Dibenjikewin Oganawenjikeg (Family Keepers)

The Dibenjikewin Oganawenjikeg (“DO” – Family Keeper) is a full-time position working directly with awaashishag, oshkaadizag egwa dibenjikewinan (children, youth and families) of KI. They are tasked with carrying out the 6 principles of the Maamao Dibenjikewin Kanawaabajikewin (“MDK”) service model of KIDO. The DO take a holistic approach and help dibenjikewinan work towards being misiwe minoyaawin – physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally healthy. Keeping dibenjikewinan together and reunification remains a focus in every capacity of their work and they will focus on management of their assigned KIDO MDK files. 

The DO will take a home visit approach and contact the Kewiiwiijihiikoosiwaach (people who will need help – similar to mainstream clients) in their assigned MDK files every few days, and in some cases daily. Dibenjikewin Onajikewin (Family Meetings) will serve as the main tool for the DO to work collaboratively on the Wiijihiiwewinan Onajikewin (Helping Plan), Kanawenjiikewin Onajikewin (Care Plan), and any other issues with dibenjikewin to address the needs of the awaashish/oshkaadiz and other dibenjikewin members. This may include reviewing Sakakentaakosowin (Safety) planning and assessments as per Naanaakajijikewin (Investigation) requirements. This will require utilizing the KIDO MDK Database and providing summaries.

The DO will work the regular office hours of their assigned location, but at times may have to adjust their schedules to meet the needs of Kewiiwiijihiikoosiwaach and/or assist in times of crisis. They will report to their assigned DO Onakatawapajike (Supervisor).

• Approach all their work based on love and compassion and remain professional.

• Spend time with the dibenjikewin members to develop a helping relationship.
• Follow the 6 kaa-iishi-niibawiijikaatek (principles) of MDK service model to provide the needed support.
• Demonstrate teamwork alongside other KIDO employees, including ESU, to provide the appropriate level of support based on danendamihiiwen (concern) level.
• Document all aspects of the members of a dibenjikewin in their file(s) and any naanaakajijikewin (investigation) after any reported danendamihiiwen is verified and assessments. This includes entering information into KIDO MDK database.
• Identify resource workers of other KI and external bimoojikewinan egwa wiijihiiwewinan (Program and Services) to provide the support and help required.
• Participate in case file transfers from a Children’s Aid Society (CAS) or other agency to ensure support is provided and build relationships for an efficient process.
• Follow protocols and policies regarding other CAS’ and service providers on information sharing and procedures, ensuring dibenjikewinan are kept informed.
• Work on providing prevention services and not remove an awaashish from the home prior to following all aspects within MDK and with external service providers.
• Follow and understand the duties and responsibilities in KIDO and the MDK policy, as trained by the KIDO Training Department, including any Nakoomidowin (agreements), Kichikidowinan (Declarations) and protocols.
• Ensure dibenjikewin members understand the MDK process, including the KI Dispute Resolution (KIDR) and Odoonendamaakeg (decision makers).
• As DO, ensure awaashish/oshkaadiz know and understand that they have rights and responsibilities under Part 6 of KIDO; and oniikihiikomaak (parents) know and understand their rights and responsibilities under Parts 4 & 5 of KIDO.
• As DO, bring in “auntie/uncle” advocates for awaashish/oshkaadiz, as assigned, to Sakakentaakosowin (Safety) planning or other planning in the file.
• Work closely with dibenjikewin and hold dibenjikewin onajikewin (family meeting) as required so that everyone involved with the awaashish/oshkaadiz can assist with reunification and/or provide support with maintaining short-term and long-term goals.
• Work closely with other KIDO employees, maintaining excellent communication and listening skills in order to best serve dibenjikewinan, including providing direction and addressing issues of reporting DO Owiichiitaso (Family Keeper Helpers).
• Provide technical resources and general guidance for dibenjikewin in need of information to address any self-reported danendamihiiwenan, including connecting with Minoyaawibimoojikewinan (Prevention) Unit.
• Assess the needs of dibenjikewinan and arrange services to meet them – “wrap-around services”.
• Participate and complete DO training as required by KIDO, and provided by the KIDO Training Department, including MDK database training. 
• Advocate for dibenjikewinan, understand the traumas of the dibenjikewin to address, and ensure dibenjikewinan of KI have access to traditional and spiritual bimoojikewinan egwa wiijihiiwewinan to deal with root causes of their issues.
• Ensure there are supports in place involving an oshkaadiz that is already a mother or is pregnant when danendamihiiwewiidamaakewin comes in.
• Ensure dibenjikewinan of KI have access to attend treatment through land-based healing, so they can remain in the community as much as possible.
• Travel as required for training and other KIDO operational needs.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by DO Onaakatawapajike.

• Work experience of at least two (2) years with a proven ability to perform duties in the awaashish, oshkaadiz, and dibenjikewin bimoojikewinan egwa wiijihiiwewinan (child, youth and family programs and services) is required.

• Completion of high school, a two (2) year community college diploma in social services, university bachelor’s degree and/or other education is an asset.
• Have an interest in learning new skills and upgrading educational level.
• Working knowledge of KIDO Vision, Mission, and Principles; and MDK Service Model.
• Experience working with the community of KI and understanding of the history of KI, including the traditional culture and the impacts colonization has had on the community is an asset.
• Must have good verbal and written communication skills, with being able to communicate in the KI Anishininiimowin language an asset.
• Must have the ability to provide coach, mentor and utilize a teamwork approach with assigned staff.
• Must have good organizational and project management skills, with the ability to work independently and in a team are essential.
• Must have good computer literacy and typing skills with the ability to develop further; familiarity with computerized data systems is an asset.
• Must be able to demonstrate professional integrity and maintain confidentiality.
• Must be able to manage time for assigned duties and be flexible for work at times. 
• A valid driver’s license is an asset.
• A satisfactory Criminal Record Check, with a Vulnerable Sector Check, is required.
• Ability to travel as necessary for work and training, across KIDO locations to KI, Sioux Lookout, and Thunder Bay, and other places.
• Availability on short-notice and in crises situations is essential.