Supervisor, Adoption

at  Catholic Childrens Aid Society of Hamilton

Reporting to: Director, Permanency Services
Classification: Full Time Permanent
Type of Posting: To Fill a Vacancy
Salary Range: $94,084 - $114,629 per annum
Starting Date: As soon as possible

MISSION

Guided by Catholic values and teachings, we serve children and youth within the Hamilton community by protecting their safety and well-being, strengthening their families and nurturing lifelong relationships.
The Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton is committed to having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of the city of Hamilton and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals, especially those who can provide different perspectives and contribute to a further diversification of ideas.
Qualified candidates must have the skills and knowledge needed to work with an increasingly diverse population as well as knowledge of inequities, how they are perpetuated, and the skills to address them, specific to the requirements of the job.
We are currently seeking a Supervisor, Adoption to join our Permanency Services on a full-time permanent basis.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

1. MSW degree
2. Minimum 5 years’ child welfare experience
3. Supervisory experience in child welfare

4. Experience with permanency planning, children services, adoption, kinship.

5. Demonstrated understanding of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, Ministry standards and guidelines, agency policies and procedures and collective agreement and, demonstrated understanding of direct practice issues and the Society’s systems, services and programs.

• Preference will be given to applicants with lived experience from the following communities: Indigenous/FNMI, African descent, and other racialized groups to support the Agency’s vision, mission and values.

1. Demonstrated experience and skills working with diverse ethnic and racial communities.
2. Knowledgeable of adoption legislation, policies and practices within the child welfare system.
3. Demonstrated knowledge and competence in the practice of child welfare.
4. Good understanding of community service and strength-based approach to working with children, youth and families.
5. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Ontario Human Rights code and Federal Employment Equity Legislation.
6. Well-developed leadership skills.
7. Experience in managing organizational change initiatives and leading the development and implementation of special programs, reviews and positive outcome measures.
8. Project management, policy and program development and implementation experience.
9. Excellent communication, presentation and, teaching skills; strong written communications skills.
10. Excellent interpersonal skills to liaise with community professionals, staff, resource parents and volunteers.
11. Superior problem solving and analytical skills.
12. Ability to identify needs, initiate, coordinate and manage the implementation of innovative solutions in response to organizational issues.
13. Excellent problem solving, disputes/conflict resolution and mediation skills.
14. Ability to assess situations and to remain calm under pressure. Ability to deal with crisis situations, and to evaluate situations requiring assistance (i.e. police).
15. Excellent consultation skills at all levels within the organization.
16. Knowledge and commitment to anti-oppressive/anti-racist philosophy.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION:

• Computer literate with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft office and proprietary child welfare systems and programs.

· Demonstrates a commitment to, and work ethic in leadership and role models behaviours that demonstrates the Mission and Vision of the Catholic Children’s Aid Society.

• Able to affirm and integrate in the delivery of services the Society values which reflect the Agency’s Catholic faith, heritage, culture and traditions.
• Bilingual French/English is an asset

· Respectful and compassionate demeanor.

• At the time of hire, documents required will include:
• Acceptable Vulnerable Sector Police clearance
• Acceptable Provincial Child Protection Record Check
• Valid Ontario Driver’s license, acceptable drivers abstract and written verification of a minimum of $2,000,000 public liability and property automobile insurance.
• Provincial check of Authorization with OACAS where necessary.

The Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton is committed to having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of the city of Hamilton and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals, especially those who can provide different perspectives and contribute to a further diversification of ideas.
The Agency is inviting applications from qualified individuals who self-identify as being part of one or more of the under-represented equity groups. During the online applications process, applicants will have the opportunity to complete the online questionnaire to indicate if they self-identify as being part of an equity seeking group. Answering the questionnaire is voluntary. If the questionnaire is not completed by an applicant, they will not be considered as being from an equity seeking group.
Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton is committed to ensuring a unbiased selection process that values equity, diversity and inclusion and reflects the Hamilton Catholic community that we serve.

In order to minimize interviewer bias we have incorporated the following into our selection process:

• We will have our interview panel score written assignments blind to eliminate bias
• We will seek out recent examples on behavior-based questions during the interview process
• We will review a candidate’s lived experience during the interview and when assessing staffing needs
• We provide accommodations in accordance with AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code
• We will hold your application in strict and professional confidence

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building on inclusive process that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please inform Human Resources at the time when you are invited for an interview.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $94,084.00-$114,629.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In perso

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To assign and direct effective management for all adoptions, including related and non-related adoptions, adoption disclosure and services provided in the unit by the Unit Assistant.
2. Coordinates adoption activities with internal legal counsel, other Agency management and with staff.
3. Ensures all services are carried out in accordance with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (Ministry), agency and professional standards.
4. Provides regular supervision and unit meetings of all unit staff ensuring client, clinical and administrative matters are attended to in a timely and professional manner.
5. Participate in recruitment and selection of adoption unit staff.
6. Provide orientation and training to new staff including instruction on case work theory and practice, policies and procedures, relevant legislation and legal processes etc.
7. Provide for the regular performance evaluation and development of existing staff, establishes and maintains performance standards and implements corrective action when necessary.
8. Ensure unit coverage for all workers’ cases when staff are absent due to planned and unplanned absences. Approves staff overtime worked, time off for vacation, training etc.
9. Assign cases to adoption workers, reviews workloads and attempts to balance case load requirements.
10. Approves employee expenses and other matters in accordance with Agency policy.
11. Oversees and supervises all adoption cases and planning including but not limited to adoption probation cases, consultations and adoption planning.
12. Supervises services to adoptive families including the inquiry/intake phase, training, home studies, consultations, matching, adoption planning and support.
13. Review and approve all adoption disclosures and summaries.
14. Review all home study assessments, ensure that all ministry guidelines and legislative requirements are adhered to, and provide final approval of adoptive homes.
15. Monitor and review all assessments, proposed matches and pre-placement plans completed by adoptive workers, providing final approval of all placement matches, and making final decisions in all case related issues.
16. Review all subsidy proposals, ensuring that the proposed subsidy meets all internal and ministry requirements, and submit recommendation to Service Director.
17. Consult with the Service Director, or Director of Child Welfare Services or their designate in serious or contentious cases.
18. Consult and coordinate with legal counsel and assist child protection staff in trial preparation where adoption is the plan.
19. Lead in the initial stages of the complaint procedure for any child, youth or family receiving service from the adoption unit and consult with Service Director as needed.
20. Attend and facilitate case conferences involving other professionals in the community in connection with adoption planning, transfers from other agencies and case management.
21. Participate in regular management meetings. Review operating policy and administrative issues making recommendations for policy development and strategies to meet Society goals.
22. Develop data for preparation of annual service plan for adoption services and integration into Society’s service plan.
23. Provide supervisory coverage as scheduled and required.
24. Oversee the recruitment, training, assessment and approval of adoptive applicants.
25. Referral to community programming and supports for adoptive families both pre and post adoption.
26. Actively participate in Regional and provincial Adoption Collaboration Initiatives (Adoption Leaders Group & Zone Adoption Supervisory Group)
27. Involvement and input on the screening and interviewing of potential staff, making recommendations for final selection, subject to approval by the Service Director.
28. Orienting and training new personnel, providing instruction on EDI and trauma informed, attachment practice, agency policies and procedures, relevant legislation, judicial processes etc.
29. Conducts on-going Supervision on a regular basis, conducts regular and probationary period performance appraisals and sets performance standards and goals with staff; Manages day-to-day staff work performance, addresses performance issues including, but not limited to, progressive discipline processes. Coordinates with the Director of Service/Human Resources on employee disciplinary where required.
30. Deals with Union representatives on day-to-day matters, administers the labour contract in conjunction with the Director of Service and Human Resources. Coordinates and communicates on grievances and acts as the first stage response in any staff grievance.
31. Develops and administers staff schedules in order to provide necessary services and coverage and a balanced caseload among workers.
32. Develops procedures consistent with Agency policy on matters affecting Unit and agency operations, obtaining input from other units and own staff; making recommendations to senior management; and devising and administering procedures to implement approved policies.
33. Chair or designate the chair, of regular unit meetings, planning agendas, reporting developments to staff, ensuring effective communication throughout the unit, and recording information as needed.
34. As requested, prepares written reports for the Service Director on workload on complex cases, service efficiency, and related matters.
35. Informs the Service Director of key, critical and complex issues affecting the service delivery and operation of the Society.
36. Ensure staff are in compliance with Society Health and Safety policies; the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations; and WHMIS, and apply corrective practices or disciplinary action when staff are not in compliance.
37. Demonstrated experience and skills working with diverse ethnic and racial communities.
38. Knowledge and commitment to anti-oppressive/anti-racist philosophy.
    General
39. Responsible for understanding the strategic plan and direction of the Agency and implementing the performance measures in consultation with the Director of Service as required within the department.
40. When consulting with the Director of Service on case files, follows the directions as required.
41. Completes mandatory training and participates in ongoing agency training.
42. Demonstrates leadership and a commitment to the principles of anti-oppressive practices and anti-racism based on justice, fairness, equity, respect of the beliefs and traditions of others.
43. Complies with agency Health and Safety policies and the Ontario Health and Safety Act, and regulations, and completes annually all the required legislated trainings.
44. Committed to the Society’s mission and vision.
45. Performs other duties as may be assigned.
46. Qualified candidates must have the skills and knowledge needed to work with an increasingly diverse population as well as knowledge of inequities, how they are perpetuated, and the skills to address them, specific to the requirements of the job.

· Demonstrates a commitment to, and work ethic in leadership and role models behaviours that demonstrates the Mission and Vision of the Catholic Children’s Aid Society.

• Able to affirm and integrate in the delivery of services the Society values which reflect the Agency’s Catholic faith, heritage, culture and traditions.
• Bilingual French/English is an asse