Infant Wellness Worker

OVERVIEW:

Payukotayno: James and Hudson Bay Family Services serves the six First Nation communities of Moose Cree, Mocreebec, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Attawapiskat, Peawanuck, the Moose Factory Island Local Services Board and the town of Moosonee. In addition to the full range of child welfare services, the agency also delivers mental health services that are family and prevention focused.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Infant Wellness Worker is responsible for the delivery of programs and services that aim to strengthen family wellness starting prenatally, as well as throughout infancy and toddlerhood for families in the communities serviced within the jurisdiction of Payukotayno: James and Hudson Bay Family Services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· 2 year Certificate Program in Social Work or degree and or related discipline

· Relevant work experience in the field

· Demonstrated organizational skills

· Demonstrated group presentation skills

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both written and oral

· Understanding of strength-based parenting, behavior management techniques and knowledge of infant and child development

· Experience providing supportive counseling to families with infants

· Effective problem solving skills are essential

· Ability to work as a part of a multidisciplinary team, including partnering with other agencies

· Advocacy skills

· Computer literacy

· Ability to speak Cree an asset

· Valid driver’s license is mandatory

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. PARENTING PROGRAM

· The Infant Wellness Worker will co-ordinate, plan and deliver the supportive programs and assist families within the aboriginal communities to enhance their parenting skills, problem solving skills, coping skills and resources that contribute to strengthening positive parent – child relationships

· The Infant Wellness Worker will coach parents, either using one-on-one in-home support or by facilitating small group sessions

· Develop, implement and evaluate individual client treatment plans to enhance and build parental confidence in parental skills

· Provide counseling families to address parenting issues related to the health, adjustment, development and well-being of the children

· Receive client intakes and provide written reports in accordance with the program’s policies and procedures by reviewing client referrals, collateral reports and meeting with clients.

· Facilitate referrals to other service providers or treatment programs as necessary for the accomplishment of the treatment plan

· Maintain accurate case notes written within twenty-four hours of contact with regard to parenting counseling sessions, collateral and case conference information

· Monitor client behavior and progress by providing support and feedback to the client. Regular written progress reports to be provided to the Supervisor at intervals specified by the program’s policies and procedures

· Maintain confidentiality and work within the Social Worker’s Code of Ethics at all times in both client counseling and other work relationships

B. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

· Ensure the program is consistent with the philosophy and objectives of Payukotayno

· Develop and maintain resources for use in training, education, in-service and consultation services

· Establish and maintain relationships with professional resources in community agencies, counseling centers and other treatment centers in order to provide assistance to the program

C. ADMINISTRATION

· Keep material in case files up to date, complete and in good order

· Attend supervision as scheduled and all agency staff meetings

· Provide statistics to assist with the development of the program and for quarterly reports

· Complete all program documentation, client treatment reports, timesheets, expense claims and other reports as requested by supervisor

· Be prepared to work variable hours, travel and meet with clients outside the office as client needs dictate

D. PUBLIC RELATIONS

· Provide educational information to community groups, schools and agencies about the program(s) and activities

· Develop and maintain effective liaison with referral agency counselors, legal and health care services, school programs, First Nations, and other prevention programs.

· Attend community and professional meetings, workshops and conferences related to treatment and prevention program activities as appropriate to the job.

· Work co-operatively with other service providers and interested individuals to develop community based resources and prevention promotion.