to children and youth about their circumstances, rights and responsibilities, expectations, processes and options to support them in making informed decisions.
• Participate in case planning and case conferencing; actively contribute to safety plans, care plans, service plans, and transition plans.
• Advocate for children and youth and assist them in exercising their rights and overcoming barriers to ensure they receive the programs and services they need.
• Accompany children/youth to meetings and appointments as needed to provide support and advocacy.
• Facilitate supportive networks of family and community members who will help children and youth develop/maintain a strong sense of cultural identity.
• Develop and deliver a weekly schedule of in-person and/or virtual.
• Facilitate talking, teaching and healing circles for children and youth.
• Develop and distribute cultural resources and education materials to children and youth.
• Provide case consultations with children’s aid societies, placement agencies, foster carers, group homes and other service providers as required to ensure agency interactions and interventions are done in a culturally sensitive and appropriate way.
• Collaborate with stakeholders prevent, manage, and resolve conflict.
• Establish and maintain formal and informal networks to support the provision of services to clients and promote TI and TI’s programs.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with other programs at TI, Inuuqatigiit and other Indigenous and non-Indigenous service providers in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario to create and support a coordinated network of wrap-around services for children and youth
• Work in partnership with other agencies to establish integrated plans of care, coordinate service delivery, evaluate progress/goal planning, and develop transition plans/case file closures.
• Provide/facilitate education and cultural awareness for agencies and service providers to build cultural competence, enhance the quality of care provided to Inuit, and promote compliance with their obligations under provincial and federal legislation and standards.
• Develop and maintain accurate, secure and up-to-date client files in the appropriate electronic system, including proper and timely case notes.
• Other duties as assigned and related to the position

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit culture, societal values, customs, and traditions. The ideal candidate must possess exceptional knowledge of Inuit history, culture, societal values, customs and traditions, Inuit historical and contemporary issues. Must have extensive knowledge of services and resources available to Inuit in Ontario and how to access these. Strong knowledge of issues facing urban Inuit child and youth in care and transitioning out of care. Specialized knowledge in systems navigation, and training in trauma care, mental health and wellness, child welfare, housing services, justice services, addiction, and traditional healing practices is an asset.

Excellent interpersonal skills, case and file management, organizational and time management, communication (oral and written) and group facilitation, strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, motivated and able to work independently are required. A non-judgmental, inclusive, and positive attitude towards community members who are involved in high-risk behaviors or experiencing challenging circumstances, including child welfare involvement, substance use, homelessness, and other issues. Demonstrates cultural competency and an ability to provide culturally safe services, support and communication to community members. Demonstrates integrity, high ethical practices, standards, and confidentiality.

Ability to initiate, plan, and deliver cultural programming, develop cultural resources, maintain accurate and up‐to‐date client records and case notes. Develop rapport, trust, and ethical relationships with clients, exercise strong decision-making skills and deal with unpredictable situations. Ability to employ effective crisis intervention, de-escalation and conflict resolution approaches and techniques. An inclusive and positive attitude towards community members who identify as LGBTQ2S, Gender-Fluid, Nonbinary, and/or Gender-Nonconforming, and an ability to support gender diverse children/youth and children/youth along the sexual orientation spectrum.

Completion of community college in social work/ services is required. Two years’ experience in delivering direct services in social services or community services organization, working with child welfare and Inuit children/youth is required. One year experience working with Inuit Community and case management is required.

Proficient use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, video-conferencing platforms and electronic records management applications is required. Clear Vulnerable Sector Check with results acceptable to TI is required. Fluency in English is required and the ability to communicate in Inuktitut is a significant asset.

***Acceptable combinations of education and experience may be considered for this position. We encourage you to apply if you have equivalent years of education and/or experience equal to the education and experience requirements listed above.

Salary and Benefits

• TI offers a competitive total compensation package. Employees are provided with an exceptional benefits plan which includes major medical and dental coverage for the employee and their dependents, and employee life insurance for those eligible as per the policy.
• TI provides paid sickness, personal and family sickness leave days, and a 24/7 confidential Employee and Family Assistance Plan.
• Salary $56,000
• Vacation (earn 3 weeks/year).

Deadline for applications  is February 20th,  2025.

Preference in hiring will be given to qualified Inuit candidates; applicants are encouraged to self-identify. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit our website at www.tiontario.ca to learn more about our programs and services. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request.

The Child and youth worker will have a hybrid working environment. Availability to work in the evening and at weekends is required. A valid driver’s license and a driver’s abstract that is acceptable to TI is required.

We thank all interested applicants in advance for their interest. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted. Inuit Candidates are Strongly preferred.