Rita Spence
Fox Lake Cree Nation
Gillam
34
years of professional experience
Family Support Services Manager leading community-based family wellbeing, child welfare prevention, and partnership work across First Nation settings. Directs program administration, staff supervision, and service coordination while supporting consultations, training, and family-focused community initiatives. Brings experience in funding oversight, reporting, and relationship-building with leadership, stakeholders, and service partners.
Work History
Family Support Services Manager
1 Year- Managed child welfare supervision duties and provided day-to-day guidance to support consistent service delivery.
- Administered program activities and coordinated service delivery across family support and community wellness initiatives.
- Built partnerships with community organizations to strengthen referrals, outreach, and local support services.
- Prepared reports and maintained funding records to support accountable service delivery and contract requirements.
Team Lead
3 Years- Supervised community liaison staff and provided day-to-day direction across program activities and client support.
- Managed child welfare and family support casework with a focus on confidentiality, responsiveness, and practical follow-through.
- Led training program development for community participants, staff workshops, and employment-related learning activities.
- Coordinated ELCC funding administration and maintained supporting records for contribution agreement holders.
Early Learning and Child Care Liaison
1 Year- Coordinated early learning and child care administration for First Nations communities across the program area.
- Supported community contacts with timely information on program requirements, reporting, and funding follow-up.
- Maintained communication with community representatives to clarify expectations and address ELCC program questions.
- Coordinated reporting timelines and documentation needed for ongoing program compliance and agreement support.
Site Liaison Officer
3 Years- Liaised with community representatives to support local employment, training, and communication needs at the project site.
- Supported employment retention activities by coordinating follow-up with participants and project stakeholders.
- Facilitated consultation sessions to gather input and relay community feedback on project-related issues.
- Reviewed participant concerns and escalated issues to appropriate project contacts for timely follow-up.
Child & Family Service Worker
1 Year- Supported families by assessing needs, identifying service options, and coordinating appropriate referrals.
- Maintained accurate case notes, contact records, and follow-up documentation for active files.
- Worked with community members to address child welfare concerns through culturally appropriate support.
- Coordinated meetings with internal staff and external partners to review case updates and service needs.
Senior Traditional Knowledge Facilitator
1 Year- Coordinated wellness and learning programs for women, men, youth, and families across community gatherings.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions for staff, community members, and other stakeholders.
- Supervised community liaison workers and provided direction on daily service delivery and follow-up.
- Collaborated with leadership and project teams on community consultation for Indigenous child and family initiatives.
Employment &Training Advisor
4 Years- Developed training plans and individual support goals for participants entering employment programs.
- Coordinated community consultation sessions to gather input for training and employment initiatives.
- Supported funding compliance by tracking reporting requirements and submitting required program documentation.
- Built working relationships with community partners to expand access to training and support services.
Kindergarten Teacher
1 Year- Supported child welfare supervision by documenting concerns, tracking follow-up actions, and maintaining confidential case records.
- Coordinated community consultations with local stakeholders to identify service needs and gather input for program planning.
- Assisted with training program development by organizing materials, scheduling sessions, and supporting participant follow-up.
- Facilitated communication between families and school staff to address concerns and maintain consistent support.
Employment & Training Coordinator
2 Years- Coordinated employment and training activities for community participants across multiple program streams.
- Developed individual training plans aligned with participant goals, timelines, and readiness for employment.
- Liaised with community partners to support training access, service referrals, and follow-up on participant needs.
- Prepared proposals and supporting materials for training opportunities with businesses and educational institutes.
Child and Family Services Coordinator
1 Year- Coordinated child welfare services with community partners to address family needs and support ongoing case planning.
- Supported supervision of community liaison workers and guided daily service activities across participating communities.
- Assisted with Bill C 92 consultation sessions and gathered community feedback to inform local child welfare planning.
- Coordinated monthly wellness programs for women, men, and youth to encourage healthier family and community choices.
Child Day Care Coordinator
3 Years- Coordinated child day care activities with community groups and service partners to address local needs.
- Developed and facilitated workshops for families, youth, and community members on wellness and support topics.
- Maintained confidential records and supported meeting preparation, planning, and general administrative duties.
1 Year
- Administrated all 63 First Nations ELCC funding, prepared contribution reports, and supported ongoing reporting compliance.
- Supervised two staff in post-majority support and team lead roles while coordinating community liaison workers and recruitment.
- Brought over ten years of child welfare experience to training, employment, and community wellness initiatives.
- Facilitated Bill C-92 consultations and engagement activities, and supported development of KTC Indigenous CFS law with leadership and project teams.
- Built working partnerships with community resources to address member needs through healthier lifestyle and service planning.
- Planned monthly wellness programs for women, men, and youth gatherings across Fox Lake and Gillam communities.
- Developed training plans, submitted proposals, and negotiated training opportunities with businesses and educational institutes.
Unit Supervisor/CFS Worker
4 Years- Supervised child welfare staff, provided day-to-day guidance, and supported consistent service delivery across assigned files.
- Coordinated community liaison work by building relationships with local partners and addressing concerns through timely follow-up.
- Supported community consultation activities and stakeholder engagement for child welfare initiatives and program development.
Education
Bachelor of General Studies - Business Administration and Native Studies
Certificate - Counselling Skills
Grade Twelve
Skills
Family support coordination
Child welfare supervision
Program management
Community liaison
Stakeholder engagement
Community consultation
Training program development
Partnership development
Funding administration
Financial reporting
Contract compliance
Reporting process coordination
Child welfare legislation
Employment program management
Training and employment planning
Career development support
Workforce partnership development
Proposal development
Timeline
Family Support Services Manager
Fox Lake Cree Nation
01.2025 - 01.2026Read More
Team Lead
Keewatin Tribal Council
01.2022 - 01.2025Read More
Early Learning and Child Care Liaison
Manitoba First Nation Education Resource Centre
01.2019 - 01.2020Read More
Site Liaison Officer
Manitoba Hydro* Keeyask
01.2015 - 01.2018Read More
Child & Family Service Worker
Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba
01.2014 - 01.2015Read More
Senior Traditional Knowledge Facilitator
Fox Lake Cree Nation
01.2013 - 01.2014Read More
Employment &Training Advisor
Fox Lake Cree Nation
01.2009 - 01.2013Read More
Kindergarten Teacher
Fox Lake School
01.2008 - 01.2009Read More
Employment & Training Coordinator
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc
01.2006 - 01.2008Read More
Child and Family Services Coordinator
Churchill Regional Health Authority
01.2005 - 01.2006Read More
Child Day Care Coordinator
Keewatin Tribal Council
01.2000 - 01.2003Read More
Keewatin Tribal Council
01.1998 - 01.1999Read More
Unit Supervisor/CFS Worker
Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba
01.1992 - 01.1996Read More
Grade Twelve
Read More
University of Manitoba
Certificate from Counselling Skills
Read More
Brandon University
Bachelor of General Studies from Business Administration and Native Studies
Read More