167073 - Social Worker (Child Protection) - Social Development and Seniors - Permanent

The Department of Social Development and Seniors is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

Child Protection Social Workers provide services to children who have been harmed or are at risk of abuse and neglect by their parents, and their families, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children at risk. Additionally, the Senior Child Protection Social Worker (level 19) are dealing with more complex cases as well as providing mentorship and case direction to more junior CPSWs. They are also acting in the absence of team Supervisors on a regular basis.

Duties will include but are not limited to: 

• Evaluate the level of risk of harm to a child by gathering information from a wide variety of sources, with or without consent of the client, to complete assessment, as indicated by the situation: children, parents, other family members and caregivers, person making a child protection report, service providers, other collateral sources.
• Gather information using a variety of methods with or without the consent of the client, to complete assessment, as indicated by the situation, including announced and unannounced in-person home visits (to provide information on living conditions and potential risks to children), phone contact, reviewing social media, medical examinations and other professional assessments of children or parents (i.e., psychological assessments of parent or child, educational assessment, pre-sentence report, etc.).
• Work jointly with police services under Child Sexual Abuse Protocol to complete a forensic interview of the child and gathers information to aid in criminal investigation for allegations of physical and sexual abuse. Will be subpoenaed to criminal court to provide evidence in criminal matters resulting from these joint investigations. CPSW must do prep work with the crown to prepare for the hearing.
• Develop family intervention plans specific to the strengths and needs identified within the family unit to reduce the risk of harm to children, enhance parental functioning, and mitigate protection concerns so the family unit can continue without ongoing Child Protection involvement.
• Responsible for creating a safety plan for a child, which includes engaging with parents.
• Advocates on behalf of the children and youth regarding unmet needs with those able to address these issues.
• Provide support to involved family members
• Maintain high standard of all documentation, which are subject to subpoena to Court, opposing legal counsel, review by the Child and Youth Advocate, review by the Minister/ designate in the case of a complaint, and review pursuant to Mental Health Act and FOIPP legislation.
• Complete documentation including evidence of professional observations, family’s or child’s perspective, any competing evidence, support for assessments, and prioritization of needs.
• Use various information systems to document all aspects of work according to legislation and policy (i.e., assessments, work plans, case notes, legal undertakings, communication, information sharing, payments, benefits, applications, etc.)
• Depending on the team to which the incumbent is assigned, incumbent knows and acts within these and other pieces of legislation: Child, Youth & Family Services Act; An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth and Families; Child and Youth Advocate Act, Judicature Act (regarding Office of the Children’s Lawyer), Family Law Act.
• Once delegated, Provide on-call evening, overnight and weekend coverage in addition to full-time work week. Frequency depends on staffing. Responds to child protection calls received by the Child Abuse Line.
• For Senior Social Worker Positions –Participate in interdepartmental and interagency committees for the purpose of enhancing collaboration and relationships, and to develop new initiatives (e.g., committees for BRIDGE Situation Table, Therapeutic Court, Legal Services, Acute Care, Child Sexual Abuse, Structured Decision Making)
• Supervise Bachelor of Social Work student placements; and perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Master of Social Work degree or a Bachelor of Social Work degree with considerable experience. Experience required is in Social Work and prior experience in child protection is preferred.
• For Senior Social Worker Positions - A Master of Social Work degree supplemented by considerable experience or a Bachelor of Social Work degree supplemented by extensive experience. The experience required is in Social Work and prior experience in child protection is preferred.
• Eligible for registration with the PEI Social Work Registration Board and for delegation under the PEI Child, Youth & Family Services Act;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• A valid PEI driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle
• The employee is required, as a condition of employment, to provide a motor vehicle for the purpose of carrying out employment functions. The requirement is subject to review every 12 months as per UPSE Civil Collective Agreement.
• A good previous work and attendance record and acceptable Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Protection Record Check.
• Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, impacts of abuse and neglect on children, community resources, trauma and its effect on children’s well-being, mental health and addictions issues and their impacts, and the importance of permanency planning for children
• Skills in risk assessment, interviewing, communication, case planning, case management, counselling, clinical assessment, critical thinking, anger management, conflict resolution, group work, crisis intervention, collaboration, cultural competence, computer literacy, documentation and time management.
• Ability to understand and interpret the Child, Youth & Family Services Act, An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth and Families, the Adoption Act and other related legislation, policies and procedures.
• Training in use of Structured Decision Making, Step Wise Joint Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care

Other Qualifications:

• Knowledge of other risk assessment tools will be considered an asset.

Preference will be given to UPSE Civil Employees as per the UPSE Civil Collective Agreement

This competition may be used to fill future job vacancies.