Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, (NCFST) strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Indigenous Community. We do this by creating a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Native people, the extended family, and the right to self-determination and through the integration of holistic, culturally based prevention services that are child centered, family focused, and community driven.
At Native Child, we are guided by our purpose: Honoring Our Roots, Embracing Our Future. We are inspired to be and do our best, recognizing the profound impact we have on our communities, our people, and our shared heritage. Our commitment to preserving and celebrating Indigenous culture drives us to be a leading force in our region. Here, you are welcomed into an inclusive and supportive environment that values each individual’s contributions and fosters collective success.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• BSW or MSW from an accredited university (Master’s degree preferred); an advanced diploma in Child & Youth Worker or Social Service Work may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in child welfare or working with Indigenous families in an urban context, ideally in a supervisory capacity.
• Supervisory or leadership experience in social services is a strong asset.

KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES:

• Solid understanding of child development, trauma-informed care, and family systems.
• Knowledge of child protection legislation, standards, and processes.
• Familiarity with issues such as mental health, domestic violence, and substance use and their impact on families.
• Deep understanding of the historical and contemporary issues affecting Indigenous children, families, and communities.
• Knowledge of applicable Acts, regulations, and policies (e.g., CYFSA, privacy legislation, health & safety standards).

PREFERRED SKILLS & CAPABILITIES:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to provide clear direction, guidance, and support to program staff.
• Excellent active listening and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and care.
• Sound judgment and the ability to assess, de-escalate, and respond appropriately to challenging situations involving staff or community members.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive working relationships within a collaborative, team-based environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills tailored to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to effectively prioritize, multitask, and manage competing demands in a fast-paced setting.
• Experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Please note that the successful candidate is required to complete a background check.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee daily operations and service delivery of the Family Access Program, ensuring visits and exchanges are scheduled and coordinated smoothly, with a focus on culturally rooted, community-centered, and trauma-informed care.
• Ensure access visits are delivered in accordance with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), Ministry standards, relevant protocols and assessments, and the agency policies and procedures.
• Supervise all aspects of the Family Access Program and related services, ensuring they are child-centered, safe, and culturally responsive.
• Coordinate and schedule access visits and transportation for children in out-of-home care, ensuring timely and appropriate contact with parents, extended family, and community members.
• Provide direct supervision to staff, including recruitment and onboarding, assigning responsibilities and setting priorities, delivering training and performance feedback, conducting evaluations, and reviewing assessments and reports.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team comprising full-time staff, casual workers, students, and volunteer access drivers, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Encourage and support staff in addressing the cultural needs of children and families, including the appropriate use of traditional medicines and the involvement of Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with community partners and service providers to support seamless and collaborative service delivery.
• Ensure all services are delivered in a manner that reflects the agency’s cultural framework, agreements with stakeholders, and accountability standards.
• Provide crisis intervention and conflict resolution for both staff and community members as required.
• Promote positive relationships and ongoing communication with families, courts, and referral agencies.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation in line with agency and regulatory standards.
• Prepare and submit program reports for internal use, funders, and external stakeholders.
• Be available in-office to provide Duty coverage at 30 College St., Toronto on a rotating basis.
• Must be available on an on-call basis every Saturday to respond to work-related emergencies.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.