Family Service Worker

Position

Family Service Worker

Rama First Nation, ON & Barrie, ON

June 11, 2026

The Family Service Worker plays an integral role in fostering positive outcomes for children, youth, and families who become involved in the child welfare system. This role is a primary contributor to the safety, resilience, and empowerment of Indigenous children, youth, and families. Specializing in risk assessment, intervention, and prevention from a wholistic and inclusive lens, the Family Service Worker strives to help families access resources and be empowered to overcome challenging situations.

• Receive and review referrals assigned from the Initial Assessment team and conduct thorough assessments to evaluate allegations of child abuse and/or neglect.
• Conduct assessments and investigations with cultural competence and sensitivity, recognizing and respecting the unique cultural contexts, traditions, and practices of Indigenous communities.
• Collaborate with families, community members and other sources (school personnel, police, and neighbours) to gather insights into the family's dynamics, strengths, challenges, and protective factors.
• Engage families in the assessment process and service planning, demonstrating respect for their input and recognizing strengths while addressing areas of concern.
• Review historical information if available.
• Identify immediate and long‑term risks such as abuse, neglect, substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health issues, and environmental factors that may impact a child's well‑being.
• Utilize assessment tools and culturally adapted frameworks to evaluate the level of risk, considering the child's developmental needs, attachment relationships, and family history.
• Incorporate the socio‑economic, historical, and cultural factors that may contribute to the identified risks including systemic issues and intergenerational trauma.
• Develop service plans in collaboration with families and communities to mitigate immediate risks and ensure the child’s safety while maintaining cultural connection.
• Maintain therapeutic casework relationships, counseling the child and the family, and conduct ongoing assessments of emerging strengths and risks.
• Maximize participation of internal and external service providers through facilitation of conferences, referrals, coordination, and advocacy.
• Lead, facilitate, and participate in consultations, family‑centered conferences, and case conferences with the client and service providers.
• Coordinate and monitor the provision of services, including counseling, parenting education, substance abuse treatment, and mental health support.
• Conduct investigations in ongoing child protection cases where new allegations of harm arise, including safety assessments and verification decisions.
• Conduct and participate in physical and sexual abuse investigations as required.
• Continuously monitor and reassess the level of risk as circumstances evolve, adjusting intervention strategies and support plans accordingly.
• Propose culturally appropriate interventions, trauma‑informed and aligned with the agency service model.
• Where a child cannot remain safely within the home, first explore all alternative options with parents and extended family, and work with community representatives to seek alternative plans to protect the child while maintaining involvement.
• Perform both internal and external record checks, including Fast Track and Child Abuse Register.

• Assess and attempt to avoid the use of the legal system where possible, utilizing alternative methods of resolution such as internal cultural resources, the Circle process, and ADR.
• Assist in the process of resolution, provide support, and attend…