Cultural Resource Worker

About this position

This pilot project is an initiative that will aim to ensure that families continue to be serviced at home in a clinical and culturally appropriate manner and in rare occasions when children or youth are brought into care that they are returned to the family environment as soon as possible with an adequate safety plan. In collaboration with Peel Children Aid Society (Peel CAS) and as the Cultural Resource Worker, implement the culturally responsive collaborative service model using anti-oppressive, and culturally-centered wrap around principles.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Gather input from key stakeholders to inform modifications to the service model.
• Implement the work plan for project activities including the evaluation plan and measurement indicators.
• Promote the service model within the broader community.
• Act as a liaison between Peel CAS and Arab children, youth and families in person and on the phone.
• Attend in person alongside Peel CAS, to conduct needs assessments and develop customized service plans.
• Support children, youth and family’s understanding of the role of CAS.
• Support Peel CAS staff in navigating cultural issues that may be relevant to why CAS is working with the family.
• Act as liaison to Arab clients engaged with CAS.
• Work across families, schools, and communities to develop and coordinate formal and informal support networks for Arab families, help parents/families identify and access additional services
• Develop, implement and evaluate service plans according to individual client and family/caregiver needs
• Assist in supporting the Arab community to navigate Peel Children’s Aid Society and other service systems through engagement, education, and relationship building with local stakeholders
• Skilled in working with local community, advocacy and system navigation, assisting Arab parents/families that have child welfare involvement to navigate through the system navigation
• Participate in quality improvement and program evaluation initiatives; ensuring the availability of required information for all clients by maintaining comprehensive case records and data in a timely manner; preparing surveys, monthly statistics and summary report of activities
• Report immediately any suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect to Peel CAS.
• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers and community partners to meet the objectives of this project
• Plan, provide, facilitate and coordinate the delivery of presentations and workshops related to the project.
• Participate in staff and team meetings, and professional development opportunities as required.
• Provide cultural competency trainings related to working with the Arab community.
• Ensure the referral of all cases involving Arab families to Family Group conferences.
• Expand family networks to ensure that children stay at home.
• Work diligently to reintegrate all children and youth in care with their families.
• Submit monthly statistical and narrative reports as required
• Must meet targets set by Programs Manager
• Perform other related work as assigned by the Program Manager

Competencies

Adaptability: Changes behavioural style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives

Communications: Using a variety of communication styles and strategies to foster open communication, to exchange of information and discussion on an ongoing basis

Initiative: Does more than is required or expected in the job; does things that no one has requested that will improve or enhance services, avoid problems, or develop entrepreneurial opportunities. Plan ahead for upcoming problems or opportunities and takes appropriate action.

Service: Demonstrates strong commitment to meeting the needs of clients, co-workers, managers, or community members, striving to ensure their full satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in the human services field (social work, community work, child & youth studies, and human services), or equivalent combination of education, experience and advocacy or working with marginalized groups
• Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or Registered Psychotherapist in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) an asset
• Minimum 3 years of experience in social services
• Knowledge of the child welfare service delivery context and service provision to Arabic
• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the issues impacting the Arab community
• Comprehensive knowledge of and analysis in the area of child and youth issues.
• Knowledge of and adherence to agency policies and procedures as well as relevant legislation for children’s services
• Self-directed, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with youth/families while working as part of a team
• Ability to effectively assess, manage, design, and implement a crisis plan to ensure safety for the client
• Demonstrated skills in client-centered case management service delivery, assessment and intervention, advocacy, conflict resolution techniques, mediation
• A strong understanding of and an ability to work within an anti-racist/anti-oppression framework.
• Ability to network & liaison with internal programs and external service providers & facilitate the development of partnerships.
• Available to be on-call and immediate crisis response availability
• Ability to work a flexible work week (including evenings and weekends)
• Fluency in English and Arabic language is a requirement
• Have a valid driver’s license and access to reliable vehicle
• A clear Vulnerable Sector Check is required

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please forward your application to the Hiring Committee with cover letter explaining your interest in this position as an attachment in MS Word in one document with the file name: Last name first name to:

Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services

17 Four Seasons Place, Suite 102

Toronto, Ontario M9B 6E6

Email: resumes@polycultural.org

Polycultural reserves the right to post internally and externally.

In support of persons with disabilities, Polycultural asks that job applicants with disabilities who require accommodation in the recruitment and selection process, to please advise Human Resources, if contacted for an interview/testing, so that suitable accommodation can be arranged. (In compliance with AODA, 2005, Integrated Accessibility Standards). If you require assistance in sending your resume due to a disability, please contact Human Resources directly.

We thank everyone for their interest in Polycultural; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity.

No Phone calls please.