The Support Work Program (SWP) offers a range of services to honor and preserve healthy connections for children, youth and their families. As one of the foundation programs of SAI, the Support Work Program responds to the essential needs of children and families. The department’s intent is to provide services that provide safe, positive and nurturing experiences for our Southeast First Nations families. These services are available at our First Nations communities, Winnipeg and Rural Manitoba.
Mentoring: One-on-one guidance and support for youth with the focus on individualized assistance that fosters their growth and development. The Support Worker will engage the child or youth in healthy activities based on their goals and experiences, including healthy recreation, confidence building, life skill development and cultural exploration.
In-Home Family Support: Prevention and intervention to support family preservation and family reunification. This includes building supportive relationships with parents, aiding in tasks that support family wholistic wellness, and supporting connections to resources that can build and sustain a network of support for each family.
Family Visits: Transportation and/or supervision during family visits, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for positive family interactions. These visits can happen at the SECFS Services office visiting rooms, SAI visiting homes, in parents’ homes, at SAI care homes, or at the child’s home community.
Emergency Requests: Immediate assistance for urgent needs, including providing supervision and transportation, in Winnipeg, First Nations Communities or rural Manitoba. These requests are assigned as requested.
Care Program Support: Support services provided directly to Shawenim Abinoojii care homes to meet the daily needs of children and youth in care. Support shifts based on care plans and caseloads. Support Workers assist with routines, provide meaningful engagement, and help ensure consistency in the home.
SAI Visiting Homes: The Support Work Program operates two duplexes, with a total of four (4) units, dedicated to hosting both day visits and overnight stays for children and families. These homes are maintained with the intent of providing a homelike atmosphere that is a welcoming and comfortable setting for children and families to participate in family visits. Each home provides kitchens with essential supplies, comfortably furnished rooms and outdoor play areas in the yards. SAI developed our first family visit homes in 2018 with a goal of providing visiting space that honor the experiences of our children and families and their sacred time together. These homes have also been utilized to respond to emergency needs, including Places of Safety for children and youth who require immediate service. These resources are versatile and provide the resources needed to effectively respond to the needs of our communities.
To apply to become a support worker, click here: Support Worker Application Form
