Child Protection Trainee

Position Title: Child Protection Trainee
Department: Child Welfare
Location(s): Moosonee, Moose Factory, Cochrane, Kapuskasing, Timmins, or other designated service sites
Reports To: Services Supervisor – Child Welfare (or designate)
Job Class: Team Member
Salary Structure: TMG08 – Team Member Grid 08
TEER Level: 4
NOC Code: 42201
Unionized: No

Purpose of the Role
The Child Protection Trainee position is a structured developmental opportunity for individuals who aspire to serve in frontline child protection roles within their Nations or Treaty 9 communities. Under the supervision of experienced Protection Workers and Supervisors, the Trainee learns core principles of Indigenous child welfare, legal frameworks, and frontline practice in a supportive, mentored environment.

This role supports the growth of local capacity in Child Welfare services and prepares Trainees to pursue further training, certification, or roles as Protection Workers, Customary Care Practitioners, or similar pathways.

Core Responsibilities

1. Learning and Observation

• Shadow experienced Protection Workers during visits, investigations, court preparations, and family conferences
• Participate in team discussions, case reviews, and debriefs to understand how child protection decisions are made
• Observe the application of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) and Indigenous law in practice

2. Cultural and Legal Readiness

• Learn about the principles of Customary Care, Band Representative involvement, and Indigenous decision-making processes
• Receive training on trauma-informed practice, child development, and legal reporting duties
• Participate in cultural teachings, ceremonies, and knowledge sharing with Elders and Knowledge Keepers

3. Administrative Support

• Assist with organizing case files, supporting documentation, and preparing resources for family meetings
• Help coordinate transportation, logistics, and materials needed for Protection Workers
• Maintain confidentiality and respect the emotional and spiritual weight of working in child protection

4. Community Relationship Building

• Engage respectfully with children, families, and community representatives under supervision
• Build awareness of the service area’s unique strengths, histories, and protocols
• Support positive relationships with partner agencies, service providers, and First Nations leadership

5. Training and Professional Development

• Attend all agency-provided trainings and external learning as assigned
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous growth, self-reflection, and alignment with community-based child welfare
• Build a learning portfolio that prepares the Trainee for future employment or academic pathways

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Secondary school diploma or working toward diploma/equivalency
• Interest in Indigenous child welfare, law, and supporting family wellness
• Willingness to engage in intensive mentorship and cross-cultural learning
• Strong listening, observation, and communication skills
• Experience supporting children, youth, or community programs is an asset

Conditions of Employment

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Valid Ontario Class G Driver’s License or ability to work toward obtaining one
• Reliable attendance, emotional readiness, and willingness to travel within the region
• Participation in mandatory training and mentorship as part of development plan

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.