Early Years Family Advocate – Full Time

You have a passion for advocating for children and families in the community.
Your knowledge of early years development helps you to be creative and create connections.
You have the desire to work with Indigenous children to create strong identities and strong families.

Wabano is seeking positive, community-minded team members who are energized by challenge and motivated to serve our community.

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an award-winning Health Access Centre that provides holistic health services to First Nation, Inuit and Métis people living in Ottawa – one of the fastest growing and diverse urban Indigenous communities in Canada. Wabano is a fast-paced, client-oriented organization that models the Indigenous values of balance, respect and community interdependence. Wabano is proud to be accredited through the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, a third-party review based on accepted organizational practices that promote ongoing quality improvement and responsive, effective community services.

Purpose of Position

The Early Years Family Advocate is responsible for providing support and advocacy to enhance family care by addressing Indigenous specific social determinants of health in a manner that is culturally sensitive, respectful and holistic in approach.

Responsibilities

• Assess client status by gaining an understanding of the family dynamic, early years development of children, socio-economic factors, health needs, etc.;
• Serve as an advocate for client/community members regarding access to early years services, children’s services, family supports and other social services;
• Develop and encourage parental support, guidance and skill building for clients and community members;
• Assist with planning early years programming and participation through family engagement and networking with outside agencies, promote programs;
• Promote Indigenous beliefs, values and traditions that enhance health and early years development;
• Provide a case coordination function and prepare integrated plans of care when appropriate, by ensuring all available and required resources are in place and by attending or facilitating meetings on behalf of the client (case conferences, planning, education sessions);
• Work with the early years and programs team to plan and evaluate programs and develop or initiate early years teaching, workshops, etc. by identifying needs of clients;
• Encourage and assist clients and families to develop their own early years growth plans and problem solving skills;
• Maintain complete and accurate confidential records, and answer client and staff inquiries and provide direction to appropriate resources;
• Research and gather information on Indigenous-specific children’s social, financial and crisis services and corresponding mainstream services that are available;
• Raise awareness of and sensitivity to Indigenous early years issues though participation in relevant community groups and committees. Participate in community outreach activities as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Social Work, Child & Youth, Early Years Education, Human Services or other applicable program;
• 3 years of experience assisting families;
• Knowledge of social, economic and health issues relevant to Indigenous children and families;
• Experience as an advocate in a non-profit environment preferred;
• Demonstrated experience with early years programming, creation and evaluation;
• Knowledge of community services and programs for children and families;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint;
• Clear criminal reference check to work with vulnerable population is required.