Band Court Representative

POSITION TITLE: Band Court Representative

SALARY: $70,000

CLOSING DATE: March 23, 2023

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP AND AUTHORITY: Reports to and works under the direction of the Supervisor, Band Representative, with overall authority from Nigig-Nibi-ki-win Gamik’s Board of Directors.

SUMMARY

The Band Court Representative is responsible for AoPFN Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation AoPFN children’s best interests in all Child Welfare matters pertaining to AoPFN members undertaken, through Nigig-Nibi-ki-win Gamik.

The Band Court Representative will be assigned duties that include appointments such as a representative for child protection investigations, court proceedings, and membership on committees necessitated by Nigig-Nibi-ki-win Gamik.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

First Nation Child Welfare Advocate Services:

• Responds to all Child Welfare agency notifications within the prescribed time.
• Provides brief intervention, crisis intervention, counselling, and seeks other supports, including alternative dispute resolution and Jordan’s Principle, as needed.
• Acts as the Band Court Representative for each case and to each Family & Children Services Worker during investigations and processes in AoPFN territory.
• Works with legal counsel to support the preparation of court documents and to represent the FN in complex court cases.
• Develops a working relationship with Family & Children Services engaged with AoPFN members.
• Ensures that AoPFN members are fully aware of their rights in child welfare proceedings.
• Attends all court proceedings as a party to represent the interests of AoPFN and advocate on behalf of AoPFN children and youth in all child welfare cases.
• Supports alternative dispute resolution processes as an alternative to court proceedings.
• Prepares Plans of Care that are culturally sensitive and include recommendations for placement of children and youth with community and family placements through Prevention Services.
• Monitors, evaluates Plans of Care and prepares, serves and files additions or amendments.
• Investigates, research and compiles evidence related to the case.
• Prepares documents, arguments, draft orders and responds to and processes legal documents.
• Prepares witnesses.
• Attends and participates in court proceedings and makes oral and written presentations, as required.
• Prepares for and attends settlement conferences to represent the interests of AoPFN.

• Provides family support services that promote the cultural aspirations of AoPFN.
• Ensures client case files are maintained and updated regularly.
• Provides on-going follow-up and support in all cases.

Collaborative Practice:

• Works closely with Pikwakanagan’s planning committees, programs and services to ensure quality program delivery.
• Participates on relevant boards, committees, and community development projects.
• Referrals to support resources for mental health and supports that are culturally appropriate.
• Participates in multidisciplinary approaches for case management as directed.
• Under the direction of the supervisor, consult with specialized services for case management as required.
• Collaborates with other community resources to ensure services meet the needs of the children, youth, families.
• Liaises with Family & Children Services and other external organizations.

Community Development:

• Identifies and prioritizes family and child(ren) needs.
• Participates in developing strategic plans and annualized work plans.
• Participates and coordinates new prevention strategies and initiatives.
• Liaises and networks with community and other child and youth services for the integration of new and existing services.
• Participates on relevant committees and meetings.
• Promote and advertise programs and activities.

Administrative:

• Provides detailed information on each interaction with families, Society, and relevant authorities.
• Completes all administrative reporting requirements according to policies and funding agent mandates including Briefing Notes and Discussion Papers.

Quality Management:

• Utilizes evidence-based reporting to evaluate annualized work plans.
• Participates in monthly staff meetings.
• Participates in cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity training.
• Participates in staff development initiatives, conferences and training requirements specific to Band Court Representative.
• Complete incident reports as required.
• Complete all administrative duties and responsibilities, including an inventory of materials & supplies.
• Ensures all certifications are current.
• Ensures that policies and procedures are developed and implemented in adherence to all relevant legislation and regulatory bodies.
• Will ensure that the program is pro-active in the Algonquin/Aboriginal/First Nation(s) perspective and efforts of child welfare and children’s mental health (social) needs. These methods shall consider aboriginal approaches in traditional and contemporary approaches in service delivery.

Risk Management:

• Participates in a comprehensive risk management plan for Band Court Representative.
• Ensures the protection and privacy of all Band Court Representative information and records.
• Follows program guidelines, rules, regulations and completes all necessary forms.
• Careful judgement and vigilance are required in the use of social media and other media.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work involves extensive public contact with clients, emergency services workers, child welfare agencies and court appearances, work is subject to deadlines and interruptions. Work involves handling and dealing with issues of a very sensitive and confidential nature that will be subject to deadlines and interruptions.  May involve some in-community and out-of-community travel. Work involves a flexible schedule.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• With the Supervisor, Band Representative:
  • Receives direction, guidance, and encouragement; discusses plans and priorities.
• With Other staff:
  • Courteous and cooperative and works well as a team player.
• With Governmental Ministries and Agencies:
  • Represents and promotes the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation through Nigig-Nibi-ki-win Gamik; maintains an awareness of all relevant policies and program changes.
• With Other Communities and Affiliated Aboriginal Organizations:
  • Represents and promotes the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation; exchanges information using judgement and following the policies of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation; keeps informed of the changes and trends that can be beneficial to the First Nation.
• With the Public:
  • Represents and promotes the interests of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation through Nigig-Nibi-ki-win Gamik; works in a courteous, cooperative, positive and proactive manner; provides information using judgement and following the policies of Nigig-Nibi-ki-win Gamik; assists as required.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Basic Requirements:

• BSW degree or Diploma in Social Services with three-year experience in child welfare;
• A minimum of a class “G” drivers’ licence.

Rated Requirements:

• Knowledge:
  • Customary Care.
  • Knowledge and understanding of AoPFN’s interest in children, youth and families.
  • Child, Youth & Family Services Act (Ontario) and its application and proceedings involving First Nation members.
• Abilities:
  • Interpret legislation and legal documents.
  • Research, investigate, analyze, critical thinking and evaluation skills.
  • Strong negotiation and advocacy skills and techniques.
  • Exceptional written skills i.e. Plans of Care, reports, documents, proposals etc.
  • Exceptional verbal skills i.e. presentations, facilitation, court appearances etc.
  • Strong computer skills with experience in the application of software, internet and email.
  • Facilitation, Coordination and Management skills in Alternative Dispute Resolutions, Circles of Care, Multi-Disciplinary Case Management Meetings, Family & Group Conferencing and Workshops; Experience an Asset.
  • Experience working with children, youth, and families.
• Personal Suitability:
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership/management skills
  • Able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
  • Tact, discretion and a high level of confidentiality.
  • Sensitivity to aboriginal issues, with strong appreciation and empathy to the customs, traditions, culture and aspirations of AoPFN.
  • Pleasant personality, and positive attitude self-motivation, reliable and thorough.
  • Exhibit a high degree of initiative, self-direction; good verbal and written communications skills and possess excellent analytical and organizational skills
  • Proactive and able to engage in a respectful, friendly and approachable manner.
  • Exhibit a high degree of versatility and professionalism throughout the performance of responsibilities.

Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of the Band Court Representative Certificate Course.
• Proof of Diploma
• Provide an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Check; to be provided annually.
• CPR and First Aid Certification; to be provided annually.
• Proof of a class “G” driver’s license; clear driver’s abstract and access to a dependable vehicle.

IMPACT OF ERROR

Errors in judgment and in the conduct of duties could cause serious injury to clients, loss of credibility, liability, and poor public relations. Errors in research and report development could lead to serious financial loss of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and/or Nigig-Nibi-ki-win Gamik.

CONTROL MECHANISM

Works within policy parameters and administrative guidelines; general supervision by the Supervisor, Band Representative.

To submit an application, please reach out to Alexandra Freed, at employment@nigig.org.