Aboriginal Supported Child Development Consultant - Nanaimo, Canada - Island Urban Indigenous Wellness Society

Description

ASCD Consultant

Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Operations and with other Aboriginal Supported Child
Development (ASCD)

Staff, the ASCD Consultant will provide services for Aboriginal children from birth - 12 year age, who needs support in any of the following areas:
physical, cognitive, communication, social emotional and/or behavioral development. The ASCD Consultant will provide services to the Nanaimo to Ladysmith district which also includes the Snuneymuxw,
Snaw-naw-as, and Stz'uminus First Nation Communities.

The ASCD Program is a Provincially funded program that is designed to meet the needs of Indigenous children who require additional supports.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Visit the homes/child care centres of children or youth to assess their development, create individualized activities for the children/youth and their parents/families, and to stimulate or enhance optimal development and monitor progress.
• Administer developmental screenings and assessments including Ages and Stages, Ages and Stages

Social Emotional Questionnaire's. Writes assessment reports and recommendations as needed.

• Develop, monitor, and keep accurate documentation of activity plans for each child/youth on caseload.
• Promote and support traditional cultural teachings and practices for our children, youth, families, agency, and community.
• Build professional supportive relationships and rapport with the parents and extended families of the children referred to the ASCD program.
• Practice holistic, strength based principals and support the ASCD program's educational and non

- punitive philosophy.

• Maintain liaison with other health and social service professionals who work with Aboriginal families, such as, but not limited to: Elders, Physical therapists, Public Health workers, Occupational therapists, Speech and language pathologists and vision consultants, etc.
• Maintain good relations with referral services including the Nanaimo Child Development Centre,

Ministry of Children and Family Development, etc.

• Make appropriate referrals for further assessment and or support/counseling to other agencies or professionals as necessary.
• Facilitate parent education sessions and groups to increase parents' and/or care givers knowledge of: a. a children's normal growth and developmental milestones; b. extra supports required and individual planning

ISLAND URBAN INCIGENOUS WELLNESS SOCIETY

• In coordination with the greater child/youth's team, promotes and provides parenting support or information in areas such as nutrition, education, safety, injury prevention, mental health, dental care, immunization program, breastfeeding, family planning, behaviour management, relationship issues, addictions treatment, play, reading, music, bonding and attachment, methods for enhancing early brain development, and all other factors that affect the environment of the child/youth in their family home or child care centre.
• Provides support to the extended family, particularly Elders, cultural teachers and traditional people, in the teaching of and caring for children.
• Maintain ongoing training in administering Assessment Tools.
• Prepare and maintain accurate client records, submit monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports to the

Director of Operations and Program Funders.

• Attends staff meetings and maintain professional development through ongoing ASCD/AIDP in

- service education.

• Contributes to Health Fairs, Education Fairs, Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations, etc.
• Ensures policies and procedures are followed throughout the ASCD program and remains knowledgeable in relevant legislation, policies and procedures to ensure that children/youth are supervised and safe at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Childcare Responsibilities:

• When facilitating a group ensure children/youth are supervised at all times during indoor/outdoor play times.
• When facilitating a group ensure the following basic needs of program are performed throughout the day including meal preparation, clean up after meals, sharing of circle times, art activities, set up, cleaning of rooms, purchasing materials and supplies (including groceries), and cleaning toys.

This is for activities/groups/playgroups that we hold in communities.

• Creates and maintains a safe and secure environment to enable children/youth to express themselves and to build on their self-esteem.
• Provides guidance in children/youth's behavior, encourages positive self-concept and sets reasonable behavioral expectations.
• Immediately reports all incidents of child abuse to the ASCD Coordinator and/or Director of

Operations.

• Provides support to other ASCD staff as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Advocate for families and works in cooperation with service providers to ensure families receive adequate support and increase community awareness of