Careers at Sunchild Child & Family Services

Working at Sunchild Child & Family Services means being part of something bigger than a job. Here, every role contributes to supporting children, youth, and families while strengthening our Nation as a whole. Whether through direct support, cultural guidance, or community-driven programming, the work we do is rooted in the values and vision of Sunchild.

What makes working with us unique is that our services are Sunchild-driven. This means decisions, practices, and programs are shaped by our community, for our community. Staff have the opportunity to be part of meaningful change, guided by both cultural traditions and professional expertise.

Joining our team means becoming part of a workplace that values connection, inclusion, and the well-being of future generations. It’s not just about building a career—it’s about contributing to a stronger community, and knowing the work you do each day truly matters.

View our available opportunities below and take the next step toward a meaningful career with Sunchild Child & Family Services.

Protection Caseworker

Sunchild Child & Family Services is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Protection Caseworker. This position plays a key role in supporting the Children, Youth, and Families that SCFS provides our services to.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Contribute to developing and implementing good practices.
  • Be responsible for investigating allegations of neglect, physical or sexual abuse and assessing family functioning, determining risk factors to the child’s safety and implementing intervention plans.
  • Manage court proceedings and include the family in this process.
  • Screen, identify, and prioritize referrals for services, develop intervention plans; consult with other professionals as necessary; and complete documentation.
  • Knowledge of the Child Youth and Family Enhancement Act (CYFEA) and the enhancement policy and base decisions on the CYFEA.
  • Support the family in identifying and reaching their goals through a strength-based approach.
  • Document and maintain necessary case notes on CICIO.
  • Ability to build trust and rapport with the families while supporting the needs and best interests of the child/family.
  • Attend meetings, appointments and events with children and families as needed.
  • Work with supervisors, management and practitioners to evaluate performance and recommend appropriate courses of action in accordance with HR policies and procedures.
  • Maintain knowledge and awareness of all department operations.
  • Implement support systems.
  • Work with the interdisciplinary team to ensure the success of service delivery.
  • Ongoing commitment to learning traditional Indigenous Sunchild approaches.
  • Handling of sensitive and confidential information.
  • Will use own vehicle with 2 Million liability insurance coverage for service delivery.
  • On-call work as required.
  • Various Other duties as required.

Key Deliverables and Outcomes:

  • Children are to be reunited quickly with their families when they are temporarily removed.
  • Our youth are to be prepared for a healthy and safe transition to adult services.
  • The best interests, protection, and well-being of children are met and prioritized.
  • High-quality services are delivered to children, youth, and families through qualified and competent staff.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • A diploma or degree in social work or human services related to social work, child and youth care, psychology, social science, or other related fields is required.
  • A solid understanding of the philosophy of prevention, protection, and permanency and the ability to apply that understanding to families and communities.
  • Knowledge and experience in financial planning, budgeting and reporting.
  • Demonstrate the ability to relate effectively to people of diverse economic, social and Cultural backgrounds.
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills enhanced organizational and advanced computer skills.
  • Demonstrated experience working with community boards and volunteers.
  • Knowledge of issues and practices of CFS and the impact on children and families; services to children, family dynamics, and an understanding of the sensitive situation’s families, experience.
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software, including Excel (spreadsheets and pivot tables), Powerpoint, database applications, e-mail, team meetings, and video conferencing.
  • This individual possesses delegated authority from the province of Alberta.
  • Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines and work without direct supervision.
  • Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and clean drivers abstract.
  • Fluency in Cree and/or Saulteaux.
  • Clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector and Intervention Record Check.

What We Offer:

Sunchild Child & Family Services provides a competitive compensation and benefits package, along with opportunities for professional growth and participation in community-driven initiatives. We are committed to creating an engaging and supportive work environment rooted in collaboration and respect.

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package with Extended Health Care
  • Competitive Salary and Compensation
  • Hybrid working Arrangements, where applicable
  • Travel opportunities
  • Eligible Quarterly Retention Bonus
  • Staff Retreats
  • Opportunities for Advancements
  • Monthly Mental Health Day

Prevention Worker

Sunchild Child & Family Services is seeking a dedicated Prevention Worker to support the Prevention Team in delivering culturally grounded prevention, early intervention, and family support services to children, youth, families, and community members of Sunchild First Nation. The successful candidate will contribute to programs and activities that promote wellness , strengthen families, encourage cultural connection, and support positive outcomes for children, youth, and families within the community.

Roles & Responsibilities: 

  • Plan, coordinate, and facilitate prevention programs, workshops, activities and community events for children, youth, and families.
  • Provide early intervention and family support services that promote family well-being and strengthen community connections.
  • Promote wellness, healthy relationships, life skills, and personal development.
  • Develop and support safe, recreational, educational, and culturally grounded programming for children and youth.
  • Work collaboratively with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and partner organizations to support cultural learning and community.
  • Connect children, youth, and families with appropriate resources, services, and supports.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and protect confidential information in accordance with Sunchild CFS policies.
  • Identify emerging needs and provide timely support to help address concerns before they escalate.
  • Maintain professional, respectful, and culturally sensitive conduct when working with children, youth, families, and community members..
  • Contribute to a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and culturally respectful environment for all participants.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Relevant education or training in Human Services, Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Community Development, or a related field.
  • Experience working with children, youth, families, or community-based programs.
  • Experience planning or facilitating recreational, educational, cultural, or prevention-focused activities.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
  • An understanding of Indigenous culture, community values, and culturally grounded approaches to family support.
  • The ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and work collaboratively with community members and service providers.

What We Offer

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package with Extended Health Care
  • Paid Travel, where applicable
  • Competitive Salary and Compensation
  • Eligible Quarterly Retention Bonus
  • Staff Retreats
  • Opportunities for Advancements
  • Monthly Mental Health Day

 

 

Manager of Protection Services

Sunchild Child & Family Services is seeking a dedicated and experienced Manager of Protection Services to lead, supervise, and oversee operations of the Protection Services Team. This position plays a key role in ensuring the safety, well-being, and best interests of children, youth, and families through culturally responsive, family-centred, and community-focused services.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Actively contribute to the development and execution of best practices to enhance overall effectiveness.
  • Diligently monitor and assess the performance of casework staff to ensure high standards of service.
  • Take charge of or support caseload management, including facilitating court hearings, conducting case reviews, coordinating family meetings, and managing in-person contacts as necessary.
  • Consistently maintain accurate statistics and deliver insightful reports on a regular basis.
  • Play an essential role in training and coaching generalists, empowering them with the skills required for responsible job performance.
  • Provide leadership in overseeing the foster and kinship program, PMSS, and intervention team to ensure successful outcomes.
  • Foster collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen partnerships.
  • Collaborate effectively with supervisors, management, and practitioners. to assess performance and propose targeted actions that align with HR policies and procedures.
  • Stay informed about all departmental operations to enhance contributions.
  • Implement vigorous support systems that empower team members.
  • Partner with the interdisciplinary team to drive successful service delivery outcomes.
  • Dedication yourself to continuous learning of traditional Indigenous Sunchild approaches to enrich our collective knowledge.
  • Be ready for on-call work as necessary to ensure service continuity and support.
  • Prepare the schedule for the on-call team.
  • Plenty other duties as required.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable child and family services legislation, Delegated First Nation Agency (DFNA) standards, organizational policies, and Sunchild CFS values.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • A degree or Masters in social work or a closely related field-such as human services, child and youth care, psychology, or social science—is a fundamental requirement. preference will be given to candidates with a masters degree.
  • Demonstrated expertise in municipal or non-profit management, risk assessment, governance, and partnership development is vital for success in this role.
  • A deep understanding of the principles effectively to support families and communities.
  • Proven knowledge and experience in financial planning, budgeting, and reporting will contribute to the organizations success.
  • The ability to connect and communicate effectively with individuals from diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds is a must.
  • Candidates should possess superior verbal and written communication skills, strong organizational capabilities, and advanced proficiency in computer applications.
  • Experience working collaboratively with community boards and volunteers is highly desirable.
  • An understanding of Child and Family Services (CFS) issues, including their impact on children and families, and sensitivity to the challenges families face is crucial.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including advanced Excel skills (spreadsheets and pivot tables), Powerpoint and database applications, as well as email, team meetings, and video conferencing tools, is required.
  • The ability to multi-task effectively, meet tight deadlines, and work independently without direct supervision is essential.
  • A Valid Class 5 Drivers License and a clean driving record are mandatory.
  • Fluency in Cree and/or Saulteaux is an asset.
  • A clear Police Information Check, including Vulnerable Sector and Intervention Record Checks is a requirement for this position.

What We Offer:

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package with Extended Health Care
  • Available Hybrid Working Arrangements, where applicable
  • Competitive Salary and Compensation
  • Eligible Quarterly Retention Bonus
  • Staff Retreats
  • Opportunities for Advancements
  • Monthly Mental Health Day

 

Protection Case-Aide

Sunchild Child & Family Services is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Protection Case-Aide to support our Protection Services team in delivering culturally grounded, child-centred, and family-focused services. This position assists with case-related duties, documentation, visits, appointments, and other activities that support the safety, well-being, and best interests of children, youth, and families. The successful candidate will contribute to effective service delivery while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and respect for the community.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Direct inquiries to appropriate staff in a professional and respectful manner.
  • Maintain physical and electronic filing systems. .
  • Complete CMI’s – Child Maintenance Invoice for the department.
  • Responding to all inquiries and requests via phone or online emails.
  • Foster internal and external stakeholder relationships for effective administration.
  • Ability to remain organized and pay attention to detail to ensure service providers are served in a respectful, confidential, and timely manner.
  • Work-life balance and flexibility.
  • Process vendor invoices and payables/receivables.
  • When required, participate in activities such as training, conferences, and meetings.
  • Maintain a professional image when working with staff, community members, and visitors.
  • Plenty other duties, as assigned.
  • Build positive and respectful relationships with children, youth, families, and community members.
  • Follow Sunchild CFS polices and procedures, including confidentiality and information-handling requirements.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Assessment: Ability to gather information from varied sources, analyze and interpret information to formulate reports, and make decisions related to case planning.
  • Agility: Ability to prioritize competing workload pressures effectively and contribute to the organizational goals.
  • Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with a variety of teams within the workplace, community, and other government ministries/agencies to meet client and ministry goals and objectives.
  • A Certificate/diploma in human services related to social work, child and youth care, psychology, social science, or other related fields is required.
  • Able to use a personal vehicle with a coverage plan of at least 2 million dollars in liability to see clients.
  • A minimum 2 years experience working with vulnerable families.
  • A solid understanding of the philosophy of prevention, protection, and permanency.
  • Ability to relate effectively to people of diverse economic, social and Cultural backgrounds.
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills, enhanced and advanced computer skills.
  • Knowledge of issues and practices of CFS and the impact on children and families; services, to children, family dynamics, and an understanding of trauma-informed practice.
  • Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and work without direct supervision.
  • Valid Class 5 Drivers License and a clean drivers abstract.
  • Fluency in Cree and/or Saulteaux
  • Clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector and Intervention Record Check.

What We Offer:

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package with Extended Health Care
  • Available Hybrid Working Arrangements, where applicable
  • Competitive Salary and Compensation
  • Paid Travel Time, where applicable
  • Staff Retreats
  • Opportunities for Advancement
  • Eligible Quarterly Retention Bonus
  • Monthly Mental Health Day

 

 

Protection Driver

Protection Driver

Sunchild Child & Family Services is seeking a dependable, safety-conscious and professional Protection Driver, to provide our clientele safe, reliable, and respectful transportation services. This position will play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of the children, youth, and families, we serve, as well as supporting the smooth operation of our programs and services.  The successful candidate will help ensure that clients are transported safely while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and respect for their privacy, dignity, and individual needs.

Roles and Responsibilities: 

  • Safely transport children and families to and from various locations, such as appointments, activities, court hearings, meetings, family visits, and other community/agency events in a timely manner.
  • Conduct routine vehicle safety checks and maintain a clean, safe, and roadworthy vehicle, ensuring vehicles are always safe to operate.
  • Follow all traffic laws and regulations while driving and maintain a safe driving record.
  • Assist with transportation arrangements during client transitions, including moves to new placements or homes.
  • Ensure the safety, privacy, and dignity of all clients while providing transportation.
  • Maintain a professional, respectful, and culturally sensitive manner during client transport, and represent Sunchild Child & Family Services in a positive manner.
  • Follow Sunchild CFS policies and procedures, vehicle-use, requirements, and applicable safety practices.
  • Communicate transportation-related concerns, delays, or incidents to the appropriate staff in a timely manner.
  • Record and incidents or accidents that occur while on duty.
  • Assist with loading and unloading equipment and supplies as needed.
  • Participate in training and development opportunities to enhance driving skills and knowledge.

Skills and Qualifications:

  •  A valid Class 5 Drivers License and clean Drivers Abstract.
  • Minimum 2 Years of driving experience.
  • Knowledge and willingness to adhere to all traffic laws and regulations.
  • Physically able to perform the duties of the job, including lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
  • The ability to operate vehicles responsibly in varying road and weather conditions.
  • Knowledge of Indigenous culture and communications is considered an asset.
  • Clear Criminal Record and Child Intervention Record checks are required for this position.

What We Offer:

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package with Extended Health Care
  • Paid Travel Time, where applicable
  • Opportunity for Overtime, where applicable
  • Staff Retreats
  • Eligible Quarterly Retention Bonus
  • Monthly Mental Health Day

 

Prevention Driver

Sunchild Child & Family Services is seeking a Prevention Driver to provide safe and reliable transportation for children, youth, families, and staff participating in community programs and events. This position plays an important role in helping community members access programs, activities, and cultural opportunities throughout the region.

Roles and Responsibilities: 

  • Operate the SCCFS Prevention Program bus safely and responsibly.
  • Transport children, youth, parents, and staff to program activities and events.
  • Support transportation for swimming, movies, fishing, camping, sporting events, health & Fitness events, sewing nights, and other various programs.
  • Ensure participants have safe and reliable transportation to and from program locations.
  • Routine vehicle safety checks and maintaining a clean, safe, roadworthy vehicle, that is always ready to go.
  • Communicate transportation-related concerns, delays, or incidents to the appropriate staff in a timely manner.
  • Record and incidents or accidents that occur while on duty.
  • Assist with loading and unloading equipment and supplies as needed.
  • Participate in training and development opportunities to enhance driving skills and knowledge.
  • Travel to various program locations throughout the week, including Sunchild First Nation, Rocky Mountain House, Drayton Valley, Nordegg, and surrounding communities.

Skills and Qualifications: 

  • A Valid Class 5 Drivers License with Clean Drivers Abstract.
  • Minimum 2 Years of driving experience.
  • Knowledge and willingness to adhere to all traffic laws and regulations.
  • Physically able to perform the duties of the job, including lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, some weekends, as needed.
  • Ability to operate Sunchild CFS Prevention Bus, safely and effectively, on varying road and weather conditions.
  • Follow Sunchild CFS policies and procedures, vehicle-use, requirements, and applicable safety requirements.
  • Knowledge of Indigenous culture and communications is considered an asset.
  • Clear Criminal Record and Child Intervention Record checks are required for this position.

What We Offer: 

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package with Extended Health Care
  • Paid Travel Time, where applicable
  • Competitive Salary and Compensation
  • Opportunity for Overtime, where applicable
  • Staff Retreats
  • Eligible Quarterly Retention Bonus
  • Monthly Mental Health Day

Off-Nation Custodian

Sunchild Child & Family Services is seeking an Off-Nation Custodian. This role would be responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment at Sunchild CFS Sylvan Lake Alberta facility. The role ensures that offices, meeting spaces, and common areas are properly maintained to support the delivery of services to children, youth, families, and staff. This contributes to creating a professional and culturally respectful environment that reflects the values. and standards of Sunchild Child & Family Services.

Roles and Responsibilities: 

  • Clean and maintain office spaces, meeting rooms, washrooms, kitchens, and common areas.
  • Sweep, mop, vacuum, and sanitize floors and surfaces.
  • Ensure garbage and recycling are regularly removed and properly disposed of.
  • Maintain cleanliness of entryways and reception areas.
  • Replenish supplies such as paper towels, soap, snd cleaning materials.
  • Monitor facilities for maintenance needs and report issues to the Senior Manager of Operations.
  • Identify potential safety hazards and notify management promptly.
  • Assist with minor maintenance tasks when appropriate.
  • Prepare meeting rooms and common areas for meetings, gatherings, or community events.
  • Monitor cleaning supply inventory and notify management when supplies need replenishing.

Skills and Qualifications: 

  • Previous custodial or building maintenance experience considered an asset.
  • Ability to work independently and manage assigned tasks.
  • Basic knowledge of safe cleaning practices and equipment.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to maintain cleanliness and organization of workspaces.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and complete duties efficiently.
  • Respectful and professional communication with staff and visitors.
  • Work involves physical activity, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
  • Occasional evening or flexible hours may be required depending on facility needs.
  • Ability to pass a Criminal Record Check.
  • Reliable transportation may be required depending on office locations.

What We Offer:

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package with Extended Health Care
  • Paid Travel, where applicable
  • Competitive Wages and Compensation
  • Staff Retreats
  • Eligible Quarterly Retention Bonus
  • Monthly Mental Health Day

Employment Equity & Sunchild Nation Priority

Sunchild Child & Family Services is committed to strengthening the capacity of Sunchild Nation and delivering culturally grounded services for Sunchild children, youth, and families. In accordance with the SCFS Human Resources and Employment Policy, preference will be given to qualified members of the Sunchild Nation. Where qualifications are comparable, consideration may also be given to other Indigenous applicants. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.