Therapeutic Foster Care - Grande Prairie - Foster Caregiver

Wood's Homes is a not-for-profit mental health centre based in Calgary, with locations across Alberta. Our mission is to build good mental health and well-being so everyone can thrive in their community. Are you a passionate and dedicated individual interested in making a difference in the lives of children, young people and families? Are you committed to cultivating an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates diverse voices at every level? Then we want you to join the Wood's Homes team.

Wood's Homes is looking for Therapeutic Caregivers (Home Fire Keepers) in Grande Prairie for our Therapeutic Foster Care Program.

Program Description:
Therapeutic Foster Care is a treatment model that provides daily care for children and young people – in a family environment – with a focus on building/maintaining cultural connection. The program considers cultural knowledge to be the foundation upon which family-based care is built.

The Significance of Home Fire Keepers:
Home Fire Keepers is derived from the ceremonial concept of ‘tending the Home Fires.’ The term ‘Home Fire Keeper’ reflects our belief in creating warm, supportive, safe environments where young people can reconnect with community, culture, and a sense of hope. This name honours Indigenous teachings, but it is open to anyone ready to make a meaningful difference. Role Summary:
As a Home Fire Keeper, you will provide in-home care to young people with complex needs who require a family based, culturally safe, placement that will help guide them in a successful transition out of the care of Children and Family Services. This includes opportunities to be an ally as you foster a child’s connection to their culture and supporting the values of Truth and Reconciliation.

Expectations:

• Home Fire Keepers are fully supported by a team of youth specialists, cultural leads, and a clinician. Wood’s Homes Home Fire Keepers are:
• Highly valued partners and key contributors of a professional team while acting as the primary caregivers to the children and young people in their care.
• Responsive and relationally attuned caregivers with an understanding of trauma, healthy development, positive parenting, and quality caregiving.
• Learners who strive for continuous improvement and growth. They are well-trained, well-supported, and well-grounded in feeling safe and gaining knowledge and competence.
• Provided with knowledge, skills, proactive support, and crisis intervention 24/7 as well as regular respite.
• Supported by cultural supports including Elders, knowledge keepers, cultural allies, and community members with culturally competent responses and intervention within appropriate protocols.

Requirements:

• Home Fire Keepers are required to have an available room in their home.
• Home Fire Keepers will have previous experience caring for young people and managing challenging behaviours.
• Participation in required training prior to client intakes.

Compensation:

• Foster Caregivers will receive tax-free daily compensation starting at $110.00/child.
• Participation in training will be compensated.
• Compensatory increases based on years of service.

Why choose us. We are committed to a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We empower and are advocates for our employees by welcoming, respecting and valuing their unique perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. At Wood’s Homes we embrace each other’s differences and strive to learn and grow from them. Should you need accommodation during the interview please inform your contact prior to the interview and let them know what you require. We offer competitive pay, great health and pension benefits, and a supportive and inclusive workplace environment with plenty of opportunities for professional growth. Bring your unique strengths, skills and passion to Wood’s Homes. Please visit us at www.woodshomes.ca for complete information about and our organization.

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those moving forward in the selection process will be contacted.