Social Worker- Practice Specialist

Social Worker- Practice Specialist- Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikwahp (CKAM)

Positions Available:

• 
  Family and Community Support


• 
  Preservation


• 
  Intensive Services

What is Chief Kinsosew Awasak Mikiwahp (CKAM)?

Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikwahp (CKAM) Child and Family Services Program of Driftpile Cree Nation. We are committed to nurturing strong, resilient families through holistic, culturally grounded services that empower children, youth, and families.

“Family is at the heart of Driftpile Cree Nation. We embrace and endorse our journey to implementing Mihtatakaw Sîpiy Awasak Wiyasiwêwin and asserting our inherent rights respecting our children, youth, and families in a profound way.”
 — Chief Dwayne Laboucan, Driftpile Cree Nation .

CKAM is committed to:

• Keeping families together through culturally grounded family preservation services


• Supporting young adults as they transition to independence


• Advocating for children’s rights and protecting their well-being


• Asserting jurisdiction over child and family services in alignment with our traditions and laws

Why should you work with CKAM?

• Our organization is routed in culture, community and family and we value our employees.


• We offer a competitive wage and benefit package with a substantial Wellness Incentive Fund.


• Advance your career and grow professionally.


• Benefit from generous paid time off and scheduled holiday closures.


• Opportunities to engage in cultural, community, and family activities such as Traditional cooking classes, cultural crafting, Holiday events throughout the year.


• With CKAM’s proximity to Driftpile, you can experience rural living, where meaningful connections flourish and your life will have space for intention.

DEPARTMENTS

Family and Community Support: Supports or identify supports within Edmonton and Southern Alberta for children, youth, and families to build capacity within the family unit. Through programming at CKAM office, other community agencies and Driftpile Cree Nation cultural practices. The incumbent works closely with the FCSW to establish or enhance existing relationships and partnerships with community resources and/or CKAM staff in Driftpile, in order to provide services to children and their families.

Family Preservation: Community and culturally led supports to children, youth, and families. Within this program, the Family Preservation team and families develop and manages case plans through circle process. Also assist with coordinating supportive services within community with the aim to preserve family units, with Elders, family, culture and community services. With a collaborative focus on building capacity and help develop new service options to improve outcomes.

Intensive Services: Assists in ensuring safety and well-being for children and youth, enhancing parental capacity, family functioning, and wellness. They will assess if intervention is needed based on Strength and Needs Assessment; however, work with the Preservation department to ensure proactive measures are in place to maintain the family unit.

JOB OVERVIEW

As a Practice Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in supporting children, youth, and families. You’ll assess needs, create case plans, and coordinate family support services with a focus on preservation and protection, helping children stay safely with their families whenever possible.

In this role, you’ll collaborate with families, service teams, and community partners to design and implement plans that promote permanency and positive outcomes. You’ll also provide expert consulting, training, and guidance on complex cases, and contribute to innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of children, families, and communities.

Your work will reflect the vision, mission, and core values of the CKAM Program, ensuring every service delivered makes a meaningful impact.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Assessment & Case Planning

• Conduct assessments of children, youth, and families to identify risks, needs, and contributing factors.


• Develop and implement case plans that support family stability and cultural considerations.


• Provide crisis intervention, mediation, and conflict resolution when needed. This will entail after hours work and being available for an on-call services.


• Coordinate case conferences and family group meetings to resolve issues and support positive outcomes.


• Connect families with community resources and wrap-around supports.


• Monitor progress and adjust plans as necessary to ensure child and family well-being.

Case Management & Coordination

• Manage an active caseload, working closely with families to implement and monitor case plans.


• Advocate for children and families to ensure access to necessary services and supports.


• Collaborate with internal teams to provide guidance and transition support.


• Track progress, adjust plans as needed, and prepare required reports and documentation.

Community Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners and service providers.


• Support initiatives that prevent child intervention and strengthen family resilience.


• Provide consultation, training, and participate in professional development to enhance best practices.

Administration

• Maintain accurate case files and documentation in accordance with agency policies and legal standards.


• Participate in program planning, evaluation, and data collection for service improvement.


• Ensure adherence to policies, cultural protocols, and relevant legislation affecting child and family services.


• Participate in CKAM Program planning and reporting, including data collection, summary and analysis as needed.


• Flexible work schedule will be expected.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Social Work Diploma with 3-5 yeas experience or equivalency; however will consider new graduates.


• Knowledge of issues and practices of CKAM and the impact on children and families; services to children, family dynamics and an understanding of the sensitive situation’s families experience;


• Experience in the development and participation of case planning with children and families;


• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and clean drivers abstract;


• Fluency in Cree is an asset; and


• Police Information Check (Vulnerable Sector), Intervention Record Check, and Drivers Abstract will be required upon interview.

Please submit your application here: Careers – CKAM