Family Support Worker

Norwood Child & Family Resource Centre provides programs that strengthen and enrich the lives of children and families. Norwood programs are targeted for families with children birth – 5 years old. Early childhood experiences are aimed at fostering optimal child development and healthy parent-child attachment.  Parent education opportunities are created to support building the capacity of families.  Family support services are provided to support families as the child’s first and most important teacher.  Information and referral is a key practice in supporting families to grown and learn within their own communities.  Programs are delivered using a holistic approach to support the social, emotional, intellectual, language, physical and creative needs of children and families in the community.

Family Support Workers (FSW) aim to increase parents’ knowledge of healthy child development, and encourage parents to seek out resources to support their parenting by forming positive healthy relationships with their children through home visitation.

The position requires a flexible work schedule that includes evening and weekend shifts at a variety of sites.  There are 2 vacancies to fill.

Norwood staff are guided by the following Team Charter: (SPIRIT)

Support- We utilize one another’s strengths to take on challenges and opportunities using positive communication, collaboration, and compassion.

Passion- We have the energy, attitude, and enthusiasm to be fully committed and engaged in our work with each other.

Integrity- We are honest, trustworthy, transparent, and accountable with each other.

Respect- We accept others without judgment and recognize that every individual is a person of value

Inclusivity- We celebrate diversity and welcome people of all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.

Team – We are all one group working towards improved outcomes for children and families.

If you share our values and support our mission and vision please consider joining our team.

Reporting to the Coordinator, the successful candidate will:

• Provide support such as encouragement, connections, information, and advocacy and often work alongside parents to help solve problems around basic needs such as food security, clothing, and safe and affordable housing
• Conduct home visits and working with families to build capacity to support the children and families
• Facilitate various group and educate parents on a variety of topics, needs and areas of interest to families

The ideal candidate will have experience with and possess the following qualifications:

• A degree/diploma in the Human Services Field (i.e. Human Ecology, Early Childhood Educator, Social Work)
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working with children and families from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and conducting regular in home visits
• 2 years’ experience in facilitating groups (Effective presentation, communication, and group facilitation skills)
• Strong knowledge of child development and parenting skills
• Strong knowledge of community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals
• Experience working with families to identify strengths and areas needing support
• Conducting intakes and child development screens (ASQ/ASQ-SE)
• Work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Effective problem solving and initiating solution focused results
• Attention to detail, organized and able to prioritize multiple requests
• Reflecting openly with families to determine any needs/issues they may be encountering
• Developing and maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders and community partners
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office, with experience in Excel, and database systems
• Current First Aid in Child Care certification
• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle

Norwood Child & Family Resource Centre offers a collaborative team environment with a competitive compensation plan, full benefits, paid time off at Christmas and Spring Break (in addition to regular vacation), a commitment to staff celebration and recognition, a strong focus on employee wellness, team building activities,  ongoing professional development and regularly scheduled reflective supervision. The starting hourly wage for this role is $24.25 to $27.28 per hour based on a 35 hour week.

Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre, values diversity and welcomes applications from First Nation, Inuit, Métis, New Canadian, racialized, differently abled and LGBTTQIA+ communities

Closing Deadline: Until Suitable Candidates are found

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.