Job Description
The Family Support Practitioner plays a key role in supporting children, parents, caregivers, and families by promoting healthy development, strengthening parenting skills, and addressing risk factors that may impact family well-being. This position works collaboratively and in partnership with colleagues, community agencies, and participants to support opportunities that build natural and formal networks of support and connection.
This role is responsible for delivering a comprehensive range of targeted and intensive programs and services to families with children and youth aged 0 to 18 through individualized support, group sessions and other service delivery approaches. The Family Support Practitioner applies evidence-informed practices to support child development, parenting capacity, and family resilience while connecting families with appropriate community resources and services.
This posting is for 1 full-time hourly position up to 8 months
Key Responsibilities:
Build trusting relationships with participants and families to support their well-being.
Provide standardized screening, parenting support, and strength-based interventions to assist participants in improving family functioning and child development outcomes.
Identify risk factors and conduct safety screenings related to family violence, mental health concerns, and other complex social factors when appropriate
Plan and facilitate skill-building opportunities for parents and caregivers through workshops, one-on-one coaching, and community presentations
Assess family strengths and needs to develop participant-directed goals and service plans that support parenting capacity and family resilience
Connect with families through in-person meetings, phone calls, email, and virtual sessions to provide accessible, responsive, and timely support
Provide information, supported referrals, and navigation assistance to help families access community resources and services
Support the development of natural and formal networks of support for children, parents, and caregivers, while fostering culturally responsive and inclusive approaches that honor each family’s unique beliefs, traditions, and strengths
Maintain accurate documentation and adhere to professional standards in case management, ethics, supervision, and program requirements
Qualifications and Skills:
University degree in Social Sciences (Education, Child and Youth Care, Early Childhood Development, Social Work, Human Ecology, etc.)
Minimum of 3 years of experience in areas such as child and youth development, parenting support, family support, or community-based services
Experience facilitating research-based or evidence-informed programs
Strong understanding of child development, family well-being, and resilience within the context of social determinants of health
Experience working with families experiencing complex needs or life stressors
Ability to apply screening and assessment tools such as risk assessments, mental health screens, parental scales, or developmental screenings
Knowledge of community resources and experience supporting referrals and system navigation
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with participants, community partners, and service providers
Strong problem-solving, documentation, and information management skills with proficiency using databases and Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to work independently while contributing positively within a team environment
Conditions of Employment:
Submission of a Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Intervention Record Check
Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s license and submission of a 5-year Driver’s Abstract with less than 7 demerits
Ability to perform physical labour as part of the job duties including lifting 20 lbs
Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including daytime, evenings and weekends
Who We Are:
Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, collaboration, and accountability.
Why Join Strathcona County:
Competitive salary
Health and wellness spending account
Employee and family assistance program
Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace
Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.
This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.
Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.