Are you ready to make a positive impact on the lives of Indigenous women, youth, and their families? Do you have the skills to support them to create the change required to break down intergenerational trauma and leave a lasting, sustainable, impact on future generations?
We invite qualified candidates to submit their application for the contract maternity leave position of Indigenous Healthy Babies Healthy Children Support Worker.
Your application must include (in pdf):
• Cover Letter (1 page maximum)
• Resume (2 pages maximum)
• References (2 Professional, 1 personal)
Due to the program mandate, this position is only available to Indigenous peoples.
Please self-identify in your application, and specifically indicate the Indigenous Nation and community you are affiliated with.
Employment Start Date: Immediately
Email Application package to: ed@niijki.com
Subject: IHBHC Application
Attn: Hiring Committee
About Us
Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle (NASC) is a registered charitable organization dedicated to the development and delivery of healing services for Anishnaabekwewag (Indigenous women) and their families who have experienced violence or are at risk of experiencing violence. Therapeutic healing work is conducted using Anishnaabe practices, blended with community-centred and client-centred methods of healing.
The position is located at the main office in Peterborough Ontario. In addition to the City of Peterborough, NASC supports the County of Peterborough, Haliburton, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and the Durham Region; the First Nations of Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.
What we offer:
Niijkiwendidaa offers an exceptionally generous time-off package that supports employee wellness, family balance, and cultural responsibilities:
Paid Statutory and Special Holidays (14 total):
New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Summer Solstice, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Winter Solstice, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Annual Vacation Entitlement:
All employees begin with three (3) weeks of paid vacation per year, granted following the successful completion of the statutory three-month probationary period. Vacation entitlements increase with years of service—rising to four (4) weeks after four years and five (5) weeks after seven years of continuous service.
Additional Paid Leave:
Employees also receive paid days each year for:
• Sick Leave (15 days)
• Domestic or Sexual Violence Leave (5 days)
• Family Responsibility Leave (5 days)
• Bereavement Leave (5 days)
• Emergency Leave – Declared Emergencies & Infectious Diseases (3 days)
• Jury Duty (paid)
• Election-Related Leave (3 hours paid per election)
• Cultural Leave (up to 5 days) – to support participation in Anishnaabe ceremonies, feasts, and other cultural responsibilities.
Winter Shutdown:
In addition to the above, Niijkiwendidaa closes for a two-week paid winter break each year, typically aligning with local school holidays from mid-to-late December through to the Monday following January 1st. Altogether, new employees at Niijkiwendidaa begin with approximately 59 paid days off per year, which includes 14 holidays, 15 paid sick days, 10 days of paid winter shutdown, and 15 vacation days—plus other paid leave options as needed. This represents about 30 more paid days off annually than required under the ESA, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to supporting employee wellness, balance, and cultural engagement.
Description
The Indigenous Healthy Babies, Healthy Children (IHBHC) Program was created as a way to support families in celebrating and honouring new and young life in the Indigenous community. The IHBHC Program is a prevention and early intervention strategy of services for families with children from prenatal to 6 years of age.
The overall program goal is to assist Indigenous families to provide the best opportunities for healthy development, through family home visiting (family support and service identification), service coordination, and referrals. An equally important objective is to ensure that the program addresses the needs of children at risk, to ensure that they have access to services and support that will address their needs. The heart of IHBHC programming is preparation for parenting (preconception component), getting ready for the birth of the baby, (prenatal care), and taking care of the baby (postnatal care).
The IHBHC worker is a valuable asset to families and communities. They are aware of how children grow and develop, they know the resources available in the community, and they know how to connect families to those resources or services that will address their needs. Under the immediate supervision of the Executive Director, the IHBHC Worker will fulfill the mandate of the IHBHC Program; provide program services, cultural education, health education, emotional support, and home visits to “at-risk” and “high-risk” families involved in NASC services.
Job Specifications:
Direct Supports
• Conduct initial intake assessments to determine the types of supports required;
• Deliver client-based services that prepare families for parenting and provides prenatal /postnatal care which includes postnatal contact within 72 hours of families returning home.
• Provide home visiting activities that provide support, education, and information;
• Develop culturally appropriate services that foster healing and promotes positive change;
• Create and review ongoing progress of family support plans that identify family strengths, needs and support requirements;
• Attend consultations with nurses, Elders, social service workers, midwives, community health representatives, and community wellness workers;
• Participate in the development, planning, execution, assessment, evaluation and budgeting responsibilities of programs and services;
Community Engagement and Advocacy
• Conduct community outreach and promotion of the program, including public presentations, awareness campaigns, and cultural events/activities;
• Design, implement, and facilitate group programs and workshops related to prenatal/ postnatal care, parenting, nutrition, family planning, and healthy sexuality;
• Build and sustain positive business relationships and strategic partnerships to foster strong community linkages enhancing engagement and response to crisis;
• Provide necessary community supports through direct service or referrals and advocacy;
• Play an active role across relevant community support services to advocate for the delivery of and access to, relevant cultural and trauma-informed supports for service users;
• Participate on external related committees, workshops, and/or conferences as directed and nd/or conferences as directed and approved by the Executive Director;
Supervision:
Employed by Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle (NASC),
responsible to the policies and directions as determined by the NASC Board
of Directors and under the direct supervision of the Program Supervisor.
Administration
• Provide funder and NASC documents as required (may include quarterly statistics and narrative reporting, annual reports, proposals, workplans, etc.);
• Maintain complete, accurate and up-to-date service user case files, program records and statistics ensuring the maintenance of a secure and confidential filing system;
• Attend staff and supervisory meetings, and training and planning sessions as directed;
Other
• Maintain and upgrade professional skills; ensure a safe and healthy work environment; and
• Perform other duties related to the position, as assigned by the Executive Director.
Competencies:
• Excellent communication, planning and organizing, critical thinking, decision-making and continuous learning.
• Ability to solve problems quickly, creatively, and ethically.
• High proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Familiarity with a client management software (e.g. OWL Practice).
• Ability to work under pressure and in emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to prioritize work and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in case management, program planning and budgeting responsibilities.
• Knowledge of legislation specific to Child, Youth and Families.
• Strong knowledge and awareness of Anishnaabe cultural values or other Indigenous cultural values, history and issues affecting Indigenous women and Indigiqueer peoples.
• Valid G driver’s license and unlimited access to a reliable vehicle.
Considered Assets
• Ability to speak an Indigenous language.
• Experience within a community-based, Indigenous non-profit.
• Experience using client management software.
• Food Educator certification.
• Opioid Addiction Awareness Training
Education/Work Experience:
• Minimum 2-year post-secondary program in social work or other service or health-related discipline.
• 2 years’ direct working experience in social services.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
As our work puts us in direct contact with young people and vulnerable persons in our community, with health and safety as a priority, the successful candidate must complete or obtain a Vulnerable Sector Police Check and provide a clean drivers abstract before commencement of their employment.
In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Strides Toronto’s own policies, requests for accommodation will be considered throughout the hiring process.
We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Starting at $43,200.00 per year
Benefits:
• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Wellness program
• Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:
• Peterborough, ON K9H 7E7: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
• Due to the program mandate, this position is only available to Indigenous peoples.
Please self-identify in your application and specifically indicate the Indigenous Nation and community you are affiliated with.
Education:
• AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Peterborough, ON K9H 7E7