Job Information

The Regional Manager, Child and Family Services (Manager) holds an appointment as a Child Protection Worker under the NWT Child and Family Services Act.

Located in Norman Wells, the Manager reports directly to the Territorial Director, Child, Family and Community Wellness (TD-CFCW), to ensure that client and family needs are being supported and addressed within their regional catchment area; and to identify and address program challenges and opportunities for improvement, establish program objectives for the region, and to report on and contribute to the evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the program delivery in the region. This position also contributes to the development of the program area across the territory through their participation on cross-territory initiatives and projects.

The Manager is responsible for the overall daily management of Sahtu Region ¿ Child and Family Services, an annual operating budget of $2.8M and a staffing group of 10+ direct and indirect reports including, Regional Supervisor, Child and Family Services; Family and Community Social Work; and Administrative Assistant positions. The Manager provides support and operational direction to a multi-disciplinary work force and through recruitment and retention efforts ensures adequate staffing for the provision of safe, professionally competent, and culturally-appropriate, and consistent services to clients in the Sahtu communities. The Manager is accountable for critical decisions affecting various aspects of people's lives from birth to death; and is responsible and accountable for ensuring the wide range of services provided by Family and Community Social Workers meets the needs of client groups and the public in accordance with the appropriate legislation, regulations, standards, and policies. As well, this position is responsible for recruiting and hiring and managing a skilled workforce.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of professional social work with particular emphasis on assessment techniques, family systems, separation, loss and grieving, the impact of colonization particularly surrounding the residential school legacy, child and youth development and how these affect the placement and the dynamics of child protection.
• Knowledge of, and adheres to, the Social Worker Professional Code of Ethics.
• Knowledge of the NWT Child and Family Services Act; Adoptions Act and Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act.
• Knowledge in the theory and a strong commitment to the practice of Structured Decision Making as a case management tool in child protection work.
• Skills relating to program management, including budget development, preparation, and control.
• Knowledge of how to design and facilitate a change process. The ability to build and work with groups and teams, planning and implementing change; skilled in group dynamics and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge and ability to use a variety of intervention and prevention methods, and determine which method is most appropriate at any given time.

Typically, the above qualifications would be attained by:

A Bachelor's degree in social work, and a minimum of five (5) years direct experience as a child and family services social worker, combined with a minimum of two (2) years of direct experience supervising child and family services programs.

Completion of a Master in Social Work and/or a Management Program would be an asset.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Proof of immunization in keeping with current public health practices is required.

Must have, or be eligible to receive a Statutory Appointment in Child Protection and an Adoption Appointment in order to perform child protection and adoption duties.

• Must meet GNWT Professional Registered Social Worker Requirement.