Kinship Services Worker

Family & Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region is a community organization legally mandated to respond to and work together with families, their supports, and our communities to protect and care for children who have been abused or neglected, or who are at risk of being abused or neglected.

Our Agency is fully committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace that supports employees to be authentic and fully engage in shaping a healthy workplace and community where children, youth and families thrive.

Why work for us?

• Flexible working model
• Flexible work schedules
• Employer paid group insurance health & dental benefits
• Employee and Family Assistance Plan
• Generous vacation policy
• Two float days per calendar year
• OMERS Pension, with employer and employee sharing premiums equally
• Competitive mileage reimbursement

To continue to support the work that we do, the Agency is looking for a full-time permanent Kinship Services Worker.

Kinship Services Workers screen, assess, educate, and support Kinship family applicants so that, to the greatest extent possible, the Agency has identified Kin who will support children and youth and promote their need for safety, well-being, and permanence. This role also collaborates with Kin caregivers, children placed with Kin, primary families, community service agencies, and agency staff to ensure that children’s needs are met. Kinship placements are supervised according to Kinship standards.

Knowledge & Skills Required:

• MSW or BSW preferred
• Working knowledge and understanding of Colonization and the impact of child welfare services on Indigenous people (historically and present day)
• Working knowledge and understanding of Anti-Black racism and the impact of child welfare services on Black people (historically and present day)
• Strong assessment skills pertaining to child development and family functioning
• Proficient in conducting file reviews and genealogical/internet/database research to locate Kin
• Knowledge of the Eligibility Spectrum, SAFE, PRIDE, ONLAC, and Signs of Safety Assessment and Planning Framework would be an asset
• Knowledge of 360 Family Engagement Model, Trauma and Attachment theory, Child Development and Family Group Decision Making models would be an asset
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience in Adult Education/training, group facilitation, and mediation would be considered an asset
• Child Welfare experience considered an asset
• Acceptable Vulnerable Persons Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract
• Valid ‘G’ Ontario Driver’s License with access to reliable vehicle

Salary Range: $61,249.00 - $79,155.48 per annum (Social Work, Grade 7)

Hours of Work: 34 hours per week

Article 15 applies to internal applicants.

Application Process:

Interested internal applicants are invited to submit a resume to [email protected] no later than 4:00pm on November 6, 2025, 2025, quoting posting #026-2025.

Interested external applicants are invited to submit a resume to [email protected], no later than 4:00 pm on November 6, 2025, 2025, quoting posting #026-2025.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Family & Children’s Services is committed to a diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. We encourage applications from Indigenous and Racialized people, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team. If you feel comfortable making it known, you may choose to self-identify as member of a designated group. Any information directly related to you is kept confidential and used in a safe manner to inform our recruitment process towards being an equal opportunity employer.