Qaujigiarniq Facilitator

Career Opportunity
Internal/External

Qaujigiarniq Facilitator

Full-time, Term position until March 31st, 2024

Possibility of extension subject to funding

Tungasuvvingat Inuit means “a place where Inuit are welcome.” Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) is an Inuit not-for-profit organization and registered charity that offers a wide range of community services and supports to Inuit of all ages living in Ontario. Incorporated in 1987, TI has been delivering services grounded in Inuit culture and societal values for over 35 years.

There is an urgent need to increase the number of Inuit foster homes in Ontario to ensure Inuit children and youth involved with child protection services can remain connected to their community and their culture. In partnership with the Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families, and the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa, TI is leading an exciting new pilot project designed to increase the number of Inuit caregivers available to care for Inuit children and youth in Ontario who are unable to remain with their parents due to child protection concerns. This project is the first of its kind in Canada and offers an opportunity to participate in a community-led process for training and supporting Inuit foster/kin caregivers in Ontario.

The Qaujigiarniq Facilitator is a key position that will provide dedicated support for Inuit who are interested in becoming approved foster parents for Inuit children and youth. You will assist families in navigating the approval process, completing a new learning program designed by Inuit for Inuit (as well as other ministry-mandated training requirements), and building their capacity to meet the needs of children. You will work with the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) to help determine whether a family is eligible, suitable and ready to become a foster parent and you will also provide emotional, physical and practical support to families throughout the home study evaluation and assessment process.

You will work collaboratively with the facilitators of the learning sessions as well as other staff at TI,Inuuqatigiit Centre and the CAS who will come together to form the Qaujigiariniq Team that supports each family on their journey to becoming approved foster carers.

Other key responsibilities of the position include:

• Ensuring families have access to cultural supports, counselling, after care and other resources;

• Helping to facilitate meetings between participants and CAS staff as part of the homestudy evaluation and assessment process, ensuring that questions are asked in a culturally sensitive and appropriate way and that information provided to the CAS is interpreted accurately;

• Assisting participants to complete various reference checks, forms and other paperwork involved with the approval process;

• Meeting with team members to discuss the project’s progress and identifying supports that can assist the participant’s success;

• Working with the Qaujigiarniq Team to determine whether a participant can be approved as a foster/kin care provider or if they require further training or support;

• Providing recommendations for CAS and the Qaujigiarniq Team on each participant using a strength-based, trauma-informed approach;

• With the support of the Qaujigiarniq Team, communicating the outcome of the assessment to the participant; and

• Providing feedback to the external evaluators assessing the pilot project and to the project team on the successes and challenges presented in this role.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of the child welfare system in Ontario and the current issues facing urban Inuit children, youth, and families. You will understand Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit culture, societal values, customs, and traditions; and you will be aware of Inuit historical and contemporary issues, including the impact of colonization on families and the loss of culture. You will have knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, the legal framework for child welfare services in Ontario, including the Foster Care Licensing process.

You can develop and maintain trust, build positive relationships, and create an environment where others feel safe to share their stories. You can work effectively with community members, co-workers, and staff at other agencies; use computer applications (MS Office, Internet, and video-conferencing platforms); and handle sensitive issues with tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, facilitation skills, time management, multi-tasking, and organizational skills are necessary to be successful in this position.

Significant work or life experience in Social Services, Social Work, and/or Child & Family Services along with two (2) years of direct work experience with Inuit children and families is required. A related post-secondary degree or diploma is an asset but not a requirement. Fluency in English is required and the ability to communicate in Inuktitut is preferred. A combination of related education and life/work experience may be accepted.

Salary and Benefits

• TI offers a competitive total compensation package including a starting salary of $65,000.

• Employees are provided an exceptional benefits plan which includes major medical and dental coverage for the employee and their dependents, and employee life insurance. TI also offers a Group RRSP benefit plan for eligible staff.

• TI provides paid sick, personal and family sickness leave days, and a 24/7 confidential Employee and Family Assistance Plan.

• Vacation (earn 3 weeks/year).

Deadline for applications - Consideration of candidates will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@tiontario.ca.

Preference in hiring will be given to qualified Inuit candidates, applicants are encouraged to self-identify.

The successful candidate for this position will be required to obtain a vulnerable sector check with resultsthat are acceptable to TI. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit our website at www.tiontario.ca to learn more about our programs and services.

Accommodations for applicants with disabilities is available upon request.

We thank all interested candidates in advance, but unfortunately, we are only able to respond to those selected for an interview.