Social Development Program

• Acting as an advocate for the First Nations with respect to adequate and proper reimbursement of expenditures incurred within the IA program
• Recommending various alternatives to program delivery of the Income Assistance program
• Attending to any requests in regards to the IA Program by scheduling a visit/meeting or by email & telephone communication with the IA Administrator and Assistant
• Clarifying and directing any questions in regards to the Income Assistance Policy and Procedure Guide to the appropriate department at ISC if required
• Continuing to meet with the Income Assistance Administrators on a quarterly basis
• Requirements of advice and assistance to member First Nations Income Assistance Administrators and Staff on any topics pertaining to the Income Assistance Program
• Help to develop a networking system between the Member First Nations that will be beneficial in the area of developing capacity
• Networking/Communication between the Income Assistance Program and the different programs such as Housing, Education and Employment & Training within the First Nations that will be beneficial in the area of developing communication skills among each other;
• Ensuring each First Nation Income Assistance Administrator and the Leadership understand and are updated on the Capacity Building Exercise process also known as a File Review;
• Ensuring all proper documentation in IA clients and their dependent's file is provided by reviewing with IA Administrator/Assistant
• Provide and ensure that funding is limited to eligible expenditures and that program management is operating effectively for the benefit of the clients
• Participate in training when provided with the IA Software Systems to which the First Nation is using to create or update revised polices in Policy and Procedures Guide to better serve the First Nations Income Assistance Software program.
• Develop, promote and utilize the Wage Subsidy Program, formerly known as WOP and ASARET when the opportunities are available within the First Nation
• Provide any information on proposals pertaining to developing employability skills for Income Assistance clients
• Provide brief reports/information to the First Nation Leadership when requested in regards to the On-Reserve Income Assistance Program
• Seek out and inquire about information such as training/workshops in regards to the development of any skills that is needed for the IA Administrator to better deliver the OnReserve IA program.
  Provide to Administrators and Assistants the support and resources to ensure their mental health is good and does not compromise their ability to administer the IA program

Social Development Advisors Technical Group (SDATG}

The Social Development Advisors Technical Group is the coordinating body, representing the seven Manitoba Tribal Councils, three political organizations (AMC, MKO and SCO), and the Independent First Nations of Manitoba, that work in partnership with the government and other organizations to spearhead the goal of First Nations self-sufficiency in social development.

We meet bi-monthly for two days to identify and address issues and promote involvements in program and service delivery on behalf of their member First Nations Income Assistance Administrators. On the the 2nd day of the SDATG/Bi-Lateral meeting, we meet with ISC Social Development Operations Specialists and other ISC staff to discuss any issues/concerns or any updates needed to be provided on the SDATG level to Income Assistance Administrators which might include reporting requirements, income assistance report updates or any other updated information pertaining to the Income Assistance Program.

Currently, as SDATG Southern Chair, the WRTC Social Development Advisor is responsible for;

• Preparation of a detailed order of business and agenda for each meeting.
• Send official meeting notification to members 2 weeks in advance by email.
• Open meetings on time as designated.
• Conduct the meeting;
• Know the rules of correct procedure and use them skillfully.
• Conduct business in a manner that ensures the rights of every member.
• Presides at SDATG/ISC meetings by:

- Welcome members and introductions.
- Keeping to the agenda.
- Being aware of and informed of all topics to be discussed.
- Keeping the conversation focused.
- Motivating and encouraging other members to participate.
- When debates occur, ensure important points are summarized.

• Act as liaison between the SDATG/ISC and other organizations and all government departments as required.