Child intervention practitioners

Support the safety and well-being of vulnerable children and families as part of our dedicated child intervention practitioner teams.

Overview

Child intervention practitioners (CIPs) play a crucial role in supporting the safety and well‑being of vulnerable children, youth and families across Alberta. Their work helps strengthen families, support young people and contribute to healthier communities across the province.

The role of child intervention practitioners

Protecting vulnerable children and youth by assessing safety concerns, supporting families and connecting them with services to promote safety, stability and well-being. Watch the video below to learn more.

  • Helping families

    CIPs work with families to help create safety for children and youth within their homes. They support parents by connecting them with services, developing safety plans and helping to address challenges that may be affecting a child’s wellbeing. When a child or youth does not feel safe at home, they work hard to find an appropriate placement for them to remain close to their family and community. 

  • Working directly with young people

    CIPs also work directly with young people in government care; caregiver families, child and youth facilities and other placement providers who provide care to children and youth. They also work with community, agency and ministry partners in and outside of Alberta and with First Nation and Métis communities across the province. 

Benefits of being a child intervention practitioner

We are committed to supporting the safety, well-being and professional growth of CIPs through a range of supports, including: 

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Benefits, pension, job security

Competitive salary, pension and excellent benefits.

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Provincewide career opportunities

Build a meaningful career with local opportunities.

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Rewarding work environment

Join a supportive, challenging and dynamic team.

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Supportive teams

Be a part of a strong professional community.

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Paid training and professional development

Grow your skills and advance your career.

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Advancement and career growth

Take on new challenges and build a long-term career.

Supports for practitioners 

Alberta’s government is committed to supporting the safety, well-being and professional growth of Child Intervention Practitioners (CIPs) through a variety of programs and initiatives designed to foster development and provide practical assistance.
 

  • Education and professional development

    Eligible employees are encouraged to further their education, with the government providing financial support for tuition and other related costs to help practitioners advance their skills and credentials.

  • Team development and practice support

    The government promotes ongoing team development through proactive measures such as regular Policy to Practice sessions and Community of Practice opportunities. These initiatives help build strong, collaborative teams and foster continuous learning among practitioners. Additionally, there are ongoing reviews and updates to provincial training and practice standards to ensure a culture of constant improvement and adaptation.

  • Northern Alberta allowances and benefits

    Government of Alberta employees who live and work in northern Alberta have access to the following additional supports and benefits: 

    • 55th and 57th parallel retention allowance
    • Attraction bonuses
    • Fort McMurray allowance
    • Northern allowance
    • Northern leave

    Further details about these programs can be found at: Premium pay directive.
     

Duties

Child intervention work is legally mandated, requiring time-sensitive actions and decision-making to address safety concerns and uphold the rights of children and youth. 

  • Job description

    A CIP is a compassionate, trained professional who plays a vital role in supporting the safety and well‑being of vulnerable children, youth and families. CIPs provide intervention services to protect children and youth under 18 years of age from harm and to support their safety and well-being as defined in the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act (CYFEA) and other relevant legislation.

    Opportunities are available across the province in Children and Family Services offices.

  • Primary responsibilities

    • Intake: Receive and review reports about concerns for a child's safety and determine what child protection action is needed.
    • Safety assessments: Assess risks to children, evaluate their safety, and decide if action is needed to keep them safe.
    • Family Support: Work with families who agree to participate, helping them address challenges at home, connect with supports and resources, and strengthen their parenting skills.
    • Protective actions and apprehensions: implement statutory intervention measures such as apprehensions for a child’s immediate safety and well-being
    • Guardianship: assume legal authority for a child, making decisions about their care when guardianship is assumed under the Act
    • Ongoing Case Management: manage intervention case files, develop and monitor plans to address identified risks, support family reunification where appropriate, and ensure long-term stability for children and youth.
  • Roles

    • CIP 1 – Entry-Level, Child Intervention Practitioner 
    • CIP 2 – Child Intervention Practitioner
    • CIP 3 – Child Intervention Supervisor (overseeing staff in the child intervention stream).

Qualifications

  • Requirements

    A degree or diploma in Social Work (or related) is required. Years of experience will vary depending on the role.

  • Assets

    Preference may be given to those who have:  

    • Completed a practicum with Children and Family Services, 
      • Previous experience as a Delegated CI Practitioner under the CYFEA
      • Experience working for a Delegated First Nation Agency (DFNA)
  • Apply now

    How to apply:

    • Go to the Government of Alberta jobs website.
    • Click the 'Jobs board' link.
    • Enter the keyword 'child intervention' into the search field and click the blue 'Search Jobs' button to find the latest postings. 
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