Michipicoten First Nation (MFN) is a vibrant Anishinaabe community located on the white sands (northeast shores) of Lake Superior near Wawa Ontario. The registered population is approximately 1,300 with 70 citizens living on reserve. With a strong sense of community and cultural identity, Michipicoten First Nation strives to maintain harmony and balance with Mother Earth, neighbouring First Nations, and surrounding communities.

Michipicoten First Nation is seeking a permanent, full-time First Nation Band Representative to work from our Wawa office. This role is critical in serving the children and families of Michipicoten First Nation (MFN) and the incumbent will be a highly motivated individual with exceptional advocacy skills, possessing critical knowledge of the provincial and federal child welfare legislation. This position will act on behalf of MFN as a party under the CYFSA, to advocate for the best interests of children affiliated with MFN and involved with Child Welfare, both on and off reserve. The First Nation Band Representative, reports to the Band Rep Intake Supervisor and works as part of a social team who delivers a suite of intervention and prevention services to Michipicoten citizens. The Incumbent will be competent and knowledgeable in the Anishinaabe culture and plays a key role in partnership with MFN legal, prevention team members, external child welfare agencies and linking families to supports to ensure the rights of children and families are respected throughout the planning process, court proceedings and works to ensure a culturally appropriate disposition of the case. This position requires an adjusted work schedule to accommodate evenings and weekends to provide services when families are available. Flexible hours and ability to travel is required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Represent MFN’s interests in Child Protection Proceedings or Hearings and with Child Agency Matters
• Maintain strong knowledge of the Child, Youth & Family Services Act, and the Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Metis children, youth and families, the policies, and procedures of the child welfare system and alternative options to apprehensions
• Provide support to MFN citizens and affiliated families involved in Child Welfare
• Specific administration duties related to case management

QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum post-secondary diploma in Social Work, Social Science, or related field
• Successful completion of the First Nation Child Welfare Advocate (FNCWA) Certificate Program asset.
• Minimum three (3) years working experience with a First Nation community in the social services field
• Direct Experience working with Indigenous families
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of provincial and federal child welfare legislation with ability to interpret legislation, regulations, and legal documents.
• Knowledge of court proceedings involving child welfare and protection matters
• Knowledge of Case Management techniques
• Strong knowledge of Anishinaabe culture and history with respect for values, teachings, culture, and traditions is of critical importance
• High level of integrity, work ethic and ability to exercise discretion in highly confidential subject matters
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, necessary to be effective in negotiation, advocacy, facilitation, collection, and dissemination of information.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends and travel at minimal notice
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable personal vehicle
• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Screen (if position offered)

LOCATION: Wawa, ON

TERM: Permanent, Full-Time

WAGES: Wage range is between $32.41 to $36.11/hr dependent upon experience and qualifications. Michipicoten offers a shared cost employee benefit package, matching pension benefits, up to thirteen statutory holidays, paid Christmas closures, paid personal leave days and many more intangible benefits related to working with families.

TO APPLY: Please submit your cover letter and resume by email as one document, with the position title in the subject line to hr@michipicoten.com no later than Wed, October 16. Full job description available upon request from Human Resources.

Michipicoten First Nation is dedicated to promoting equity and diversity and serving the interests of their citizens. Since the successful candidate will be primarily engaged in serving the interests of Michipicoten citizens, preference will be given to citizens and Indigenous candidates who possess the necessary qualifications.