Family Development Worker - Courtenay, Canada - Comox Valley Family Services Association

Description

FAMILY DEVELOPMENT WORKER

Program
:
Family Development

Reports to:
Program Manager


Approved by:
Executive Director


Job Summary

The Family Development worker assists children, youth and families involved with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and offers individualized outreach service to families and youth who require intervention and support.

The Family Development worker has a caseload of protection and support client files and typically meets or checks in with their clients on a weekly basic.

This Family Development Program provides a variety of coordinated services aimed at restoring positive family functioning. Support is individualized to meet each family's specific needs. The goals are identified during the foundation meeting or/and in a family care plan, provided by the Social Worker.

The program also provides a variety of support services to children, youth, adults or families where a child/youth has been identified as at risk


These services can include:

• Individualized service such as skill development, community resourcing and emotional support,
• Family support services
• Family education
• Supervised access visits

All Family Development workers have the opportunity to become a certified facilitator of the Circle of Security Parenting.

This is an 8 weeks parenting course that utilizes proven strategies for helping caregivers become more attuned and responsive to their children's emotional needs.

• Family Development workers are essential frontline workers. CVFSA has a clear comprehensive safety plan in place and the agency adjust to any changes made by the Provincial Health Orders._

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• The Program Manager assigns referrals, and the Family Development Worker meets with the case manager/social worker to discuss the file and a family care plan is provided.
• On the case management system (CAMS), the Family Development worker develops a service plan that reflects the goals in the family care plan, and writes daily reports.
• The Family Development worker may do supervised access visits with clients, with a goal in providing a safe neutral setting for visits between a child and parent(s).
• The FDW is an integral part of the care team. They participate in Integrated Case Management (ICM's), Family Case Planning Conference (FCPC), Family Group Conference (FGC) and Youth Transition Conference (YTC) meetings
• The FDW facilitates the Circle of Security Parenting Program (8 weeks program) and/or other strengthening family support services.
• The FDW helps to identify client strengths, foster selfsufficiency, independence, and provide support, guidance and problem solving.
• Provides information on and referral to other community service providers, resources and professionals as required.
• Works collaboratively with service providers, community partners, professionals and school personnel as required.
• Accompanies and advocates for clients in court, meetings and other community appointments as required.
• Maintains related records, accreditation documentation, statistics documents and provides monthly reports to the program supervisor.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree preferred or minimum of a completed twoyear diploma will be considered in Social Service field e.g., Human Services, Child and Youth Work, Mental Health, Sociology, Psychology or Criminology or accepted.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience working with children and families
• Experience working alongside MCFD is an asset

General:

• Strong communication and writing skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Desire to work in non-profit sector and understanding of child welfare
• Ability to work with a trauma informed and strength based lens
• Strong professional and personal boundaries
• Strong ability to adapt and be flexible
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team/excellent interpersonal skills.
• Respect for and sensitivity to the needs and rights of others, including those with differing cultural, racial, sexual, or ethnic identities.
• Work may involve unpleasant dealings with upset, angry, demanding or unpredictable people.
• Physical demands

- ability to lift weight of car seat (transportation of children). May participate in recreational/social/educational activities with clients involving moderate physical exertion. Report writing/sitting at a computer for periods of time.

• Other areas/duties as defined by the Family Development Program Manager.

Other position requirements

• Successful checks: reference, education and Attorney General Checks
• Valid driver's license and safe, successful drivers abstract, reliable transportation, and must be able to obtain appropriate business insurance as per agency policy (transportation of clients).
• Required to take car seat training; as relevant to the position

- arranged by the agency

• Required to h