The Department of Social Development and Seniors is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.
The Family Services Program works as part of Child and Family Services teams, under the Director of Child Protection. The program provides services to families in a safe environment to maintain and strengthen parent/child relationships and to build resiliency and community/social connections with the goals of family preservation and/or family reunification.
Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Booking rooms at safe visit locations i.e. (Visit room locations across PEI, Neonatal unit QEH, Jail, Lennon House, Mount Herbert and other treatment facilities;
- Acting as a liaison between parent, care provider and outside agencies Helping families identify and connect with community resources;
- Interacting with Parents that may be under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Family Service Worker’s assess the parent upon arrival and throughout the Family Time Session for side effects;
- Working with families that have diagnosed and undiagnosed Mental Health conditions;
- Working independently with mandated clients in their homes, community or in visit spaces;
- Installing various car seats for different aged children;
- Assisting families identify community supports and fostering connections;
- Observing and assessing parent and child interactions and forming a base line of parent’s basic level of parenting skills, coping skills, understanding of child development and age appropriate expectations;
- Assessing if parent is providing a safe nurturing environment for child(ren). Providing routines and structure necessary for children to feel safe and secure; Presenting and delivering various parenting methods and techniques;
- Providing support to families that are involved with Domestic and Community Violence- Family Service Worker’s work with families to discuss the impact of domestic violence on children and provide emotional support to children and other victims while in a high-risk situation;
- Researching parenting education information as needed; Preparing learning packages for clients;
- Attending workshops and conferences to help develop and/or enhance our clinical skills in working with children and families;
- Assisting when needed, in the transportation of children in the care of the Director of Child Protection to visits with their family;
- Implementing programs such as, but not limited to Triple P, Handle with Care, Caring Dads and Nobody’s Perfect. Training to be provided;
- Other duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Completion of a recognized post-secondary degree in Social Sciences or Bachelor or Education Degree: or diploma from a recognized college in Youth Worker Program, Early Childhood Education, or similar program supplemented with extensive experience working with similar client group. Applicants with less experience requirement may be considered.
- Demonstrated equivalencies will be considered.
- Experience working directly with children and youth with learning and/or behaviour challenges.
- Individual and group experience teaching parenting skills, home management, life skills, etc.
- Knowledge of child development, infant care, addiction and mental health issues.
- Computer skills, well developed time management and organizational skills, strong interpersonal and well-developed oral and written communicating skills; Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
- CPR, First Aid Certificate, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training.
- A valid PEI driver’s license.The employee is required, as a condition of employment, to provide a motor vehicle for the purposes of carrying out employment functions. The requirement is subject to review every 12 months as per UPSE Civil Collective Agreement.
- The successful applicant must have a good previous work and attendance record and provide a satisfactory criminal records check, vulnerable sector check and child protection record check prior to beginning employment.
Other Qualifications:
- Knowledge of community resources available to children and families;
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, as well as leadership and resourcefulness;
- Advocacy skills for clients; Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients;
- Ability to prioritize and work independently; Adherence to confidentiality;
- Knowledge of PEI Child Protection Act; Additional relevant education and experience will be considered an asset.
This competition may be used to fill future job vacancies.
Please Note: Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Where possible, submitting an electronic resume or job application is preferred. Otherwise, please return forms to PEI Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 7N8. Applications may be sent by fax to (902) 368-4383. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION, BY TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE. Please ensure that the appropriate Posting ID number is stated on all application forms. You can apply online or obtain an application form by visiting our web site at www.jobspei.ca. Forms may also be obtained by contacting any PEI Government office, ACCESS PEI Centre, Regional Services Centre, or by telephone (902) 368-4080.
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