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Jordan's Principle First Nations Family Support Worker

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Program Description

The First Nations Family Support Worker program aims to equip participants with the vital skills needed to provide daily support to community members and children. This comprehensive two-year diploma program offers a certificate upon completion of the first year, with the option to continue to the second-year diploma for further specialization in one of two areas: Addictions and Mental Health or Rehabilitation Assistant. The program will be delivered in a modular format, with one week per month, and will cater to two groups of 20 students each. 

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A family support worker would provide support services to families offering assistance and services that would include hands-on help to:

 

  • Assist with dietary needs (including feeding and prep work) and requirements of household family members

  • Provide childcare assistance (e.g. demonstrating proper hygiene for children)

  • Assist those with disabilities

  • Perform basic health care needs (e.g. assisting with changing dressings, assisting with the administration of medications)

  • Assist, as required, with routine household chores 

  • Provide companionship during times of incapacitation, convalescence, or during times of bereavement

 

The duties of a family support worker are many and not limited to those listed above.  A family support worker would also work with children who are receiving rehabilitative services from Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and/or Speech-Language Pathologists who work in First Nations communities. 

 

Outcome:

As a student in the First Nations Family Support Worker program, applicants will have the opportunity to learn about the healthcare system as it pertains to First Nation people and the services available to them.  Interpersonal communication is key in assisting those with limited abilities and students will learn about the value of working with others effectively.

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Graduate Profile:

  • Maintain effective communication skills with all household members

Provide information on how to manage a household including parenting and life skills, nutrition planning and budgeting skills

  • Provide basic health care information and health care procedures

  • Demonstrate proper household maintenance and care

  • Work with children who may have learning disabilities and make plans for further development as required

  • Provide support to work with children receiving rehabilitative services from Occupational Therapists, and/or Physiotherapists, and/or Speech Language Therapists in the First Nation community

  • Teach the importance of good hygiene and practices for good hygiene

  • Understand the importance of caring for individuals and how to provide support

  • Work with the school to support school-age children in their studies

  • Liaise with community service agencies to provide support services

  • Write reports and documents as needed.

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Course Listing – Common Year (for all students)

  • First Nations Rights to Health Care, Services & Resources for Individuals and Families

  • First Nations Perspectives on Exceptionalities and Disabling Conditions

  • First Nations Advocacy for the Individual, Family and Community

  • Wellness Self-Care & Emergency Care for the First Nations Family Support Worker

  • Diversity and Culturally Sensitive Practices in the First Nations Community

  • First Nations Historical & Intergenerational Trauma

  • Ethical and Legal Issues – Observation Skills & Record Keeping

  • Understanding Addictions:  The Fundamentals

  • Family Life Skills/Budgeting

  • Case Management

 

 

Course Listing – Second Year (Addictions & Mental Health)

  • Impact of Substance Misuse on Addictions & Mental Health

  • Physiology of Addictions & chronic Disease

  • Addictions & Mental Health Resources & Networking

  • Addictions & Mental Health Issues Affecting Youth

  • Indigenous Trauma – Addictions & Mental Health

  • Understanding Harm Reduction Strategies

  • Nutrition & Mental Health

  • Client Interview & Assessment Skills

  • Contemporary Health Issues, Addictions & Mental Health

  • Planning for Success/Community Networking

 

 

Course Listing – Second Year (Rehabilitation Assistant)

  • Physiotherapy Assistant Skills I

  • Physiotherapy Assistant Skills II

  • Physiotherapy Assistant Skills III

  • Occupational Assistant Skills 1

  • Occupational Assistant Skills 2

  • Occupational Assistant Skills 3

  • Speech Language Pathologist Assistant Skills I

  • Speech Language Pathologist Assistant Skills 2

  • Speech Language Pathologist Assistant Skills 3

  • Human Functional Anatomy

  • Kinesiology for Rehabilitation Assistants

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Admission Requirements 

  •  Grade 12 or equivalent standing, or Mature student with a combination of education and work experience

  • Completion of a Criminal Record Check, Prior Contact Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check

  • Previous experience in a helping field

  • A resume

  • Written assessment

  • Two letters of recommendation

  • Possible face-to-face interview

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