Family Reunification Worker

Reports To: Family Support Team Lead

Job Purpose:

This role is responsible for the case management of child and family files involved with Children’s Services or Early Intervention Child & Family Support Services.

They will assess and provide interventions in situations that place children at risk of involvement, or who are currently involved, with Children’s Services. The Family Reunification Worker is also involved in the transfer and overall case management of child, kinship, and family files transferred to Cold Lake First Nations under the legal status of the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a liaison between families, Provincial Children’s Services Social Workers, and CLFN children and families.
• Represent CLFN as a Band Designate in court proceedings, child protection planning, and family conferences.
• Create Safety Plans, Cultural Plans, and Permanency Plans.
• Meet with and assess the needs of children and families.
• Advocate for children, parents, guardians, and grandparents in meetings and family conferences.
• Prepare court reports and conduct family meetings.
• Provide referrals to and liaise with other service providers.
• Maintain child and family files and provide regular progress reports to families.
• Attend partnership meetings with external service providers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• A degree in human services is required, plus several years of experience.
• Understanding of the relevant legislation including the Child, Youth, & Family Enhancement Act of Alberta (CYFEA), the Family Law Act of Alberta (FLA), the Drug-Endangered Children Act of Alberta (DECA), the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act of Alberta (PSECA), and Bill C-92.
• Knowledge of the Cold Lake First Nations community and its members.
• Knowledge of the Alberta Child Welfare Policies and Procedures.
• Proficient in the Alberta child welfare database system (CWIS, ISIS, VENN) and standard computer programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, Zoom, Teams).
• Strong interpersonal communication, time management, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively. Capable of working both independently and within a team.
• Experience in developing social programs, writing policies, investigating child abuse/neglect reports, assessing family needs, and creating safety/permanency plans and court reports. A strong ability to advocate for the rights of Indigenous Children, Parents, Grandparents, and Guardians is essential.
• Must provide a valid Vulnerable Sector Records Check and maintain a clear criminal record.
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License and reliable transportation are mandatory.

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:

• Office environment. Monday to Thursday 8:30am – 4:30pm, Friday 8:30am – 2:00pm. Working hours can vary and me require a flexible schedule depending on type of assignment or work plan task.
• Evening and weekend work may be required to attend meetings, events, and community engagement sessions.
• Requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and using a computer.
• The role involves a high degree of community interaction and may require managing emotionally charged situations with sensitivity and professionalism.