Reports to: Program Manager
Job Type: Full-time (35 hours per week)
PayScale: $30.00–$34.00
Location: Ottawa
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
# of Positions: 1
ABOUT YOU
You are a compassionate and resourceful individual dedicated to supporting racialized children, individuals and families in overcoming barriers and building resilience. You believe in the power of evidence-based, culturally responsive interventions, and are committed to fostering a supportive environment where racialized children, individuals and families can thrive and feel safe. Systems knowledge, empathy, safety and a collaborative spirit should be the hallmarks of your approach, as you support racialized families, individuals and children navigate their unique journeys toward positive change.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Child & Family Worker plays a key role in supporting children, individuals, and families through BWCS’s Mental Health & Wellness programs. In this role, you will provide assessments, emotional and behavioural support, case management, counselling, advocacy, and group facilitation.
You will work with families to identify strengths, clarify needs, build goals, and explore pathways toward improved emotional wellness, stability, and connectedness. Your work will include supporting clients experiencing social, emotional, behavioural, or systemic challenges, and helping them navigate community, school, health, and social service systems.
You will provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed support that promotes safety, empowerment, and positive change. You will adapt your approach to meet clients where they are and ensure services are accessible, affirming, and responsive to the unique needs of Black and racialized families.
ABOUT WHO WE SUPPORT
Britannia Woods Community Services (BWCS) is dedicated to ensuring that residents in the city of Ottawa, in the Britannia Woods neighborhood, and surrounding areas have access to the mental health & wellness, social, educational, food security, and recreational supports necessary for optimal well-being.
ABOUT DIVERSITY AT BWCS
At BWCS, we actively cultivate an inclusive and equitable environment where diversity thrives. Our services and staff reflect the varied cultures, languages, and lived experiences of our community. We are committed to ensuring that every individual and family receives informed, sensitive, safe, respectful, and timely support, and that all members of our team feel valued and empowered.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assesses and identify children, individuals and their family strengths and needs, according to program goals.
- Construct support maps and explore goals in conjunction with family/individual/children needs.
- Provide case management and resource navigation support for families, individuals, and children.
- Provide group facilitation and programming support for families, individuals, and children.
- Provide crisis counselling and mediation support to families, individuals, and children.
- Act as an advocate within academic & child welfare systems.
- Support clients in navigating societal social systems / health systems.
- Provide mentorship/sponsorship support.
- Follow program guidelines regarding confidentiality, case notes, reports, record keeping etc.
- Carries out discharge planning and service evaluation with families, individuals and children.
- Actively participates and makes use of ongoing clinical supervision.
- Work flexible hours to meet the needs of clients — including some evenings.
- Liaise, consult, and collaborate with community stakeholders and make appropriate use of community resources.
- Implement SNAP therapeutic model guided by CBT framework and incorporate additional therapeutic modalities as required.
- Assumes other responsibilities as assigned from Mental Health & Counselling Director.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Social Service worker or a degree in counselling or other related social sciences.
- Must be a member in good standing with a regulated professional college (i.e., CRPO, OCSWSSW).
- Knowledge and experience working with Black and racialized families, individuals, and children.
- Knowledge and experience working with families, individuals and children who coexist with hardships related to poverty, discrimination, and other societal inequities.
- A minimum of 2–3 years’ professional experience working with Black and racialized families, individuals and children with concerns related to mental health and other emotional/behavioral concerns.
- Lived experience of Black/other racialized communities in Ottawa is an asset.
- Experience with developing and facilitating group programming focusing on mental and emotional health and other emotional/behavioral barriers.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; strong oral and documentation skills.
- Bilingualism is an asset (English, French, Somali, Arabic, etc.).
- Strong computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other databases.
- A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is mandatory.
WHAT WE OFFER
BWCS is a vibrant workplace offering opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive environment. As part of our team, you will make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families, helping them access vital resources and achieve positive outcomes. If you are committed to equity, innovation, and culturally responsive care, we invite you to join our mission to create healthier, more resilient communities.
APPLICATION PROCESS
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage all interested candidates to submit a detailed resume and cover letter by email to careers@britanniawoods.com. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
If you require accessibility accommodation during this process, please email careers@britanniawoods.com and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.