Child and Family Services Advocate

The Gwich'in Tribal Council (GTC), situated in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, is currently seeking a qualified candidate to fulfill the position of Child and Family Services Advocate.

Reporting to the Manager, Health Services the Child and Family Services Advocate is responsible for development and delivery of the Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC) child and family advocacy program for Gwich’in participants. The position provides individual and system level advocacy, reviews of critical events, public awareness, outreach and education to Gwich’in participants.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

1.      Case Management – Advocating for children and families to ensure they receive ethical, equitable, and consistent outcomes that meet their needs, particularly focusing on Gwich'in children and families. Responsibilities include processing referrals, supporting clients through child and family service systems, justice, and health systems, and participating in case conferences to address client needs. Provide ongoing support and follow-ups that connect participants to essential resources, particularly during crises or trauma. Assist in the development of family and cultural plans, acting as a referral agent for culturally safe services.

2        Collaboration – Collaborate with partners and government child and family services to support the GTC Child and Family Advocacy program. This includes liaising with GTC inter-departmental staff, medical professionals, counselors, and case managers to assist Gwich’in participants with access to culturally safe child and family services. Including drafting briefing notes and correspondence for GTC leadership and coordinating site visits with partnering jurisdictions to better understand provincial and territorial legislation and regulations that affect Gwich’in participants. Additionally, the position involves providing input on the development of prevention materials and methods to be used within GTC Health & Wellness programming. 

3        Strategic Analysis – Provide strategic analysis and advice on culturally safe and anti-racist practices within child and family service systems, specifically for Gwich’in participants. This includes conducting research at local, national, and international levels to monitor trends and identify strategies, as well as recognizing best practices for the Gwich’in nation. Offer expert guidance to GTC leadership on designing and delivering culturally safe services, suggesting improvements to service models and programs, and recommending necessary policy and procedural changes.

4        Additional Duties – Active participation in team meetings, planning, and program development, while ensuring compliance with Health Information Act (HIA) legislation and GTC records and information management (RIM) policies. 

        COMPETENCIES

       The Key Competencies required for this position include:

A.      Leadership – Ability to perform culturally-based child and family advocacy. Strong coordination and case management and system navigation skills.

B.      Knowledge – Knowledge of Gwich’in values, beliefs and practices, and ability to represent these in their daily work. Understanding of land-based healing and Gwich’in wellness practices along with the effects of colonization, especially through residential schools and its impacts on communities, families and individuals.

C.      Communication – Able to relate to clients and families in a trauma-informed, culturally safe, empathetic, strengths-based, identity-affirming and respectful manner.

D.     Confidentiality – maintenance of confidentiality and handling of sensitive information related to case management of individuals and families.

E.      Organization – excellent organizational and time management skills. Demonstrates ability to complete complex tasks or projects on-time through routine planning of own work and organization of resources.

F.      Logistics – ability to work in a cross-cultural environment and work flexible hours. Evenings and weekends may be required.

G.     Mentorship – acts as a role model of healthy positive living and mentor to members within the community and other staff. Recognizes instances of lateral violence, bullying and other behaviours that impact social cohesiveness and take appropriate steps to address the situation using a trauma-informed approach.

H.     Adaptability— demonstrates a high level of adaptability and initiative with problem solving through.

QUALIFICATIONS

       The qualifications required for this position include:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in social sciences or health & wellness field or a Diploma with a minimum of 3 years of experience in the delivery of child and family services, family preservation or social work.;

·      Alternatively, having relevant lived experience for a minimum of three (5) years in Northern Indigenous communities.

·     Knowledge of Child and Family Services legislation, standards and procedures, policies, directives, legal requirements and risk management requirements.

·     Knowledge of, and/or the ability to acquire knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Final Report and Calls to Action, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Final Report, the United Nations Declaration of the Right of Indigenous People.

• Proficient in a Microsoft Office operating environment (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Note), Email, Database application and Internet.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.      

• Ability to maintain composure and performance while under stress or pressure.

      The qualifications desired for this position also include:

·        Knowledge of the overall mandate, goals, and objectives of the GTC and the political and social environment in which its programs and services are offered;

·        Understanding and working knowledge of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement;

·        Fluency in the Gwich’in language (asset);

·        Strong awareness of cultural diversity and Northern Indigenous values and practices.

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation plan will accompany the successful candidate including a comprehensive benefit plan. 

Preference will be given to candidates who are Gwich'in Participants and have experience working in the non-profit or public sectors or in an Indigenous Government/Organization, preferably in a northern context.

We would like to thank all interested applicants. Please note that only those applicants who meet the qualifications and requirements will be contacted.

If this opportunity interests you, please visit https://www.gwichintribal.ca/careers.html to apply

Position is open until filled