POSITION: Director Child Welfare Reform
CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled
Reporting to Chief and Council or designate, the Director Child Welfare Reform will engage with Long First Nation members and participate in the creation of its own mandate, laws and policy surrounding Child Welfare Reform within Long Plain First Nation. The incumbent will conduct research and analyses, develop, coordinate, and deliver policy, reports and other written materials related to child welfare reform.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide guidance and oversight to support the overall operations of LPFN Child Welfare Reform including the implementation of policies and practices that ensure effective service delivery.
- Identify funding opportunities and lead discussions with funding partners in collaboration with the Chief and Council
- Oversee the development of strategic planning activities including annual work plans, budgets, and reporting requirements to fulfill the mandate of LPFN.
- Collaborate with research partners to gather statistical information that relates to First Nations children and families.
- Examine existing child welfare legislation, jurisdictions, policies, and laws to challenge systemic barriers that impact First Nations children and families.
- Provide summary and analysis of ongoing research and policy developments to inform recommendations for leadership.
- Facilitate and coordinate engagement sessions with community members.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and partners to work collaboratively on mandate, laws and policy.
- Conduct research and analyze existing government policy and programs.
- Plan, design and undertake various types of research to develop child welfare reform laws, policies and program options, frameworks, and operational guidelines.
- Prepare and present reports, recommendations, and briefings.
- Represent the LPFN on regional and national child welfare initiatives and processes as directed.
- Provide verbal and written reports on Child Welfare Reform activities and outcomes achieved for Chief and Council, First Nations leadership, and applicable working groups/committees.
- Liaise with Child and Family Services Authorities, Agencies, and Directors to enhance a respectful and mutual working relationship to better support First Nations children and families.
- Assist with communication materials to support Chief and Council as it relates to child welfare reform.
- Oversee the Child Welfare Reform Team.
- Other duties as assigned and/or outlined in the job description.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Justice, Political Sciences.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered with extensive experience in direct service provision to children and families is required.
- Minimum ten (10) years of experience with Executive Management.
- Minimum five (5) years of experience work with First Nation families involved with the child welfare system.
- Strong knowledge and awareness of government structures, child welfare policies, policies, laws and regulations, standards, and recent legal and regulatory developments that impact First Nations.
- Experience working with First Nations political structures and communities.
- Experience working with and a comprehensive understanding of First Nation child welfare reform strategies.
- Knowledge of community development, community outreach, consultation processes, and community-based and non-government organizations.
- Extensive experience in conducting investigations, and systemic and policy analysis related to the provision of services for children and families in Manitoba.
- Knowledge of traditional practices and roles and responsibilities ensuring respectful treatment of children and families.
- Knowledge of applying trauma-informed practices and approaches within the work environment.
- Expertise in negotiation, mediation, and problem-solving in a fast-paced team environment.
- Knowledge of first nation cultures, history, values, and expectations is essential.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and productively with colleagues, supervisors, and other internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong verbal communication and presentations skills with the ability to effectively communicate research, policy and ideas to a variety of audiences.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently managing a wide range of tasks.
- Understanding of human and indigenous rights.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience implementing policy, programs, and procedures.
- Proficiency with a variety of computer applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to speak Ojibway language an asset.
- Position involves extensive travel and flexibility of work hours.
Conditions of Employment
- Valid Manitoba Class 5 Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle. Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, Clear Child Abuse Checks.
We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Interested applicants are invited to forward a cover letter, resume with two references to:
Human Resources – Email: [email protected]
