Child Protection Worker

Job Summary

This position may be responsible for service in the following areas:
Family Services, Connections, Resource, and Intake and Assessment. The delivery of services will be in alignment with the Child, Youth, and Family Services Act and the vision, mission, values and overall strategic direction of CASSDG. These positions may carry a generic caseload.

• Master of Social Work or Bachelor of Social Work preferred.
• Minimum of a Bachelor of Arts degree in a related field.

• Minimum of two years of direct service experience.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle to use for work purposes.
• All applicants must have a Canadian Social Insurance Number.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check.

• Preference will be given to those who identify as First Nations, Inuit and Métis;
  African Canadian/Black heritage; or other racially marginalized persons who meet the educational requirements, skills and competencies, or who have equivalent education and experience.
• The ability to communicate in both official languages will be a requirement for any position designated as French‑essential under the French Language Services Act.

• Have a clear understanding of the Children’s Aid Society’s Child Welfare Mandate, the CYFSA legislation and regulations, the agencies strategic framework, the Eligibility Spectrum (2021), and Child Protection Standards (2016).
• Provide collaborative and respectful assessment of risk for children and youth in protection and non‑protection services.
• Provide case planning, support, and case management with families in consultation with supervisor.
• Assess the need for a child/youth to come into care on a planned or unplanned basis, including the use of culturally appropriate strategies like customary care when applicable.
• Gather relevant identifying demographic information about children/youth, their families, and their social and family functioning, and make recommendations based on this information.
• Continuously assess child/youth safety and assist families in developing agency led safety planning.
• When children cannot remain with their families, assess alternative placement within ministry guidelines and support families in placement decisions.
• Support children and youth who are residing outside of the family home and provide support to alternate caregivers.
• Prepare cases for court or legal proceedings in consultation with the Society lawyer and present evidence and testify in court where necessary.
• Maintain documentation in accordance with Ministry standards, agency policies and procedures.
• Be aware of roles and responsibilities under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulations, and agency health and safety policies and performs duties in a manner that ensures safety at all times.

• Develop skills and knowledge by attending training, workshops, and individual and group supervisions.
• Work autonomously or in a multi‑disciplinary team to provide ongoing risk assessment, analysis, judgement and support to children/youth and families.
• Refer, collaborate, and attend case conferences with other child/youth protection agencies and community partners/professionals as required.

• Follows and implements Child Welfare legislation, standards, and Agency policies.
• Prioritizes competing demands and has valuable time management.
• Adapts to change and responds to changing circumstances and priorities in a professional manner.
• Understands the importance of accountability in their work and seeks out directions or consultations as needed.
• Implements feedback from supervision to improve their practice and clinical skills.
• Assesses risk and determines appropriate next steps.
• Computer aptitude and proficiency.
• Effective written and oral communication skills and engagement skills.
• Critical decision‑making skills that are inclusive and collaborative.
• Ability to resolve conflict and de‑escalate crisis situations in a professional setting.

• Understanding their privilege, recognizes their bias, and integrates the Agency’s mission, commitments and…