Independent Assessor (self-employed, contract)

Key Assets is a nonprofit organization that operates globally, enriching, supporting, and changing the lives of children and youth everywhere. In Canada Key Assets offices are located in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Collectively, our dynamic organization provides various supports and services to young people with complex needs and supports families. This includes family-based care, alternate care, therapeutic support, clinical services, emotional regulation programs, and community trainings.

Key Assets Ontario is currently recruiting in Mississauga, ON for the position of:
Independent Assessor
(self-employed, contract)

The Independent Assessor works collaboratively with the Assessment Coordinator to produce high quality Family Based Care assessments that adhere to all Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services regulations regarding the assessing and approving of Family Based Carers in Ontario.
This is a contractual position, whereby assignments are offered on a contract basis dependent on the number of prospective individuals and/or families who apply to foster with Key Assets Ontario at any given time.

Core duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Understanding and adherence to the policies and procedures specific to completing a Key Assets Family Based Care Assessment, including understanding and incorporation of the Framework for Excellence and Key Assets Purpose and Pledges.
• Applicant interviews – including individual sessions and couple sessions (if applicable), typically 4-6 interviews, including 2 to 3 visits within the family home.
• Detailed exploration of the personal history and experiences of the applicant(s), and their skills and ability to meet the needs of fostered children and youth, within the context of the wider household and support networks. Among many considerations, the Independent Assessor will specifically examine the applicant’s parenting skills, their understanding of Family Based Care, motivation for becoming Family Based Carers and communication skills.
• Independent Assessors will support individuals in the assessment phase to complete all mandatory/legislated checks (Child Welfare, Vulnerable
  Sector Screen, Medicals and Drivers Abstracts etc.) and support them to complete documentation relevant to the assessment process.
• Independent Assessors will prepare a detailed assessment report that will include a recommendation on the applicants’ suitability to foster. The assessment report includes the assessors’ recommendations on appropriate matching considerations for potential placements, support and training needs.
• Independent Assessors will be required to attend training and/or information sessions to be well informed on any changes to the assessment process, or new legislated MCCSS requirements regarding the assessing and approving of Family Based Carers.

Qualifications:

To be successful in this role, the candidate must have:

• Social Work degree or equivalent education and experience.
• Registered and in good standing with the designated professional regulatory body in Ontario.
• A comprehensive working knowledge of all relevant legislation pertaining to children’s services (CYFSA & MCCSS) Licensing standards, as well as publications which inform current thinking regarding best practice and the safe caring of children.
• Knowledge of and/or experience in foster care, working and supporting Family Based Carers.
• Training and experience writing assessments.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• A valid G Class license with a clear driving record and access to a safe/reliable vehicle.
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Police Screening and Child Welfare Screening.
• Valid Proof of Canadian Residency.

Flexibility to meet with families, including weekdays, evenings and weekends.

Compensation:

• Key Assets Canada shall pay a standard fee of $2500 (inclusive of HST) for a completed typed Assessment.
• Family Based Care Assessments that end prior to completion are paid at a rate of $50/hour.
• Training and Information sessions are paid at a rate of $40/hour.

All the above are payable on receipt of an invoice.

If this exciting opportunity describes you, we invite you to submit a cover letter along with your resume to Recruitment@keyassets.ca.

This ad will remain open until we fill the positions we require.

At Key Assets, we pledge our commitment to valuing diversity and inclusion and strive to act with cultural sensitivity and respect. We are strongly committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the populations that we serve and will continuously strive to build and sustain an equitable work environment. We will always challenge the norm, ask questions, and keep our promises.

We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, which includes applicants from all cultures, diverse gender identity and expression, race, and others who contribute to our diverse population.

We ask applicants who may require an accommodation to contact our Human Resources Department who will work to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodations for the interview and selection process.