Employment Opportunities

                         FSW-Children’s Program– ROLE DESCRIPTION

Role Overview
The Family Support Worker in the Children’s Program- connects with fathers and their children birth to 6 attending our Saturday Drop-In program for Dad’s and provides information referrals to additional resources and support in the community and within Mount Pleasant. This position(s) works closely with Fathers Drop-In Facilitator and the other family support staff in the playroom according to ‘best practice’ in Family Resource Programs and provides a safe and inclusive environment for all families.

Reporting to the Program Manager, this position is responsible for the following areas:
• Family Support
• Playroom program

Specific Accountabilities

Family Support
• Works with other staff to coordinate, plan, implement and evaluate a full range of age and developmentally appropriate playroom activities (includes fine and gross motor activities, free and imaginative play, family circle time).
• Creates and maintains a welcoming, emotionally safe, respectful and inclusive environment.
• Creates safe and stimulating outdoor play opportunities, interacting with parents and children as appropriate.
• Develops and maintains relationships with playroom participants.
• Works with children in small groups and 1-1 as appropriate to encourage optimal development.
• Models positive adult-child interactions that promote intellectual, social and emotional healthy development.
• Creates opportunities for fathers and caregivers to experience less isolation and practice positive parenting skills in a safe supportive environment.
• Works flexibly with children and fathers as part of the centre team to support fathers in caring for their children and in enhancing their parenting skills.
• Maintains appropriate health and safety standards in the playroom.
• Works with staff team to maintain appropriate supplies and resources for the playroom.

People & Program Leadership
• Liaises with the Program Manager in making referrals to community resources and in promoting and supporting parent-helping-parent initiatives as appropriate.
• As part of staff team, works collaboratively with other community agencies as required.
• Participates in the development and implementation of special events programs as required.
• Attends MPFCS monthly staff meetings and actively participates in all team meetings.

Qualifications & Competencies
• Early Childhood Education Certification preferred
• Relevant degree or equivalent training and 5 years’ experience working with young children and families.
• Valid First Aid Certification
• A working knowledge and understanding of issues and concerns affecting young children 0-6 and their families. Demonstrated ‘best practice’ in supporting the healthy development of young children.
• Knowledge and ability to recognize children’s developmental needs, and to interpret these effectively and with sensitivity to parents.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills (English- oral and written).
• Must be able to work comfortably in a cross cultural, multilingual setting. Demonstrated sensitivity to diverse populations and needs.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative in projects, as well as, an ability to work flexibly as part of a team.
• Previous experience in a drop-in setting an asset.
• Knowledge and commitment to the principles and practices of Family Resource Programs and family centered care
• Ability to work in a non-structured environment
• Sensitivity to the needs of the family
• Possession of non-judgmental and genuinely positive attitudes (culture, religion, sexuality, special needs) and freedom from stereotypes

Working Conditions
• The position is a part-time/casual position.
• Maybe required to sit on the floor, get up and down with babies in arms, and to set up and move equipment and furniture around.

Since this position works directly with children, a criminal records check is required upon hire, and a valid First Aid Certificate will also be required. The position is paid on an hourly basis. $20.57 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay.

Submit resume and cover letter to Betisa Mohammadi, Program Manager: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                                                                                                         We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The position has been filled. Thank you for your interest.

Position has been filled. Thank you for your interest.