Child Protection Worker, Intake - Advice and Assessment Branch (Future Contract Opportunities)

SUMMARY OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Assess and investigate cases that meet eligibility for service, to determine whether a child is in need of protection.  In such cases will prepare an investigative plan; taking emergency action where indicated to protect a child; referring the child to either another branch within the agency, an outside agency, or closing the case, while ensuring all is completed within the specified time frames.  Appropriate case management, includes the completion of all necessary documentation and records, as per agency and ministry standards/guidelines, until the case is transferred or closed. 

 PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess and Investigate cases that meet eligibility for service
• Follows the legislation and Ministry Standards and uses the Signs of Safety Framework and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices
• Where reports indicate that a child or children are in possible need of protection immediately conducts further investigations both individually and through referrals to other agencies, contacting parents, child, schools, police, family support network etc., assessing reliability of information developing an investigation plan, assessing risk to child and safety of worker.
• Consults with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, agency policies, and standards of service, to determine eligibility for service and whether on-going child protection services are required.
  • Where C.A.S services are not required, or are not appropriate, worker may refer family to other agencies/programs within the community.
• Carries out a risk assessment of the family and the child when required, taking into account the family's identity and develops a plan, including placement, short and long term goals and the most appropriate resources within or outside of the Society to meet the child's needs.
• Develops Safety Plans where required
• Carries out case plans to meet child's emotional, social and developmental needs, with his/her caregivers, foster parents, and the child, until the file is transferred or closed at Advice and Assessment.
• Completes all necessary documentation as per Ministry standards.
• Where a case is to be transferred to Ongoing Services, the AA Worker meets the new worker assigned to the case, the family, and child, to review the reasons for transfer and develop an outcome plan.
• When, after assessment and investigation, the need to protect the child is evident, and parents are reluctant to participate in the agency services, takes necessary emergency action as defined by the Child, Youth and Family Services Act including:

• • Physical removal of the child, if necessary without prior knowledge of family.
  • Completion of appropriate court documentation and attend court proceedings as required.
  • Coordinating appropriate placement for child.
  • Serving papers to relevant parties and appearing in court.
  • Ensuring child has admission medical completed within required timelines.
  • Gathering and representing in court all necessary evidence with respect to child protection concerns.

• Submits comprehensive reports, and on verified, serious abuse cases will appear before the Child Abuse Committee and follows through on the Committee's recommendation.
• Provides short term case management within 45 days (in exceptional cases, not to exceed 60 days), in situations where after investigation, it is decided not to transfer the case. During this time, ensures that adequate care and supervision is provided to child by his/her caregivers, and that required agency/ministry documentation is completed.
• Ensures that all necessary records, files, documentation and recording are initiated and carried out properly during all phases of a case and that all necessary documents are completed within required timeframes.
• Where there is a voluntary, planned admission to care of the child, negotiates a temporary care agreement with family and child (if 12 years and over), as well as a maintenance agreement.
• Completes a visit with the child in care at 7 days, including a privacy visit, to ensure the child's needs are being met.
• Ensures a visit with the child in care at 30 days completes a Child in Care Outcome Plan and conducts a privacy visit with the child to ensure that the needs of the child are being met. Continues to visit the child every 30 days, until the child is discharged or transferred to another worker.
• Assesses families in Peel Region on behalf of other Children's Aid Societies, and assists in carrying out investigations and submitting necessary reports.
• Interprets Child, Youth and Family Services Act, Board policies, and reflects the philosophy, mandate and mission of Peel C.A.S. to all clients, particularly in relation to the role of the AA Worker, and provides advice, guidance and counseling to families on a wide range of matters affecting the care of their children.
• As required, testifies in family court, and criminal court, or, if necessary, in access/custody proceedings.
• Maintains liaison with other agencies, institutions and individuals with regards to case related issues and deals continuously with colleagues of other departments on any related issues.
• Consults with the AA Team Leader on all child protection investigations, including, admission of children to the care of the Society, discharge of children from care, court action, transfer and closing of cases, and expenditures of Society funds.
• Participates in and speaks to community groups in order to share information, and to develop and maintain good public relations for the Society.
• Provides input to Colleagues and Committee meetings on particular cases and operations of the branch.
• Perform other duties as required.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES

• Effective assessment, interviewing, relationship building skills
• Knowledge of the Signs of Safety Framework
• Knowledge & skills in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Good skills in child protection assessment, case management, network building, safety planning, risk and strengths assessment
• Good skills and experience in family/child assessment and counseling and crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of family systems, child development, and child in care issues.
• Good computer skills
• Good and timely oral and written communication skills, particularly with recording and reports
• Ability to be flexible in a changing work environment and responsive to client needs 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's of Social Work or Master's of Social Work degree from a recognized university and at least one year of related experience in a child protection role.
  OR
• A Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university in a related field, and at least one year of related experience in a child protection related role.
• A class "G" driver's license and daily access to a vehicle are required.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive salary and a generous compensation and benefits package
• Health and dental package including a health care spending account.
• Flexible options for hybrid remote work
• Short and Long-term Disability Plan
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Life Insurance Plan
• Interactive Employee Wellness Programs
• 4 weeks paid vacation annually alongside 5 personal days
• Extensive Training & Development opportunities
• Introductory Webinars (WHMIS, AODA, Health and Safety)
• Generous Pension Plan through OMERS (part-time and full-time employees are entitled to enroll)
• Onsite Gym
• Staff Lounge

WhO WE ARE:

Child welfare is a rewarding career option that enables caring individuals to support the community and make a positive difference in the lives of children, youth, and families. As the third largest CAS in the province, we are proud of our ongoing innovation and leadership throughout the sector. Seeing well over 10,000 families a year, Peel CAS has the lowest number of children and youth in care per capita across Canada. 99% of the work we do is with children, youth, and families in their own homes. We are also home to the Child Welfare Immigration Centre of Excellence (CWICE) which is the centralized service in Ontario that supports child welfare organizations on cases involving unresolved immigration, settlement, or border-related issues. In addition, Peel CAS offers extensive programming dedicated to youth success through our Trailblazers Youth Centre, developed and led by youth to access exceptional services and supports to thrive, belong, build life-long connections and position themselves as leaders.

As an equal opportunity employer, we value Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). We are grateful that our workplace diversity is representative of the communities that we serve and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel like they belong. Should you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process please contact us at peopleandculture@peelcas.org.