Child Protection Worker

Department: Child Welfare
Location(s): Moosonee, Moose Factory, Cochrane, Kapuskasing, Timmins, or other designated service sites
Reports To: Supervisor – Intake/Screening or Supervisor – Ongoing (depending on program assignment)
Job Class: Team Member
Salary Structure: CBG01- Collectively Bargained Grid 01

Unionized: Yes
TEER Level: 1
NOC Code: 41300

Purpose of the Role
This position supports the vision of payukotayno—“we who work together as one”—by ensuring that children and youth are protected, families are supported, and community-led processes are honoured. Child Protection Workers carry out mandated services under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), while actively implementing the principles of Bill C-92 and respecting the inherent jurisdiction of First Nations in Treaty 9 territory.

This role is critical in responding to child protection concerns, facilitating family-led safety planning, and ensuring that children remain connected to their communities, cultures, and languages wherever possible. The worker supports prevention, intervention, and healing pathways rooted in Omushkego values and in partnership with local First Nations.

Core Responsibilities

1. Relational and Community Engagement

• Engage respectfully with children, caregivers, families, and community helpers to assess safety and well-being concerns
• Partner with First Nations representatives and services throughout the investigative and planning process
• Attend and contribute to inter-agency meetings, community case circles, and debriefings in alignment with Nation protocols

2. Program-Specific Responsibilities

• Respond to referrals, conduct safety assessments, and complete investigations as required under CYFSA
• Develop and monitor Plans of Service and safety plans in collaboration with families and Indigenous service partners
• Support children through placements, reunification, or transitions, including kinship, customary care, or extended family care
• Use CPIN and other systems to document activities, decisions, and assessments

3. Legal and Ethical Practice

• Fulfill legal duties under CYFSA, Bill C-92, and all relevant provincial and federal frameworks
• Uphold privacy, informed consent, and data protection under PHIPA, FIPPA, and Agency policy
• Apply anti-racist, trauma-informed, and culturally safe principles in all interactions and decisions
• Participate in court preparation, affidavits, and legal planning when required, in consultation with supervisors and legal counsel

4. Team and Agency Participation

• Collaborate with Intake, Ongoing, Customary Care, Family Support, and Clinical teams as needed
• Participate in team meetings, reflective supervision, seasonal planning, and staff development initiatives
• Support community events, ceremonies, and gatherings as part of the Agency’s seasonal and cultural rhythm

Required Qualifications and Experience

• BSW, Honours BA in Indigenous Studies, Child and Youth, or related field; MSW or equivalent training preferred
• Knowledge of First Nations family structures, governance, and community-led healing practices
• Demonstrated experience in child welfare, family intervention, or crisis response
• Strong documentation, investigation, and case planning skills
• Familiarity with CPIN, Microsoft 365, and digital collaboration tools
  Equivalency will be considered. Lived experience 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

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.