Child and Family Advocate

PURPOSE

Reporting to the Manager of Health Services the Child and Family Advocate plays a key role in supporting Gwichin children youth and families as they interact with child welfare and related systems ensuring their rights voices and cultural identities are protected and respected. This position provides direct advocacy navigation support and culturally appropriate guidance for Gwichin Participants of the Gwichin Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA) who are involved in or at risk of involvement with territorial child and family services. Working closely with GTC leadership families and community partners the Advocate contributes to system-level change by identifying gaps recommending policy improvements and promoting the use of culturally safe community-based solutions. This position advances the Gwichin Tribal Councils (GTC) strategic goals around family wellness cultural continuity and self-determination in child and family well-being.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advocate on behalf of GCLCA Participants particularly children and families involved with child welfare services.
• Support families in navigating child protection systems including understanding rights case planning and service coordination.
• Assist families with completing forms attending court or case meetings and developing care or reunification plans.
• Build trusting relationships with families and act as a liaison between them and external agencies (e.g. Child and Family Services schools legal supports).
• Promote early intervention by connecting at-risk families to wellness parenting and prevention programs.
• Monitor child welfare cases involving Gwichin children and ensure culturally appropriate approaches are considered and upheld.
• Facilitate access to prevention family preservation and reunification resources including cultural and land-based programs.
• Promote and support the placement of Gwichin children with extended family or within the Gwichin Nation where appropriate.
• Collaborate with Elders community leaders and service providers to develop holistic and culturally grounded care plans.
• Provide education and awareness on Gwichin values history and cultural practices to child welfare professionals.
• Track cases document outcomes and contribute to advocacy reports and service evaluations.
• Identify trends systemic issues and policy barriers affecting Gwichin families and contribute to recommendations for system reform.
• Participate in relevant territorial and national networks focused on Indigenous child and family well-being.
• Engage with schools housing authorities health providers and justice programs to build wraparound supports for families.
• Assist in the development of GTC policies and positions on child welfare in support of Gwichin jurisdiction and governance.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma or degree in Social Work Child and Youth Care Indigenous Studies or a related field (equivalent experience may be considered).
• Minimum 23 years of experience in child welfare family advocacy or Indigenous community support.
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous child welfare principles especially the Act respecting First Nations Inuit and Métis children youth and families (Bill C-92).
• Deep understanding of Gwichin culture language and traditions; lived experience is a strong asset.
• Excellent interpersonal mediation and communication skills.
• Ability to navigate complex systems and advocate effectively for vulnerable populations.
• Must maintain confidentiality and act with cultural sensitivity and compassion.
• Valid Class 5 Drivers License and willingness to travel to Gwichin communities as needed.
• Clean criminal record check

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and our obligations under the Gwichin Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA) preference will be given to qualified GCLCA Participants and Indigenous applicants. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their application if they wish to be considered under this preference.