Kirsten Gillis
Brandon,MB
Summary
Registered Social Worker (RSW) with over a decade of progressive experience in child welfare, including frontline intervention, permanency planning, and agency leadership. Skilled in trauma-informed, culturally safe practice with a strong track record of systems-level advocacy for Indigenous children and families. Known for integrity, mentorship, and a commitment to relationship-based practice rooted in respect, accountability, and community voice.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Practice Social Worker
CFS of Western Manitoba
Brandon, MB
06.2024 - Current
- Mentor and train new staff in culturally safe, trauma-informed practice within the agency’s service model.
- Deliver onboarding in CFSIS, Intake Module, and ethical documentation.
- Promote strengths-based language and practices that honor client dignity and cultural identity.
Intensive Permanency Specialist
CFS of Western Manitoba
01.2019 - 12.2022
- Facilitated permanency planning rooted in attachment theory, relational grief work, and kinship connection.
- Supported youth with complex trauma in developing healing-centered narratives and long-term care plans.
- Presented permanency innovations to cross-agency teams to promote collaborative, culturally responsive approaches.
Ongoing Family Service Social Worker
CFS of Western Manitoba
04.2017 - 02.2020
- Supported families impacted by domestic violence, addiction, and intergenerational trauma using the Safe & Together model.
- Led multidisciplinary teams in co-developing safety plans, family engagement strategies, and culturally tailored interventions.
Residential Support Mentor
FASD Life’s Journey
Brandon, MB
11.2017 - 04.2019
- Provided 1:1 trauma-informed support to adults with cognitive disabilities and complex trauma histories.
- Contributed to care planning, emotional regulation programming, and safety oversight in a harm-reduction model.
Intake and Rural Social Worker
CFS of Western Manitoba
05.2015 - 04.2017
- Conducted child protection investigations and safety assessments in rural and northern contexts.
- Led forensic interviews, coordinated crisis interventions, and worked in collaboration with RCMP, ER, and Child Protection Centre.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
Booth University College
01.2015
High School Diploma - undefined
Souris School
01.2011
Skills
- Leadership & Mentorship in Social Work Practice
- Trauma-Informed & Culturally Safe Service Delivery
- Ethical Documentation & Child Welfare Court Reporting
- Systems Collaboration & Policy Interpretation
- Group Facilitation & Network Meetings
- CFSIS Intake Module Proficiency
- Advocacy for Indigenous Children & Families
- Client advocacy
- Conflict resolution
- Case management
- Compassionate
Certification
- Registered Social Worker, Manitoba College of Social Workers (since 2015)
- Investigative Interviewing
- Trauma-Informed Care & Healing Modalities
- Intensive Permanency Services (ALIA Innovations)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
CONTRACT WORK
- Assiniboine Community College
- Instructor & Curriculum Developer – 2025
- Designed and delivered two original professional development courses:
- Foundations of Child Welfare
- Professional Writing and Reporting in Child Welfare
- Integrated Indigenous-centered and trauma-informed principles with sector-specific training.
- Collaborated with knowledge keepers and frontline workers to ensure content integrity and relevance.
Timeline
Lead Practice Social Worker
CFS of Western Manitoba
06.2024 - Current
Intensive Permanency Specialist
CFS of Western Manitoba
01.2019 - 12.2022
Residential Support Mentor
FASD Life’s Journey
11.2017 - 04.2019
Ongoing Family Service Social Worker
CFS of Western Manitoba
04.2017 - 02.2020
Intake and Rural Social Worker
CFS of Western Manitoba
05.2015 - 04.2017
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
Booth University College
High School Diploma - undefined
Souris School