Abuse Specialist (Location TBD)

Status: Full-time Permanent

Accountability: Director of Quality Assurance

Job Summary

The Abuse Specialist will report directly to the Director of Quality Assurance. The Abuse Specialist is responsible for providing clinical supervision, guidance, and oversight related to abuse and high-risk child protection matters. This position supports Intake Workers by providing consultation, direction, and oversight on abuse investigations, crisis intervention, and risk management to ensure compliance with the Child and Family Services Act, the Child and Family Services Authorities Act, and Agency policies and standards. The Abuse Specialist provides expert guidance, oversight, and escalation support to Intake Workers managing abuse-related cases.

Core competencies for this position include assessment, decision making, communication, cultural competence, collaboration, organizational ability, and stress tolerance.

Responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

  • Provide clinical supervision and consultation to Intake Workers on abuse-related and high-risk protection cases.
  • Support Intake Workers conducting abuse investigations in accordance with legislation, standards, and Agency policy.
  • Review and provide guidance on risk assessments, including suicide and violence risk assessments.
  • Support crisis intervention planning and development of risk mitigation strategies.
  • Provide oversight to ensure abuse investigations are timely, appropriate, and compliant.
  • Review documentation and case records related to abuse investigations for quality and compliance.
  • Provide direction on complex or high-risk cases and support appropriate decision-making.
  • Ensure timely escalation (1hr) of serious or critical incidents are sent to the Executive Director.
  • Abuse Specialist will ensure that the critical incident report is completed and sent to the Director of Quality Assurance.
  • Liaise with internal programs and external agencies regarding abuse-related matters as required.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of abuse investigation practices and service delivery.
  • Provide guidance to ensure Agency policies and procedures are adhered to.
  • May be required to respond to after-hours emergencies related to abuse or critical incidents.
  • The Abuse Specialist coordinates the Child Abuse Committee:
  • Develops an agenda for each meeting
  • Ensures appropriate community representatives
  • Maintains accurate meeting recordings, facilitated every 30 days
  • Prepares information packages
  • Records and presents details of investigations, medical examinations, etc.
  • Maintains a presence and facilitates committee meetings
  • Ensures adequate representation and/or recruits when necessary
  • Maintains positive relationships with community collaterals
  • Maintains confidentiality within meeting deliberations
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Social Work or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • A minimum of five (5) years experience in child protection and abuse investigations.
  • Demonstrated experience providing clinical supervision or senior-level consultation.
  • Knowledge of and familiarity with the Child & Family Services Act and Provincial Standards.
  • Demonstrated skills in crisis intervention and high-risk case management.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of First Nations traditional values and beliefs.
  • Excellent organizational, computer, oral, and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure and in crisis situations.
  • Good working knowledge of Provincial Legislation, Standards, and the Child and Family Services Information System (CFSIS).
  • Required to complete and pass Prior Contact Check, Vulnerable Sector Search, and Child Abuse Registry Check.
  • A valid Province of Manitoba Class 5 Driver’s License.
  • May be required to work after hours.

Knowledge Requirements

  • Respect for, sensitivity towards, knowledge, and understanding of Ojibway culture, traditions, and teachings.
  • Knowledge of First Nation service delivery, customs, and traditions in responding to child welfare.

Special Skills

  • Strong professional ethics.
  • Excellent analytical and assessment skills.
  • Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent time management skills.
  • Excellent computer skills with MS Office and CFSA.
  • Ability to provide clinical leadership and guidance.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ability to adapt to and manage change.
  • Ability to work with confidential and sensitive information.
  • The ability to understand and speak Ojibway is a definite asset.

Work Site Location

Waywayseecappo First Nation, Manitoba – Waywayseecappo Child & Family Services Inc., headquarters.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the Abuse Specialist will typically be in an office setting and may be required to respond to critical incidents. The position is emotionally demanding due to exposure to high-risk and crisis situations.

Technology & Equipment

Desktop/Laptop/SurfacePro, photocopier, telephone, and cell phone.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Intake Supervisor