Family Service Worker, Rama Road

Position Family Service Worker

Location Rama First Nation, ON&Barrie, ON

Closing Date June 11, 2026

Position Summary The Family Service Worker plays an integral role in fostering positive outcomes for children, youth, and families who become involved in the child welfare system. This role is a primary contributor to the safety, resilience, and empowerment of Indigenous children, youth, and families. Specializing in risk assessment, intervention, and prevention from a wholistic and inclusive lens, the Family Service Worker strives to help families access resources and be empowered to overcome challenging situations.

Assessment, Intervention&Prevention

Receive and review referrals assigned from the Initial Assessment team and conduct thorough assessments to evaluate allegations of child abuse and/or neglect.

Conduct assessments and investigations with cultural competence and sensitivity, recognizing and respecting the unique cultural contexts, traditions, and practices of Indigenous communities.

Collaborate with families, community members and other sources (school personnel, police, and neighbours) to gather insights into the family's dynamics, strengths, challenges, and protective factors.

Engage families in the assessment process and service planning, demonstrating respect for their input and recognizing strengths while addressing areas of concern.

Review historical information if available.

Identify immediate and long‑term risks such as abuse, neglect, substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health issues, and environmental factors that may impact a child's well‑being.

Utilize assessment tools and culturally adapted frameworks to evaluate the level of risk, considering the child's developmental needs, attachment relationships, and family history.

Incorporate the socio‑economic, historical, and cultural factors that may contribute to the identified risks including systemic issues and intergenerational trauma.

Develop service plans in collaboration with families and communities to mitigate immediate risks and ensure the child’s safety while maintaining cultural connection.

Maintain therapeutic casework relationships, counseling the child and the family, and conduct ongoing assessments of emerging strengths and risks.

Maximize participation of internal and external service providers through facilitation of conferences, referrals, coordination, and advocacy.

Lead, facilitate, and participate in consultations, family‑centered conferences, and case conferences with the client and service providers.

Coordinate and monitor the provision of services, including counseling, parenting education, substance abuse treatment, and mental health support.

Conduct investigations in ongoing child protection cases where new allegations of harm arise, including safety assessments and verification decisions.

Conduct and participate in physical and sexual abuse investigations as required.

Continuously monitor and reassess the level of risk as circumstances evolve, adjusting intervention strategies and support plans accordingly.

Propose culturally appropriate interventions, trauma‑informed and aligned with the agency service model.

Where a child cannot remain safely within the home, first explore all alternative options with parents and extended family, and work with community representatives to seek alternative plans to protect the child while maintaining involvement.

Perform both internal and external record checks, including Fast Track and Child Abuse Register.

Conflict Resolution

Assess and attempt to avoid the use of the legal system where possible, utilizing alternative methods of resolution such as internal cultural resources, the Circle process, and ADR.

Assist in the process of resolution, provide support, and attend necessary meetings.

Coordinate requirements for court hearings, prepare evidentiary materials, counsel family members regarding court procedures, review case information with lawyers, and arrange for or notify witnesses.

Appear as a witness in child welfare, juvenile, criminal, and youth courts, giving evidence in support of the agency’s recommendation and advocating for the child and family.

Prepare legal documentation as required, ensuring accuracy and completion prior to court.

Prepare for, attend, and provide testimony in Family Court and Criminal Court.

Administrative

Have a strong working knowledge of all pertinent legislation, including the Child, Youth&Families Services Act, Ministry Standards and Guidelines, and agency policies, procedures, directives, and the Regional Protocol.

Maintain accurate and comprehensive case records, documenting assessment findings, observations, conversations, and collateral information in accordance with protocols and legal requirements.

Use advocacy strategies on behalf of family members to ensure children receive access to services within the community.

Maintain effective professional working relationships with community collaterals.

Attend team, departmental, and staff meetings.

Adhere to finance and human resource policies, including timely submission of accurate timesheets and I‑expenses.

Requirements Education and Experience

Bachelor of Social Work Degree.

BSW equivalency: Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services related field and a minimum of three (3) years relevant experience working with children, youths, and families.

Consideration given to candidates with extensive experience in Child Welfare or Indigenous Child Well‑Being and willingness to obtain additional qualifications.

Candidates eligible for membership in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers preferred.

Availability

Office hours are 8:30 am–4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Knowledge

Knowledge of Indigenous culture and values, including awareness of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities served.

Familiarity with trauma‑informed practices and culturally responsive approaches.

Understanding of the impact of Residential Schools, Sixties Scoop, and colonial trauma on Indigenous peoples.

Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, child abuse and neglect.

Knowledge of diagnostic and treatment theories, methodologies, and clinical skills, with ability to integrate theory and practice.

Knowledge of community services within the agency catchment area and surrounding regions.

Ability

Strong interpersonal and assessment skills; effective relationships with families and staff.

Analytical skills to identify and resolve problems, formulate recommendations, develop service contracts, and determine child‑family actions.

Individual, marital, and family therapy skills to provide a broad range of therapeutic services.

Empathy, resilience, and commitment to advocating for vulnerable children and families.

Critical thinking and decision‑making skills in complex situations.

Crisis intervention skills to assess risk and respond appropriately.

Co‑operation and consultation skills working with Indigenous community representatives, Elders, and leaders.

Collaboration and engagement with families from diverse backgrounds.

Excellent interpersonal skills for liaison with community professionals and organizational representatives.

Organizational skills to prioritize and be self‑initiating.

Mandatory

Must be willing to work flexible hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Provide acceptable Child Protection Information Network check and Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Provide a safe vehicle, Driver’s Abstract, valid Ontario Driver’s License, and liability&property damage insurance coverage (≥ $2,000,000).

Position requires authorization by the Executive Director.

Working Conditions

Hybrid work from home option available; frequent travel within the catchment area required.

Work hours generally 8:30 am–4:30 pm; may vary outside these hours.

Approximately 35 hours per week; policy to maintain healthy work‑life balance.

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