Community Connections Manager (Re-Posted)
Full time – Permanent Position (OPEN COMPETITION)
Reports to: Director of Prevention & Well-Being
Posted: August 12th, 2025
Deadline: August 27th, 2025
About KKI
Kanawemahwasowin Kamik (KKI) is a Neyaskweyahk (Ermineskin) based program for Children and Families. KKI primarily serving Ermineskin Cree Nation and its members and providing programs to strengthen families and prevent involvement of Child Intervention system. KKI integrates Cree traditions, language and elder wisdom into all aspects of its services while providing advocacy and support for Ermineskin families engaged with Child and Family Services.
Summary of Position
KKI is looking for a permanent full-time, Community Connections Manager to lead the Community Connectors program, ensuring culturally grounded support for Ermineskin Cree Nation (ECN) members. The role involves strategic planning, team supervision, and partnership building to strengthen families and reduce child welfare interventions. Responsibilities include program management, compliance, and reporting, along with mentoring staff and upholding KKI’s values and ethical standards. The ideal candidate will foster relationships with Nation partners and agencies while integrating Indigenous cultural practices into services. The Community Connections Manager will be responsible for:
· Supervise & mentor the Community Connector team, ensuring alignment with KKI’s mission, policies, and cultural values
· Develop, implement, and evaluate community support programs in collaboration with the Executive Management and partners.
· Guide staff in family advocacy, court proceedings (CYFEA, Bill C-92), and crisis interventions to reduce Children’s Services (CS) involvement.
· Promote cultural reconnection, oversee Neyaskweyahk cultural plans for children in care, and lead Nation-based events and initiatives.
· Connect families with on/off-reserve services (housing, mental health, legal aid) & approve financial assistance when needed
· Work with CS, multidisciplinary teams, and Elders to provide holistic, culturally safe care for ECN members.
· Provide leadership in high-risk situations, ensuring child safety while using least disruptive measures possible.
· Facilitate ongoing training for team members on Indigenous child welfare practices, policies and cultural competencies.
· Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Elders, knowledge keepers and traditional healers to enhance service delivery.
· Interpret and apply federal/provincial child welfare legislation (particularly Bill C-92) in program operations.
· Collect and analyze program metrics to evaluate effectiveness and guide continuous improvement.
· Assist in organizing training workshops and participate in Nation events, emergency response, and cultural activities.
· Prepare documents, reports, & correspondence and perform duties as assigned by the Director of Prevention & Well-Being.
· Maintain confidentiality and ensure privacy laws, KKI policies, and legislative requirements (e.g., Alberta Family Law) are followed in all case files and reporting.
Required Qualifications
The successful candidate’s minimum requirements are:
· Diploma or bachelor’s degree in social work or related to human / Social services field, Children Services, or a comparable field.
· Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working with families in a social service setting with a focus on Nation programming or in Human Services or Alberta Children’s Services.
· Knowledge of Nation-based work, particularly preventative and educational aspects of Child & Family Services, along with evidence-based practices for child and family development, is an asset.
· In-depth understanding of maternal and infant health, parenting education, and early childhood development concepts
· Proficiency with Microsoft 365 Suite (Excel, Teams, SharePoint), and data systems
· Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions & teachings, protocols and Nation dynamics.
· Experience working with First Nation organizations and understands intergenerational violence and trauma in Indigenous Nations.
· Valid Class 5 drivers license, access to personal vehicle and satisfactory Criminal Record, Drivers Abstract and Child intervention check.
Salary & Benefits
Salary is based on Education and demonstrated experience. KKI provide competitive wages, pension plan with matching contributions, health and dental benefits, and professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
Applicants are to submit Resume, Cover Letter and references (with position title in email subject line) or deliver in person to our Administration & Operations Building. Preference will be given to ECN members.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
