Career Opportunities

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION:
The Band Representative acts on behalf of the First Nation as a party in the Court Proceedings involving the First Nation’s children and youth under CYFSA. The role of the Band Representative is to protect the collective best interest of the First Nation’s children and to ensure a culturally appropriate disposition of the case. The Band Representative ensures that every notification from Child Welfare Agency is responded to within the required time.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Depending on the particular case, the Band Representative may undertake the following range of activities, as provided by the CYFSA:

• To liaise with other First Nation Band Representatives, Agencies and Legal Counsel.
• Accompany Children’s Aide Service Workers during investigations in Fort William First Nation territory.
• Ensure that Fort William First Nation members are fully aware of their rights in child welfare proceedings.
• Develop a working relationship with all Child and Family Services and CASs engaged with Fort William First Nation Members.
• Develop and implement protocols with Child and Family Services and CASs engaged with Fort William First Nation Members.
• Liaises with the Fort William First Nation and the CAS.
• Liaises with the Fort William First Nation member families and the CAS.
• Provides family support services that promotes the culture and aspirations of the Fort William First Nation.
• Supports identified community and family placements for Fort William First Nations Children and Youth.

BAND REPRESNTATION:

• Represent the First Nation at Court as a Party to Child Welfare Proceedings.
• Prepare the Plans of Care, including recommendations for placement of children.
• Prepare, respond to and process legal documents as required.
• Supports alternative dispute resolution in place of court proceedings; interests to courts, Children’s Aid Societies and other agencies.
• Engages legal counsel to support the preparation of court documents and to represent the First Nation in Court on complex matters.

CASE EVALUATION/ DEVELOPMENT:

• Compile all relevant case-related information and documentation.
• Liaise with community service.
• Coordinate case management conferences with all community services involved to monitor client’s plan of care and progress Legal Responsibilities.
• Prepare, serve and file additions or amendments to the client’s plan of care.
• Gather evidence, prepare arguments, prepare witnesses and draft orders.
• Prepare for and attend settlement conferences to represent the First Nation interests.
• Oral and written presentations in court, as required.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

• Ensure client files are maintained and updated on a regular basis.
• Report to his/her immediate supervisor and Chief and council, as directed.
• Data collection and submission of reports.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Overtime, after hours, flexible, on-call schedule required.
• Constant interaction with the general public.
• Ability to attend and conduct presentations.
• Travel may be required.
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
• Position is considered frontline in office/person.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum, Post-Secondary Diploma in Social Work/Law Clerk/Child and Youth Worker or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of social services experience with First Nations
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and own a vehicle
• Must provide a criminal reference and vulnerable sector check.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the First Nation’s Interest in Child, Youth and Family Services Act (Ontario) and proceedings involving the First Nation’s Children
• Able to interpret legislation and legal documents
• Knowledge of Case Management techniques
• Strong written and oral skills
• Strong negotiation skills, techniques and advocacy
• Willing to work flexible hours and travel with minimal notice
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential subject matter
• Strong computer skills with experience using word processing software

Salary: $57,023/year – starting salary

JOB POSTING CLOSING DATE: Applications, consisting of a cover letter and resume with three (3) references, must be submitted by 11:59pm Sunday August 9, 2026.

Please direct your application to the attention of:
Human Resources – Recruitment
Ph: 807-623-9543 ext. 301 Email: jobs@fwfn.com
When hand delivering; ensure that your application is date stamped and a copy provided to you.
We appreciate all applications. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.