Circle of Care Facilitator – Contract

Contract; fee for service payment; on-site

Position Summary

Are you a motivated individual with a passion for working with the Indigenous community? Do you have direct experience working with urban First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis communities? Do you have experience with dispute resolution or mediation? If so, this opportunity is for you!

The First Nations, Inuit and Métis community service agencies in Ottawa, in partnership with The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa (CASO), had developed a culture-based model of conflict resolution for self-identifying Indigenous families involved with CASO. The goal of the Circle of Care (COC) program is to include other care givers in the planning and decision making process in regards to the care of the child, using a strength-based cultural approach, and recognizing the impacts of Indian Residential Schools, 60s Scoop and the current realities of children in care.

The Circle of Care program is managed in collaboration with Minwaashin Lodge, Makonsag Head Start, Tewegan House, Tungasuvving Inuit, Odawa Friendship Centre, and Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health. To avoid any conflict of interest and to ensure neutrality, the Circle of Care Facilitators cannot be currently employed by the above mentioned agencies.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Circle of Care (COC) Coordinator, the Facilitator will:

• Review intake package completed by the COC Coordinator;
• Meet, build relationships and gather information from the family, their support and the CASO workers;
• Organize and schedule in-person meetings with clients, family, service providers and CASO workers/supervisors;
• Educate all participants on the COC Process;
• Facilitate discussions and negotiate with family, support services and CAS with the goal of creating safety plans, minimizing protection concerns & closing CAS file;
• Maintain communication with family, service providers and CASO between ‘circles’ to ensure plan is being followed;
• Maintain appropriate and confidential records of clients at all times;
• Be knowledgeable of Indigenous community services and supports, and make appropriate referrals;
• Meet with the COC Coordinator as directed or as needed;
• Keep the COC Coordinator up to date with the family situation and consult with the COC Coordinator in emergencies;
• Consult with an Elder, if needed and/or appropriate;
• Provide monthly reports, invoices, and other administrative requirements to the COC Coordinator on a regular basis.

Qualifications

The Circle of Care Facilitator must have the following qualifications:

• Experience working is social work domain;
• Be Indigenous (Self-Identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis);
• Experience in facilitating dispute resolution, mediation and/or conflict resolution processes;
• Problem-solving and negotiation skills;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
• Strong computer skills (excel, word, email);
• Knowledge of Child and Family Services Act of Ontario;
• Front-line experience working with Indigenous people*;
• Demonstrable knowledge, skills and abilities working with urban Indigenous families;
• Knowledge of Indigenous experience of colonization, Human Rights and the history of child welfare agencies;
• Knowledge of Circle teachings and protocols.

In addition, the ability to speak a traditional language will be a desirable attribute. Successful applicants will be required to submit a Criminal Record Check to work with the vulnerable population.

If you are interested in the above opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume to Catherine MacDonald at cmacdonald@wabano.com.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.