Indigenous Practice Specialist - South Region

at  Government of Alberta

JOB INFORMATION

Job Requisition ID: 63095
Ministry: Children and Family Services
Location: South Region
Full or Part-Time: Full-Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary: Temporary (3-5 year Term)
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: October 09, 2024
Classification: Human Services Worker 7
Salary: $2,987.65 to $3,868.94 bi-weekly ($77,977 - $100,979/year)
The Ministry of Children and Family Services works to foster a society in which families are safe and resilient, individuals have sustainable employment, vulnerable Albertans have the supports they require and no one is left behind. Children and Family Services mission is to assist Albertans in creating the conditions for safe and supportive homes, communities and workplaces so they have opportunities to realize their full potential. Its core business is to work collaboratively with community partners to deliver citizen-centered programs and services that improve quality of life for Albertans. The ministry deals with topics that vary widely and addresses many of the issues people face across their life span.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor of Social Work and Social Work Diploma and 2 years of related experience; or
• Related degree and 4 years of related experience or a related diploma and 5 years of related experience.
• Related education can include: Bachelor of Child Studies/Child & Youth Care, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Human Services, BA/BSc Psychology, BA Sociology, Bachelor of Community Rehab, BSc Family Studies/Human Ecology, BA Early Child Development, Law Degree, Addictions/Counseling Diploma, Child and Youth Care Diploma, and Criminal Justice Diploma.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• 2 years of related experience in child intervention front line case management or equivalency
• Knowledge and experience using Signs of Safety philosophy and practice.
• Knowledge of community resources is essential.
• Advance computer experience working with Microsoft office is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of all legislated and policy requirements related to Indigenous peoples.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement Act; Signs of Safety
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Knowledge and experience working with Indigenous communities.
• Understanding of child intervention issues and trends for the purpose of analysis.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• A cover letter outlining how your education and experience relates directly to this role is required.
• In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part-time, or full-time. For example: January 15, 2006 – June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs shifts/week).
• Complete all pre-screening questions.
• If you have completed your ICUF Training please attach the proof of completion as an attachment to your career profile.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

The South Region is looking for an enthusiastic individual who has a drive and passion for advancing child intervention practice with Indigenous children, families, and communities. This role supports our staff in compliance with all legislated and policy requirements related to Indigenous peoples, while engaging with community partners to develop relationships and nurturing safe environments for the children, youth, and families we support. This is a regional position that provides an opportunity to work with diverse people all across Southern Alberta with a focus on the east part of the region.
The Indigenous Practice Specialist focuses on practice implementation and skill enhancement at a regional level delivering and informing provincial direction and knowledge in Child Intervention Casework practice applications. The Indigenous Practice Specialist acts as a regional program consultant to staff incorporating legislation, policy, and provincial practice into casework delivery. This position influences practice and the consistent application of the legislation, policies, and standards regionally. The position consults, leads, guides and instructs all levels of staff in applying practices that is consistent with federal, provincial and regional strategic direction and may be CFS’s representative on a variety of committees and initiatives.
The Indigenous Practice Specialist’s extended scope includes implementing training & development, and engaging staff in developing case plan solutions and strategies focused on supporting the successful outcomes for children and families. Your strong focus on coaching and mentoring will guide your work with the team of Children and Family Services professionals working in Child Intervention Services. Your guidance will be rooted in the Child Intervention Practice Framework, Casework Practice Model, Signs of Safety Approach, trauma informed practice lens as well as specialized knowledge, experience, and relationships of and with Indigenous peoples to ensure that services delivered are in accordance with accepted practices, standards and legislative requirements. You will also develop and deliver formal and informal training and teaching sessions to support staff in their work with children and families. Daily you will utilize your team building, critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, time management and organizational skills. These skills will assist you to prioritize multiple projects and assignments that support better decisions for children, youth, and families. Your well-developed interpersonal relationship and communication skills will enable you to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders through virtual and in-person contacts.
Please

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL NEED TO DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING COMPETENCIES:

• CI Practitioner Competencies: Performing the Child Intervention Practitioner competencies with consistency at an advanced level of proficiency, according to the Child Intervention Practice Framework Principles, in order to provide practice supervision to CI staff.
• Mindfulness and Self-reflection: Being intentionally aware, focused and present in the moment; continuously assessing, without reaction and judgment, one’s emotions and actions to guide one’s thinking and behavior.
• Outcome Oriented: Maintaining a working knowledge of the CIPF Principles, CI outcomes and priorities. Demonstrates the ability to lead with a focus on CI outcomes and ensure the work of one’s team is in alignment with these outcomes. Demonstrates commitment to the CI outcomes and priorities by role modeling responsibility for decisions and accountability for results.
• Engaging Others: Building a foundation of trust and respect to engage staff and inspire, empower, support, coach, and mentor. Building relationships individually and as a team to create a positive working environment and to achieve the best possible CI outcome.
• Leading Continuous Improvement: Demonstrate ability to seek out opportunities for innovation and creatively problem solve. Support staff through implementing organizational initiatives. Operate with a high degree of flexibility and adaptability to implement learnings and achieving outcomes for children and families.
• Enabling others Growth and Development: Guiding others to strengthen their professional ability and CI practice and fostering a climate of learning and self-reflection.
• Communication: Engaging in and fostering active listening, creating an atmosphere of respect and positive problem solving. Ensuring one’s verbal and non-verbal communication is congruent. Demonstrating an awareness of the impact of one’s communication in both oral and written form.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

• You carry a valid Class 5 Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle.
• As per the health Professions Act, successful applicants must be registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) to be eligible for this position, if:
• They have a degree in social work from any university in North America that is accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) or the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); or they have graduated from an approved social work diploma program in Alberta;
• They have, within the last five years, been a registered, certified, or licensed social worker in another province or with a member of the Association of Social Work Boards.