Child and Family Protection Worker, Invests, 12 month Contract in Pembroke

Full Time Contract – PEMBROKE, ON, CA

Salary Range: $62,893 – $96,915 Annually

Department: Child Welfare Accountability

Location: Pembroke

Family & Children’s Services of Renfrew County is a multi‑service agency committed to providing preventative, protective, and socially inclusive services and programming that empower and strengthen everyone. We are focused on cultivating a team‑oriented work environment where everyone thrives. Our goal is to develop and strengthen collaborative partnerships to increase availability, accessibility, and quality of care to our communities. Our agency commitments include moving forward Anti‑Oppressive Practice, French Language Services, and working alongside Indigenous Communities.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Child and Family Protection Worker (CFPW) provides protection services in accordance with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), Ontario Child Protection Standards, our service framework with Signs of Safety, and agency policies. CFPWs may be assigned to investigation, ongoing protection, or integrated/community‑based roles, depending on service needs. All CFPWs use a trauma‑informed, anti‑oppressive approach to promote child safety, well‑being, and permanency while engaging families and communities as partners in planning.

Core Functions

• Assess safety and risk, determine service responses, and collaborate with families, communities, and collateral partners.
• Complete investigations, short‑ or long‑term case management, and service planning in line with legislative and agency standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation and participate in supervision, team collaboration, and professional development.
• Ensure services are provided in compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), and, where applicable, the French Language Services Act (FLSA).
• Uphold commitments under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.

Assignment Focus

• Investigation – Receive and assess new referrals, conduct investigative interviews, complete initial safety/risk assessments, develop safety plans, gather/analyze information, and decide on the next steps for case closure or transfer.
• Ongoing Protection – Provide case management, ongoing safety/risk re‑assessment, permanency planning, service coordination, family meetings/case conferences/network meetings, and court preparation/support.
• Integrated/Community‑Based – Perform both investigative and ongoing functions as required, responding flexibly to agency needs.

Key Responsibilities (All Assignments)

• Build respectful, collaborative relationships with children, youth, families, and communities.
• Apply the CYFSA, Child Protection Standards, Signs of Safety, trauma‑informed and anti‑oppressive practice.
• Comply with duty to report and duty to inform requirements under the CYFSA.
• Use Structured Decision‑Making (SDM) tools for assessment and planning.
• Coordinate services with internal teams, collateral agencies, and Indigenous partners.
• Uphold the kin‑first and customary care approach, family‑led decision‑making, and culturally based planning.
• Exercise statutory authority, including emergency protection interventions, in accordance with legal and procedural safeguards.
• Engage in crisis intervention and emergency response when required.
• Ensure children and youth have a voice in decisions affecting them.
• Maintain complete, timely case records and outcome plans.
• Safeguard personal information in compliance with Part X of the CYFSA, ensuring confidentiality, appropriate information sharing, and adherence to agency privacy policies.
• Participate in service reviews, audits, and quality assurance activities.

Typical Duties

Depending on assignment, CFPWs will:

• Conduct investigative interviews with children, caregivers, and collateral contacts.
• Complete safety and risk assessments, safety planning, and case documentation.
• Provide assessment, intervention, and case management services.
• Support families to build on strengths, enhance capacity, and achieve permanency goals.
• Facilitate access to supports and coordinate service delivery.
• Support court processes, removals, placements, and reintegration planning.
• Participate in permanency planning, family/network meetings, and kinship or customary care arrangements.
• Provide after‑hours emergency services as assigned.
• Adhere to all FCSRC policies and procedures, Ministry Regulations, Standards, Directives and relevant legislation.
• Responsible for the completion of other related tasks as assigned.

Performance Indicators

• Timely, appropriate response to service needs.
• Complete, up‑to‑date clinical records and outcome plans.
• Effective application of Signs of Safety principles by using structured decision‑making tools.
• Sound judgment in assessing protection concerns and safety decisions.
• Strong collaboration with families, networks, and service providers.
• Demonstrated use of a strengths‑based, solution‑focused approach and associated tools in case planning and documentation.
• Demonstrated reliability, initiative, and adaptability.

Skill Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse service and staff population, and a proven commitment to anti‑oppression, equity, and inclusivity in practice.
• Strong clinical judgment, critical thinking, and evidence‑informed practice.
• Commitment to anti‑oppression, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Excellent verbal/written communication, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Organizational and time management skills; ability to work independently and in teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems; openness to learning new technologies.
• Comfort with digital tools and information management systems, ensuring confidentiality and compliance.
• Knowledge of child‑centered, trauma‑informed, and culturally responsive practices.
• Understanding of Indigenous child welfare responsibilities, including band notification and customary care.
• Comprehensive understanding of Part X privacy obligations, including collection, use, disclosure, and storage of personal information.
• Knowledge of CYFSA and related legislation, including the Ontario Human Rights Code, AODA, OHSA, and FLSA (as applicable).
• Familiarity with quality assurance processes and participation in audits or compliance reviews.
• Commitment to continuous learning and application of anti‑racism, cultural humility, and anti‑oppressive frameworks in daily practice.

Knowledge & Experience

• Bachelor of Social Work is required or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Minimum of one year of relevant experience in child welfare or social services.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an asset.

Working Conditions

This position involves a combination of office‑based work and in‑person service delivery. Flexibility in work hours is occasionally required to meet service needs, including after‑hours or emergency response. Regular travel within the county is required, and travel outside the county may also be required on a regular or as‑needed basis; access to a reliable vehicle is necessary. The role requires periods of light physical activity, including sitting, standing, walking, and occasional handling of lightweight objects (up to 10 lbs.). This role involves partnering with families and communities through sensitive and sometimes emotionally charged situations. Workers are supported to navigate complex interactions with empathy, professionalism, and resilience, utilizing available resources and training to promote well‑being for both families and staff.