Program Specialist

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about Indigenous child welfare, skilled in strategic coordination, and committed to supporting meaningful system transformation? Then we are looking for you! Join us in shaping a more culturally responsive and community-led approach to child and family services in Alberta.

Reporting to the Child Intervention Division (CID) Indigenous Governing Body (IGB) Transitions Director, the Program Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting the smooth and effective transfer of responsibilities, operations, and files from Children and Family Services (CFS) to Indigenous child and family services' authorities created in accordance with the federal Act and federal Act enabled Indigenous child and family services' laws while working in a politically and culturally sensitive environment. This work supports Alberta’s commitment to implementing An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families and involves working collaboratively with Indigenous communities and leadership, internal ministry divisions, and cross-government partners.

This position operates within the First Nations Liaison Branch, specifically within the newly formed CID/IGB Transition Unit, and plays a key role in ensuring alignment, coordination, and communication between all involved stakeholders.

Role Continued

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Support the transition of service delivery and jurisdiction from CFS to Indigenous child and family services authorities established under the federal Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families.
• Collaborate closely with Indigenous child and family services' authorities, IPaSS branch, DFNAs, and regional Child Intervention staff to coordinate transfer processes.
• Help develop, implement, and monitor processes and transitions ensuring compliance with CYFEA policies and processes.
• Serve as a subject matter resource for Ministry staff on An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families.
• Participate in cross-functional committees and working groups to support ongoing legislation and policy implementation.
• Project management and maintenence of accurate documentation, tracking systems, and records related to First Nations statistics, CID files, finances, and meeting outcomes.
• Contribute to innovative strategies and approaches to support service transition and ensure cultural and political sensitivity throughout the process.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and communications to internal and external stakeholders to support the transition process.
• Facilitate an efficient and effective flow of information between CID, DFNAs, Indigenous child and family services' authorities, First Nations, and government ministires.
• Act as a provincial liaison to support service delivery programs and prepare all stakeholders for file and jurisdiction transfer.
• Provide implementation support during and after transitions are finalized to ensure integrated and seamless services for Indigenous children, youth, and families.
• Support collaborative relationships across CID, Indigenous partners, ministry stakeholders, and broader government to advance outcome-focused service improvements aligned with an Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families.
• Support change management efforts by guiding practice and process adaptations across the ministry and Indigenous service providers to ensure successful and sustainable transitions.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:

https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

To be successful in this role, you will need to have the following competencies:

• Creative Problem Solving - Focuses on continuous improvement and increasing breadth of insight: Asks questions to understand a problem. Looks for new ways to improve results and activities. Explores different work methods and what made projects successful; shares learning. Collects breadth of data and perspectives to make choices.
• Drive for Results - Actively sets goals and remains open to advice on reaching them: Sets goals and prioritizes work. Identifies and corrects areas for improvement. Suggests actions; asks for advice when lacking information or multiple priorities. Operates within APS value system.
• Build Collaborative Environments - Facilitates open communication and leverages team skill: Leverages skills and knowledge of others. Genuinely values and learns from others. Facilitates open and respectful conflict resolution. Recognizes and appreciates others.
• Systems Thinking - Considers inter-relationships and emerging trends to attain goals: Seeks insight on implications of different options. Analyzes long-term outcomes, focus on goals and values. Identifies unintended consequences.
• Agility - Works in a changing environment and takes initiative to change: Takes opportunities to improve work processes. Anticipates and adjusts behaviour to change. Remains optimistic, calm and composed in stressful situations. Seeks advice and support to change appropriately. Works creatively within guidelines.
• Develop Networks - Leverages relationships to build input and perspective: Looks broadly to engage stakeholders. Open to perspectives towards long-term goals. Actively seeks input into change initiatives. Maintains stakeholder relationships.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Social Work and 2 years related experience.
• Related education can include: Bachelor's Degree in Business, Indigenous Studies, Public Administration or a related field (Bachelor of Human Services, BA/BSc Psychology, BA Sociology, Law Degree.
  
  Equivalency:
• Master of Social Work and 1 year related experience; or
• Related university degree and 4 years related experience; or
• Related diploma and 5 years related experience; or
• Related certificate and 6 years related experience.

Note: Equivalency for professional roles related to Child Intervention: Directly related degree or diploma, successful completion of in-service or comparable training and 2 years of directly related experience.

Experience:

• Preference will be given to those candidates who are Delegated.
• Experience working with First Nations communities at various governance levels.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the complex, dynamic, and unique histories, governance structures, community dynamics, and cultural protocols of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act (CYFEA), including related legislation, policies, practices, strategic priorities, programs, and services.
• In-depth knowledge of An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families, including experience with Indigenous Governing Bodies (IGBs), Indigenous child and family services' authorities, Indigenous child and family services' laws, Coordination Agreements, and Bilateral Agreements.
• Proven ability to work effectively in politically sensitive and high-stakes environments, maintaining diplomacy and cultural awareness.
• Advanced computer skills, including proficiency with standard office software data (including Excel), SharePoint, tracking tools, and digital communication platforms.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Hours of Work:
Monday to Friday, 36.25 hours per week (full-time).

Location:
Successful candidate may reside anywhere in Alberta and work out of the closest Children and Family Services (CFS) office to them.

Application Requirements:

• A cover letter outlining how your education and experience relates directly to this role is required.
• In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part-time, or full-time. For example: January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs shifts/week).
• Complete all pre-screening questions.
• Please note, a technical assessment may be a part of the interview process.

Please be advised your current supervisor and manager will be contacted as references.

Successful candidates for this position will undergo an academic check, intervention record check and provide suitable security screening.

Role Requirements:

• You carry a valid Class 5 Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle.
• As per the Health Professions Act, successful applicants must be registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) to be eligible for this position, if:
  • They have a degree in social work from any university in North America that is accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) or the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); or they have graduated from an approved social work diploma program in Alberta;
  • They have, within the last five years, been a registered, certified, or licensed social worker in another province or with a member of the Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Please be prepared to provide your registration details at the time of interview. For more information, please visit https://www.acsw.ab.ca/.

Notes Continued

Travel:

• Extensive travel will be required in the role in Alberta and out of province if the need arises. Final candidates for this position will be asked to provide a current 5-year commercial driver's abstract if it is not already on file.
• Employee may also be required to use their own vehicle when government fleet vehicles are not available. Appropriate insurance is required.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.