The Family Support Worker (FSW), Children's Services is a full-time permanent role based on- site, in-person in Manitouwadge, ON. Working within a Recovery Framework, the Family Support Worker (FSW), Children’s Services supports children and youth (birth to 17 years of age), living with mental health challenges and/or developmental disabilities, and their families/guardians and communities across the District of Thunder Bay. The FSW, Children’s Services works as an integral part of a clinical team, and collaboratively with Children’s Counsellors, and is responsible to provide mental health and developmental supports, including
but not limited to: targeted prevention (e.g., education, facilitation of psycho-social educational groups, presentations, etc.), case management and service coordination including referrals to specialized services, crisis response and family support. The FSW reports directly to the assigned Clinical Services Manager.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical;
Working with children and youth who are living with mental health challenges and/or developmental disabilities, in addition to families/guardians and community, duties include, but are not limited to:
• Through the Access Network and via the liaising with the most appropriate physician(s), community agencies and/or care providers, facilitating the removal of barriers to care and connection to services and ensuring the wrapping around of these services to best meet the holistic needs of the client.
• Individually and/or collaboratively with Children’s Counsellors, developing, collaboratively with the client and/or family/guardian, Personal Plans of Care based on the principles of person-centered planning, self-determination and choice and providing services reflective of this plan.
• Providing education, information, referral and case management.
• Developing and/or facilitating psycho-educational and/or support groups for children, youth and families/guardians.
• Facilitating educational workshops and delivering presentations.
• Ensuring that the protection and rights of children and families/guardians are addressed in accordance with applicable legislation, Standards of Practice and NOSP policies and procedures.
• Maintaining a client caseload consistent with expectations of the role.
• Documenting all client engagement, case management activities and client progress in the electronic client clinical record.
• Maintaining confidentiality and working in a manner consistent with ethical guidelines of the Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers.
• Participating in the clinical supervision and performance enhancement process.
• Developing personal goals for continued learning and engaging in ongoing development and self-evaluation.
• Assisting, precepting and providing support for colleagues, students and others to enhance and further develop clinical practice.
Qualifications/Requirements
• College Diploma in a field related to community and social services and/or human service field is required.
• University degree in Human Service Field, is preferred.
• Education that grants eligibility or qualifying status at the time of application with a regulated membership in a Regulated profession is preferred.
• A preference of three (3) years’ experience in a mental health and/or developmental services agency providing interventions and/or support for children, youth and families.
• The ability to effectively support families and develop sustainable, professional relationships.
• Familiarity with developing goals and plans of care for children, youth, and families based upon their individual needs and circumstances, using the principles of person- centered care planning, self-determination, and choice, and providing services reflective of this plan.
• Experience in the delivery of one-on-one supportive counselling and/or skill building and group facilitation.
• Experience in the development of psycho-educational groups, workshops and presentations.
• Sound knowledge of the child protection system in Ontario and relevant legislation.
• Awareness and commitment to valuing the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and within the community being served by the position.
• An understanding of the impacts of intergenerational trauma in the Indigenous community and a sound understanding of culturally relevant approaches in service delivery.
• Clear understanding of how systemic racism and oppression have adversely affected the social determinants of health for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other People of Colour) communities with a demonstrated ability to apply an anti-oppressive/anti-racist perspective in service delivery throughout the lifespan.
• Ability to recognize and identify situations where incidents of and imbalance of power and privilege may occur and can result in possible negative impacts for service users.
• Knowledge of the range of community health and social services across the District of Thunder Bay, and Northern Ontario, and how to access the same.
• Knowledge of and experience with clinically sound documentation standards.
• Sound clinical acumen.
• An understanding of the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the ability to effectively apply privacy practices within the rural living context.
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Clear understanding of scope of practice as it relates to the position and in keeping with the applicable Regulatory College and performance of duties within this scope.
• Advanced skills in oral and written communication.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
* potential salary increases may include a sliding scale based on the hire date anniversary and a 1.5% increase effective April 1, 2025, as per the Collective Agreement.
Benefits:
• Competitive and comprehensive employer-paid health and dental benefits, along with paid sick time
• The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• 12 paid days off to honour and observe statutory holidays, including a holiday shutdown during the winter break
• 4-weeks’ vacation* with 3 Family Care Days and 3 Floater Days pro-rated for the first year of employment
*vacation entitlement increases based on the number of years of employment.
Other Benefits:
• Expense claim reimbursement for mileage and meals when travelling across the district
• Flexible work schedule per accrual of flex time
• Opportunities for growth and professional development
• Agency Wellness Committee initiatives
Are you curious about who we are and what we do? Visit our website at http://www.nosp.on.ca. Discover how NOSP is making a difference, and join our team in improving mental health and social well-being in Northern Ontario's rural communities!
