Social Services
Mississauga First Nation Social Services enhances community well-being through culturally informed programs that support individuals and families. Key initiatives include child and family services, cultural support, prevention programs, and youth advocacy. The department focuses on promoting family unity, community wellness, and cultural preservation. Staff develop and implement programs related to child development, wellness, and food security, while fostering partnerships and managing resources. The goal is to provide holistic, culturally appropriate support, empowering families and building a self-sufficient, thriving community.
Roles and Responsibilities
Social Services Director
The Social Services Director oversees the coordination and delivery of programs and services for Mississauga First Nation, ensuring trauma-informed practices. They manage financial and human resources, promote the mission and vision of the community, and evaluate program effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities:
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Implement the Child and Family Well-Being Strategy.
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Oversee the Social Services and Women's Shelter departments, ensuring program effectiveness and community engagement.
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Supervise Social Services Managers, support staff development, and manage performance.
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Develop annual budgets, ensure fiscal responsibility, and handle government negotiations.
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Create policies, monitor compliance, and prepare proposals for funding.
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Participate in local, regional, and internal committees to promote services and build community relations.
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Handle administration tasks, reporting, and work prioritization.
Social Services Executive Assistant
The Social Services Executive Assistant supports the Director of Social Services with administrative tasks, including correspondence, scheduling, travel, and logistical coordination.
Senior Financial Analyst
The Senior Financial Analyst within the Social Services Department, specifically supporting Band Representative Services (First Nation Representative Services). It’s a dynamic and crucial position that involves overseeing financial operations, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning. The Senior Financial Analyst will work closely with leadership and external stakeholders to manage financial performance, ensure compliance, and contribute to organizational goals.
Key responsibilities:
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Supporting financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for Band Representative Services.
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Analyzing financial data to provide insights to senior management.
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Developing financial models and ensuring compliance with regulations.
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Managing cash flow, budgeting, and risk mitigation strategies.
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Leading and mentoring team members in the finance department.
Child and Family Services
Child & Family Services Manager
The Child and Family Services Manager supervises the Child Advocate, Youth Advocate, Cultural team, and Prevention Services staff, providing leadership, guidance, and clinical supervision for protection and prevention services to Mississauga First Nation children and families. They ensure culturally appropriate, family-centered practices and adhere to policies and legal standards such as the Child Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA).
Key Responsibilities:
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Supervise case management of child in care and prevention files.
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Provide leadership, mentoring, and clinical supervision to staff.
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Ensure services support cultural identity and follow First Nation traditions.
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Ensure effective communication and conflict resolution within the team and with external agencies.
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Conduct training, performance appraisals, and orientation for staff.
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Support financial management, including budget preparation and report submission.
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Foster a positive work environment and encourage staff investment.
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Act as a liaison with Native Child and Family Services Agencies.
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Incorporate cultural practices in service delivery, including supporting Anishinaabemowin language learning.
Band Representative Lead
The Band Representative Lead supports and trains Band Representatives in Child Welfare to enhance their skills and knowledge. This role ensures all cases are handled professionally, culturally appropriately, and advocates for the best interests of Mississauga First Nation children in legal proceedings. The Band Representative Lead reports to the Social Services Director and supports all Mississauga First Nation Child Welfare cases on and off the Reserve.
Key Responsibilities:
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Maintain prompt communication and adhere to directives.
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Prepare and complete daily activity reports with accuracy.
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Foster an inviting, friendly atmosphere for community engagement.
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Lead, coordinate, and participate in programs as needed.
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Ensure all paperwork and documentation are completed accurately and on time.
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Assist Band Representatives with case management, training, and support.
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Assign new or existing cases based on experience and workload.
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Coach and observe Band Representatives, including attending home visits when necessary.
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Confirm children’s eligibility for Mississauga First Nation membership.
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Collaborate with Nogdawindamin Family and Children Services on case management.
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Attend meetings, case conferences, and court proceedings as required.
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Prepare legal documents and affidavits in consultation with the Band Lawyer.
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Maintain confidentiality, monitor case progress, and provide updates.
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Report to Chief and Council as needed.
Band Representative
(Band Rep)
The Band Representative advocates for MFN children in Child and Family Services Act proceedings, ensuring their best interests are prioritized in court. They also ensure that all cases are handled in a culturally respectful manner, reflecting the community's values and traditions.
Key Responsibilities
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Representation in Court
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Advocacy for Children
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Cultural Respect
Child & Youth Worker
The Youth Advocacy Worker designs, implements, and evaluates programs for youth ages 7-13, especially at-risk youth, focusing on promoting healthy lifestyles and cultural connections. The worker will engage with youth on- and off-reserve, ensuring access to traditional, recreational, and community activities.
Key Responsibilities:
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Deliver structured programs such as the Young Buffalo Riders, Seeking Safety, and Life Skills for Youth.
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Plan workshops on healthy eating, sexual health, traditional dance, drumming, sports, arts, and more.
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Organize recreational activities like swimming, sports, camping, and arts and crafts.
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Facilitate high school readiness workshops and assist with Back-to-School programs.
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Provide transportation support for youth to attend activities.
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Collaborate with elders for one-on-one visits and community programs.
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Promote self-help skills and support youth in connecting with family and cultural resources.
Youth Advocacy Worker
The Youth Advocacy Worker provides education, advocacy, and support to at-risk youth (ages 7-12 and 18-25), focusing on life skills development, referrals to services, and after-care support. The role includes helping youth access community events and programs to build resilience and address risk behaviors through goal setting and guidance.
Key Responsibilities:
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Facilitate activities and meetings with youth to build relationships.
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Develop culturally relevant resources and promote healthy lifestyle choices.
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Connect youth with services like counseling, employment, and community support.
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Help youth set and achieve personal goals.
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Collaborate with professionals to create tailored programs for youth.
In-Home Family Support Worker
The In-Home Family Support Worker assists high-risk families, including those in the Band Representative program, to strengthen parenting and life skills for healthier, more resilient families and communities. The role involves delivering evidence-based prevention services, collaborating on wellness programs, and negotiating wellness goals with families. The worker must adhere to the legislative requirements, policies, and the mission of Mississauga First Nation Child & Family Services.
Key Responsibilities
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Representation in Court
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Advocacy for Children
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Cultural Respect
External Services Navigator
The External Services Navigator supports off-reserve MFN members by connecting them with essential services, creating personalized support plans, and advocating for their needs.
Key Responsibilities:
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Assess client needs and create support plans.
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Advocate for service access and monitor progress.
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Build relationships with external providers and MFN programs.
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Provide crisis support and maintain confidential records.
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Contribute to strategies improving service access.
Community Services
Social Services Manager
The Social Services Manager ensures that Mississauga First Nation’s programs and services meet community needs in a coordinated way, assisting in the supervision of social service staff and collaborating on the development and improvement of initiatives within the Social Services Unit.
Key Responsibilities:
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Develop and assist with annual work plans and community-based programs.
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Design new programs based on community feedback and needs.
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Manage recruitment and volunteer involvement.
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Develop partnerships with First Nations and community organizations.
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Draft documentation like policies, proposals, and reports.
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Supervise, train, and monitor social service staff performance.
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Assist in the development of personnel policies, job descriptions, and training plans.
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Assist in budget planning and tracking expenses, ensuring compliance with finance policies.
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Monitor financial program budgets and collaborate on government funding negotiations.
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Develop and revise policies and procedures, ensuring compliance.
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Represent the department in local and regional committees and foster communication with the community for feedback.
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Prepare financial reports and quarterly program reports.
Administrative Assistant
The Administrative Assistant supports the Child and Family Services Team and Social Services Management by handling clerical tasks, ensuring alignment with Mississauga First Nation's priorities and policies.
Key Responsibilities:
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Maintain files, prepare documents, and manage spreadsheets.
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Organize meetings, take minutes, and coordinate travel.
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Order supplies and ensures office equipment is operational.
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Assist with financial tasks, including ledger reviews and monthly reports.
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Support audits and budget preparations.
Cultural Coordinator
The Cultural Coordinator provides cultural support to high-risk individuals and families, promotes traditional practices, and oversees the operation of the Cultural Camp. The role includes facilitating cultural events, education, and supporting community members with cultural teachings, language, and connection to traditions.
Key Responsibilities:
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Coordinate cultural events and practices for at-risk individuals and families.
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Provide education on cultural protocols, teachings, and ceremonies.
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Manage Cultural Camp rentals, including bookings, contracts, and maintenance.
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Collaborate with Elders and traditional knowledge keepers for cultural guidance.
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Assist children and youth in care with cultural reconnection and language learning.
Early Years Worker
The Early Years Worker supports children (0-6 years), parents, and the community by facilitating prevention programs that promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. The role involves collaborating with families to ensure healthy development, with duties including home visits, coordinating children’s activities, and engaging in community wellness initiatives. The position requires flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and work in diverse environments. The worker will plan and facilitate programs, workshops, and events while collaborating with agencies to address at-risk children and families. Key tasks also include program evaluation, reporting, and building connections between traditional and mainstream wellness approaches.
Family Resource Coordinator
The Healthy Babies/Healthy Children Program supports Aboriginal families with children aged 0-6 by providing home visits, service coordination, and referrals. The program focuses on prenatal, parenting, and child nutrition education, and aims to improve child development outcomes, particularly for at-risk children. The coordinator manages and implements a Parent Resource Centre offering resources and programming for families.
Key Responsibilities:
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Respond to emails and communications promptly, manage materials and programming needs.
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Provide emotional support and advocacy to new mothers and families.
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Develop care plans with the Community Health Nurse for children at risk of developmental issues.
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Facilitate parenting skills education and community events such as workshops, naming ceremonies, and peer support groups.
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Refer families to additional services and track program outcomes.
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Organize and coordinate community programs such as nutrition, clothing exchanges, and parenting services.
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Prepare and submit reports, including quarterly and annual updates, statistical data, and program evaluations.