The Opportunity:
The Ministry of Social Services are looking for a unique team of dynamic individuals, devoted to improving the lives and wellbeing of children and their families, to join our team as Child Protection Workers.
In this role, you will provide a range of services designed to provide protective, preventative and support services to children and their families using The Family Centered Case Management Model of practice. You will provide services under the authority of The Child and Family Services Act and the Adoption Act.
Responsibilities
- Apply knowledge of multicultural beliefs and values, particularly First Nations and Métis cultural knowledge and understanding, to support vulnerable individuals and families in improving their quality of life in Saskatchewan.
- Initiate the opikinawasowin (opik) hearing process in child protection proceedings, using a traditional reconciliation approach focused on healing, strengthening, and reunifying families, with Elders guiding through ceremony, teachings, and child-raising practices to ensure the child is at the center of all planning.
- Manage the needs of children admitted to the care of the Ministry, including placement in foster or alternate resources, and coordinate assessment and treatment planning to address health, social, psychological and educational needs in preparation for returning home.
- Develop and maintain open, honest working relationships and encourage teamwork with clients, foster families, biological families, collateral agencies, and colleagues within the unit and community.
- Investigate allegations of neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse, assess family functioning, determine risk factors to child safety, and implement intervention plans and support services as required.
- Initiate Family Court proceedings when necessary and guide families through all steps of the process.
- Plan for children requiring long‑term care, often in cooperation with First Nation Child and Family Service agencies.
- Screen, identify, and prioritize referrals for service, develop appropriate intervention plans, consult with professionals as needed, and complete documentation in accordance with professional practice standards.
- Demonstrate strong risk‑assessment, judgment, and decision‑making skills, and implement stringent protocols for the transfer of files and information to Child Protection or other Child and Family Service workers and supervisors.
- Apply understanding of poverty, systemic barriers, intergenerational trauma, and socio‑economic issues and their impact on individuals and families.
- Advocate on behalf of clients to ensure access to services and resources, remove barriers to independence, and promote overall well‑being.
- We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including First Nation, Inuit and Métis citizens. The ability to speak an Indigenous language such as Cree, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda, Saulteaux or Michif is a valued asset.
- All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, with preference given to Indigenous applicants in recognition of the Ministry of Social Services’ commitment to reconciliation. All applications will be carefully reviewed, and only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Qualifications
Job Capabilities:
As a public servant, we are seeking someone who:
- Is accountable, takes ownership of their work by contributing to organizational outcomes and demonstrates the corporate values in our Commitment to Excellence.
- Is innovative and seeks out ways for improvement by thinking creatively, identifying new ideas and taking responsible risks.
- Works collaboratively with others to understand, engage and have meaningful dialogue to achieve work outcomes.
- Is inclusive, identifies and is aware of personal bias, and readily seeks out and appreciates diverse perspectives.
- Is adaptable, continuously learns from experience and applies those learnings to new situations.
- Focuses on achieving public service excellence.
Technical Knowledge and Skills:
The successful candidate will possess:
- Knowledge of relevant government programs, community services, and resources to support service delivery and ensure compliance with legislation, policy, and practice standards.
- A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work (BISW) from an accredited university recognized by the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW). This position involves travel, flexible hours (including evenings and weekends), transportation of children and families, and the ability to lift and carry up to 20 kg.
Job Skills:
- Communication (Level C)
- Critical Thinking (Level C)
- Digital Skills (Level C)
- Interacting with Others (Level C)
- Navigating Ambiguity (Level C)
- Managing Self (Level C)
- Health, Safety and Wellness (Level A)
- Data Literacy (Level C)
- Influence (Level C)
- Political and Organizational Awareness (Level C)
Learn more about the Government of Saskatchewan’s Capabilities and Skills Framework here.
What We Offer:
- On top of offering a dynamic and challenging work environment, the Government of Saskatchewan also provides:
- A competitive salary with comprehensive benefits including pension
- Vacation, scheduled days off (SDO) and other types of leave
- Elder/Knowledge Keeper Services available through our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Diverse and inclusive work environments such as The Indigenous Employees of Saskatchewan (TIES) and Indigenous Employee Network (IEN)
- Cultural knowledge and support by on-site Elders
- Advancement and development opportunities and
- Flexible work arrangements
Our Commitment to Excellence:
The Government of Saskatchewan upholds deep-rooted values of Respect and Integrity, Serving Citizens, Excellence and Innovation, and Acting as One Team.
The Government of Saskatchewan provides the services, programs and supports the people of Saskatchewan need. We deliver on the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth to build a strong economy, strong communities and strong families, ultimately building a stronger Saskatchewan. Dedicated to service excellence, we demonstrate innovation, collaboration and transparency, practice effective and accountable use of resources and promote engagement and leadership at all levels.
The Ministry of Social Services supports vulnerable people and families as they build a better quality of life.
We help people with their immediate needs and provide supports for: families to safely care for their children, children and youth in care to be successful, people with disabilities to access community-based services, access to affordable housing, and income assistance to meet people’s basic needs as they work to become self-sufficient to the best of their abilities.
Together with Indigenous and community partners, we work to make a positive difference in the lives of our clients every day.
