Foster Care and Adoption Social Worker
Job Summary
Department Information
The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) offers challenging and exciting careers in health and social services delivery and administration in Canada’s North. The Territorial Authority has service locations in communities across the territory and a staff of more than 1,600 serving over 43,000 residents of the NWT and 5,900 residents of the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. Challenging work, welcoming communities, and expanded opportunities are some of the benefits offered to employees of the NTHSSA.
Job Information
The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority is hiring a Foster Care and Adoption Social Worker based in Yellowknife. This role focuses on supporting foster and adoptive families, recruiting and assessing potential caregivers, and working closely with child protection staff and community partners. Serving five communities in the Yellowknife region, the position plays a key role in building culturally safe, trauma-informed services that reflect the values and needs of Indigenous families. This is a meaningful opportunity to be part of a system-wide shift toward reconciliation, equity, and community-driven care.
Key Responsibilities:
- Knowledge of other related legislation and policies such as Youth Criminal Justice Act and Mental Health Act.
- Knowledge of dealing with non-voluntary clients in adverse situations.
- Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and electronic charting software.
- Knowledge and sensitivity regarding the geographical and cultural needs of the community, and ability to understand how community and culture impact the delivery of health and social care.
- Skills and abilities to deal with crisis management as it pertains to life threatening situations, such as domestic violence and the prevention of suicide.
- Ability to diffuse potentially critical situations.
- Ability to communicate (orally) effectively in a cross-cultural setting.
- Ability to advocate in a positive manner to build community supports and resources.
- Ability to draft written documents, which are clear, concise and easy to understand by both professionals and non-professionals.
- Ability to adhere to a professional code of ethics.
Key Qualifications:
A Diploma in Social Work and at least three (3) years of experience or Bachelor of Social Work and at least one (1) year experience.
Additional Requirements
Must have a valid Class 5 Drivers License (or equivalent).
Must be able to obtain a NWT Child Protection Appointment.
Must be able to obtain a NWT Adoption Worker Appointment.
Must be able to obtain a NWT licensed or registration under the Social Work Profession Act
GNWT Inquiries
Inquiries Only:
Health Recruitment
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
YELLOWKNIFE CENTRE 5TH FLOOR
BOX 1320 YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9
Tel (867) 767-9154 Extension 14106
Fax (867) 873-0445
hlthss_recruitment@gov.nt.ca
Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.
More Information
Labour Market Supplement
The successful incumbent will receive a $10,000 supplement upon hire and an additional $10,000 supplement after completion of 12 months of continuous employment contingent on remaining employed in an eligible position for a further 12 months. This is a taxable benefit and will be subject to applicable deductions.
Indigenous Employment Policy
Candidates must clearly identify their eligibility in order to receive priority consideration under the Indigenous Employment Policy.
Criminal Records Check
Candidates must provide a satisfactory vulnerable sector check. Failure to provide a satisfactory check may deem you disqualified from the competition.
Immunization Status
The successful candidate will be required to obtain proof of current up-to-date immunization status.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Government of the Northwest Territories is an inclusive workplace. If you have a disability and you require support during the hiring process, you are encouraged to identify your needs if you are contacted for an assignment or interview so that you may be accommodated during the hiring process.
Eligibility
Eligibility lists may be created from this competition to fill future term and indeterminate positions.
Equivalencies
Equivalencies may be considered based on a one-year of directly related experience equivalent to one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience. However, combinations of education and experience must often be considered on a case-by-case basis. For a full list of equivalencies that will be considered for this role, please contact human resources.
Job Opening Information
Job Opening ID # 27758
Closing Date: May 8, 2026 - 23:59, Mountain Time
Salary Information
The salary range for this position is from $52.00 per hour to $62.09 per hour (approximately $101,400 - $121,076.) plus an annual Northern Allowance of $3,700.
Application Assistance
For more information on preparing and submitting your application, please visit: Preparing Your Application