SAFE Home Study Writer (Foster Care)

SAFE Home Study Writer

(Foster Care)

Why work with us:

The Family Centre is seeking an experienced, proactive, and detail-oriented SAFE Home Study Writer who takes pride in their strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. As a self-starter, you will be deeply committed to contributing to a cause larger than yourself by assessing caregivers' home environments, histories, lifestyles, and abilities to ensure there is sufficient capacity and wellness to care for children and youth in their homes. We are focused on Trauma-Informed Care for both our communities and staff teams, providing services based on research and evidence-based practices. We encourage employees to bring their authentic self to work in our diverse and inclusive environment. The organization is committed to Indigenous ceremony and practice and welcomes knowledge of ceremony and lived experience. Our culture is focused on providing a safe and supportive workplace including paid training, excellent benefits, a wellness program, and much more.

What you will be doing:

The ohpikîhakan Foster Care program at The Family Centre has a unique approach to foster care that emphasizes the holistic needs of children and youth, including having a strong emphasis on cultural and relational connection, as well as reunification with family and community. In this model, caregivers receive extensive initial and ongoing training, are supported by therapeutic supervisors, and are an integral part of the support circle surrounding children, youth, and their families.

Reporting to the Manager, Foster Care, the SAFE Home Study Writer assesses caregivers' home environment, history, lifestyle, and abilities to ensure there is sufficient capacity and wellness to care for children and youth in their home. Home studies are used to determine if a caregiver will move into the licensing phase of the program, prior to a placement occurring.

As a SAFE Home Study Writer, you enjoy celebrating people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. You are adept at working independently as well as within a team environment, and you demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills in a collaborative and supportive manner. Your excellent organizational skills are evident in your efficient and timely approach to tasks. You have a deep understanding of the meanings and values embedded in ceremony, circle processes, and relational accountability. Additionally, you recognize the importance of allyship with equity-seeking communities and are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.

• Engage with prospective caregivers to complete SAFE Home Studies
• Collaborate with the Foster Care team to collect required documentation from prospective caregivers
• Write clear and concise home study reports, adhering to SAFE requirements
• Make clear, informed recommendations to the Foster Care team regarding caregiver approvals
• Work within a flexible schedule which regularly includes evening and weekend work

What you will bring to the role:

• Bachelor of Arts Degree in a Human Services related field or equivalent education
• Safe HAR certification, and 3 years’ related professional experience is considered an asset
• Knowledge of Foster Care and Children and Family Services is an asset
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to work with diverse populations and people who have experienced trauma
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Computer literacy including, but not limited to, Microsoft and Google platforms
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

Background Check Process & Requirements:

• As a part of the selection process, The Family Centre will conduct reference checks with your most recent employers
• Police Information Check - Vulnerable Sector (completed within the last 6 months)
• Child Intervention Records Check (completed within the last 6 months)
• Reliable vehicle, available for regular use and valid driver’s license

What you can expect:

Training – comprehensive onboarding/orientation process which includes service specific, leading-edge training, and agency-wide core training

Feedback – a strong reflective supervision model that provides regular formal and informal opportunities for feedback

Performance Coaching – formal and informal coaching regarding the development of personal and professional growth and development

Reasonable Accommodation – The Family Centre will provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee

The Family Centre is committed to employee wellbeing and development. The comprehensive compensation package offered to employees reflects those values and is competitive within the marketplace.

• $59,238 to $79,221 annually
• 36.5 hour work week (regularly includes evening and weekend work)
• Fully paid Group Benefits Plan
• Wellness Program
• 3 weeks’ vacation
• RRSP matching
• Ongoing paid training
• Mileage compensation
• Paid sick time
• Agency-wide social events
• First People’s Circle, People of Colour, and LBGTQ2IAS+ Employee Support Groups

Closing Date: Dec 31, 2024

The Family Centre thanks all applicants in advance. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.