About the IRTS

The Innu Round Table Secretariat is dedicated to the collective well-being of the Sheshatshiu and Mushuau Innu. Focused on the well-being of Innu children and families, the Sheshatshiu and Mushuau Innu First Nations have established Prevention Services as the agency responsible for developing and delivering child and family support services. These services aim to assist families involved or at risk of involvement in the formal child protection system.The Agency is Innu-led, utilizing a holistic approach to wellness, and working towards full Innu jurisdiction over child and family services.

The goal of the Prevention Services Agency, based on Innu knowledge and culture, is to reduce the involvement of Innu children and families in the current child protection system (CSSD) and mitigate its impacts, especially on children. The Agency also seeks to encourage and support family and community health.

About the Position

The Innu Representative is a MIFN member who works out of Happy Valley - Goose Bay and undertakes advocacy work on behalf of Innu families and children involved with Children, Seniors, and Social Development (CSSD) in the Lake Melville area. Advocacy involves direct interventions in the court system, such as the preparation and presentation of cultural connections plans to the court. The Innu Representative will advocate for Innu children and families to receive necessary supports and services. An important element of this role is to connect with children in CSSD care and promote their healthy identity as Innu. In their work, the Innu Representative will receive ongoing training as needed and will be supported by the Preventions Services Agency team. This position reports to the Senior Innu Representative of Natuashish.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Help Innu families understand the processes, services, and supports available to them when involved with CSSD.
• Bring an Innu focus to individual case planning, including the development of cultural connections plans for all Innu children in care.
• Identify when legal resources may be required and attend court with or on behalf of children and families to provide a strong Innu voice in the legal decision-making process under the Children, Youth and Families Act of NL.
• Liaison between Innu children, families and CSSD by participation in the development and evaluation of specific child protection services planning such as safety planning, family centred action plans, permanency planning, youth transitions.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the prevention team and participate in on-call process as scheduled.

Personal Suitability:

• Be dependable and proactive, both individually and within a team.
• Exercise good judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Fluency in Innu Aimun and a strong knowledge of Innu culture and history.
• Provide Code of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector Check upon request.
• Class 5 driver's license.

Location: Happy Valley Goose Bay, NL