Alternative Care Worker

Department: Child Welfare
Reports To: Supervisor – Customary Care / Kinship
Job Class: Team Member
Salary Structure: CBG01 – Collectively Bargained Grid 01

Unionized: Yes
TEER Level: 2
NOC Code: 41300

Purpose of the Role
The Alternative Care Worker supports the delivery, monitoring, and cultural safety of care placements for children and youth in the care of Payukotayno. This includes Customary Care, kinship, and community-based placements, ensuring that children remain connected to family, community, and culture while receiving the care and protection they need.

Working collaboratively with First Nations, internal teams, and caregivers, the role ensures that all care arrangements comply with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), reflect the intent of Bill C-92, and promote the physical, emotional, and cultural well-being of children.

Core Responsibilities

1. Relational and Community Engagement

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with caregivers, children, and First Nations communities
• Work with families and community helpers to identify appropriate alternative care placements
• Support the integration of cultural knowledge, community teachings, and relational planning in all placements

2. Program-Specific Responsibilities

• Conduct regular visits to placement homes and maintain safety, wellbeing, and compliance standards
• Support Customary Care agreements, placement matching, caregiver capacity building, and transitions
• Collaborate with protection and clinical teams to assess, support, and strengthen placement stability
• Maintain up-to-date documentation in Frontline Penlieu, including visit reports, service plans, and compliance checklists

3. Legal and Ethical Practice

• Ensure care placements meet legislative and policy standards under CYFSA, Bill C-92, and internal protocols
• Participate in planning, placement reviews, and legal processes as required
• Maintain confidentiality, consent practices, and case records in accordance with PHIPA, FIPPA, and Agency policies

4. Team and Agency Participation

• Collaborate with protection, Customary Care, foster care, and adoption teams in placement and support planning
• Participate in team meetings, debriefs, and seasonal care planning cycles
• Support community-driven training, caregiver events, and cultural gatherings as part of the agency rhythm

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or degree in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, or a related field, or equivalent lived/professional experience
• Experience supporting caregivers, conducting home visits, or coordinating culturally rooted care placements
• Knowledge of First Nations family and community care practices
• Ability to work collaboratively across systems with attention to detail and respect for diverse family structures
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and documentation skills
  Equivalency will be considered. Connection to Treaty 9 communities and cultural fluency are strong assets.

Conditions of Employment

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Valid Ontario Class G Driver’s License
• Access to a reliable vehicle and ability to travel frequently within the region
• Compliance with all Agency policies, Collective Agreement, and legal requirements

How to Apply
Submit your application online at: www.payukotayno.ca/careers
Alternatively, you may email your resume and cover letter to: [email protected]
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest.

Our Hiring Commitments
Payukotayno is committed to Indigenous-led services, Nation-based healing, and culturally safe workplaces. We encourage applications from First Nations individuals, especially those from Treaty 9 communities and affiliated Nations. We honour both formal qualifications and cultural/lived knowledge as valid experience.
We are committed to employment equity and welcome applications from all qualified persons, including those identifying as Two-Spirit, non-binary, LGBTQ+, francophone, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups.
Accommodations are available throughout the application process.

AODA Statement (for postings only)
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Payukotayno will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process upon request.