Family Service Social Worker in Chilliwack

Do you have a genuine passion in promoting the values of Indigenous culture working with and for Indigenous children, youth, and families (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) while respecting their cultural diversity? If so, consider joining our Xyólheméylh work family. We are a fully delegated Indigenous Child & Family Service Agency providing programs and services to Indigenous children, youth, and families on and off reserve within Stó:lō Territory in the Fraser Valley between Yale First Nation and Surrey BC. Our programs and services are created and delivered with the support of our Elders Advisory Council with special attention on strengthening culture and identity, while honoring the strength of families.

We strive to work in a holistic way to keep families together and reintegrate children back with their families and extended families. Our service delivery is done with an open heart and an open mind focusing on the best interest of the family while keeping children at the center. We work to ensure children are connected to their family and community while striving to ensure their inherent rights to heritage and identity are upheld in all we do.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to a Delegated Team Leader, social workers will work within the communities to provide culturally appropriate, and responsive, community-based services. Services will fall within the parameters provided by the BC Child, Family and Community Services Act and the Aboriginal Operational and Practice Standards and Indicators (AOPSI). Services will support Communities in building preventative programming that strengthens the capacity and involvement of the Community in protecting, supporting, and planning for its children. The Social Worker will be the first point of contact for any child protection report and will work in partnership with Families, Community Members, Band Designates, identified Elders, and other identified supports, in all Case Planning and Service Delivery decisions.

The Social Worker will provide services within the realm of Family Development Response, Protective and Voluntary Family Service, and Guardianship. The Social Worker will become knowledgeable of, and competent in the practice of Community Protocols, and will participate in important Community events and ceremonies. Xyólheméylh is proud to have an Elders Advisory Council to ensure that culture is embedded throughout the agency ensuring the goals, missions and values are upheld in a good way.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor of Social Work Degree or a Social Sciences degree
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the Human Services field would be an asset.
• Must be delegated or willing to attend delegation in the province of BC.
• Ability to practice standards set out in the Child Protection Response Policies, B.C. Child, Family and Community Services Act, and the Aboriginal Operational and Practice Standards and Indicators (AOPSI) Manual.
• Awareness of the B.C. Benefits Act; B.C. Adoptions Act; B.C. Family Relations Act; Young Offenders Act; and other pertinent provincial and federal legislation.
• Ability to practice standards set out in Good Recording Guide.
• Knowledge and appreciation of Indigenous culture and how culture impacts the development of individuals and communities; and Indigenous culture in general and history in particular.
• Understanding of cross-cultural issues as they affect children in care, foster parents, biological parents, and communities of origins.
• Practical knowledge of federal, provincial, and indigenous organizations mandated to provide health, counseling and child and family services.
• Strong understanding of agency policies and procedure manuals.
• Computer literacy on databases, Microsoft Word, Excel, and other computer software.
• Valid BC Driver’s Class 5 License (no restrictions); reliable transportation with adequate vehicle insurance.

This is an excellent opportunity for fully delegated staff to gain experience on a Multi-Interdisciplinary Team and develop professionally towards advancing into other career options. Criminal Records Check is a requirement.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Completes Structured Decision Making (SDM) tools, including family strengths and needs assessment, family plan, and vulnerability reassessment or reunification assessment, within required time frames.
• Completes thorough review of family’s current situation and history.
• Arranges Family Case Planning Conferences or Family Group Conferences meetings to establish the family plan.
• Identifies goals and actions with the child, family, community, professionals and caregivers to plan ongoing services that will meet the physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and cultural needs of the child.
• Develops a comprehensive, holistic and culturally appropriate family plan through planning meetings, case conferences and conferences with the Designated Representative, care committee, where appropriate the child, family, community members and other professionals working with the family.
• In conjunction with the Designated Representative, family, Care Committee and other professionals working with the family monitors, evaluates and revises family plans to promote reduction of risks to their children and communities.
• Makes referrals as needed to implement the family plan.
• Regularly meets with other services providers and the family regarding family progress.
• Addresses risks to the child, including arrangements for out of home placements when appropriate.
• Ensures that service expectations are appropriate to the child’s age and level of development and realistic within the time frames available to the child and resource for such activities.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

FVACFSS employees are expected to be familiar with and must comply with the expectations of confidentiality as outlined in the Agency’s Human Resources Policy Manual and other policies and operational manuals, AOPSI and the B.C. Child, Family and Community Services Act. This Position requires Union Membership.

We are pleased to offer employer paid Extended Health benefits and enjoy participating in our attractive pension program with the Public Service Pension Plan.

*Preference may be given to Indigenous candidates as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code. This position is open to internal and external applicants.

COVID-19 Precautions: The health and safety of our employees, their families, and the communities that we serve is of utmost importance to us. We will follow BC Ministry of Health Guidelines and Orders.