Youth & Family Development Worker

Position Summary

Job Type:                         Full-time, permanent

Hours of Work:                Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Reporting to:                    Child & Family Services Manager

Department:                     Child & Family Services

The Youth & Family Development Worker (YFDW) supports Indigenous families in the qathet area and Tla’amin families throughout BC to ensure they are healthy, well, and safe. The YFDW works in one-on-one settings with parents, caregivers, children/youth, and other family members as well as assisting in facilitating community connections through group programming. The YFDW ensures that a family’s voice is heard, and their needs are met. The YFDW works with families to build life skills, advocates within the systems the family is experiencing, and collaborates with other service providers to strengthen and resource all family members.

Key Responsibilities

Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Tla’amin laws, regulations, policies, practices and procedures and relevant provincial and federal legislation as directed by the Child and Family Services Manager.  Maintains confidentiality as required pertaining to Citizens, clients, employees and general matters of the Nation.

Family Support

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with the families and community


• Perform intake sessions with families


• Collaborate with families to create goals that lead to healthier ways of being such as developing parenting skills, self-empowerment, and relationship skills. Support the family’s journey to reaching these goals


• Ensure families have access to cultural and traditional resources


• Coordinate with internal and external service providers to ensure wrap around care.


• Support the family in everyday activities/needs in ways that benefit their overall wellness


• Help families access resources and services through referrals and connections that center the family’s wants and needs

Advocacy

• Ensure that the family has a clear understanding of any process/system they are experiencing


• Collaborate and strategize with families involved with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) or Indigenous Child & Family Service Agencies (ICFSAs) on how to engage with Social Workers to ensure children are safe and well


• Build and maintain a working understanding of the ʔaǰuθmɛt Interim agreement, the Child, Family, and Community Services Act, the Tla’amin Service Model, Tla’amin Nation and MCFD/ICFSA practices, protocols, and policies specific to working Indigenous families


• Participate in meetings between the family and MCFD/ICFSAs to support the family, ensuring their needs are met through care planning and decision-making


• Collaborate and strategize with families involved with other systems (such as Health, Education, Employment, etc) both internal and external to the Tla’amin Nation, to facilitate a coordinated approach to reaching their goals and meeting their needs


• Attend family emergencies and outreach calls as needed
  
  

Alternate Community Designate

• Be an alternate contact for MCFD/ICFSA’s to collaborate with to ensure all care planning and/or other services delivered uphold Tla’amin teachings, values, and laws


• Communicate and collaborate with Tla’amin Directors and elected leadership to inform the stance of the Nation in these plans


• Review, adjust, and sign off on legal plans on behalf of Tla’amin


• Receive notices about legal and other significant changes to a child’s life


• Participate in the creation and implementation of provincial/jurisdictional agreements to best support Tla’amin families
  
  

Facilitation

• Assist in the development, planning, and execution of group programming that promotes wellness, connection, safety, and belonging


• Consistently connect with community to build and understanding of parent/caregiver wants and needs


• Supervise visits between children and family members as needed by MCFD/ICFSAs and/or the court
  
  

Case Management

• Ensure that services provided center the family’s culture and dignity


• Provide goal-oriented and strength-based supports to all families accessing services

• Keep up-to-date, clear, and confidential records

• Communicating regularly with the Child and Family Services Manager, team, and other supports


• Develop a good relationship with other service providers, both in and outside of the Tla’amin Nation, and an understand of their roles

Other Duties:

• Support new initiatives or programs related to Tla’amin Child & Family Services


• Attend committees and other meetings related to job duties and role


• Assist in organizing cultural activities and community events


• Attend training/development opportunities related to your role as they come up


• Other related duties as required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Child and Youth Care, or a related field, and a minimum of 3-5 years of directly related experience. An equivalent amount of education and experience will be considered.


• Mental Health First Aid, Basic First Aid, Naloxone, Nonviolent crisis intervention, trauma-informed practice, and related training/certifications are an asset


• Demonstrated ability to maintain high levels of confidentiality within a small community


• Experience providing advocacy within Child Protection, Health, Education, Justice and other systems for Indigenous people and/or communities


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Knowledge of the Child, Family and Community Services Act (CFCSA) and its processes


• Ability to organize and manage multiple resources and work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary service partners and stakeholders


• Ability to be independent and innovative and be able to work in a team environment


• Ability to work in culturally safe and trauma-informed ways


• Leadership training and/or experience


• Extensive knowledge of Tla’amin culture, community, and language, as well as guiding strategic plans (ie. Tla’amin Nation Health and Wellness Plan; Comprehensive Nation Plan) an asset.

• Strong computer skills especially Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint


• Class 5 B.C. Driver’s License and acceptable Driver’s Abstract. Access to a personal vehicle with business insurance an asset.


• Acceptable Criminal Record Check – Vulnerable Sector and acceptable history check related to child protection (MCFD) before employment.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an office environment but is largely an outreach position. Frequent travel within the qathet area to attend meetings or training is required. Occasional travel throughout BC to attend meetings or training may be required.

How to Apply

Please apply by uploading your resume and cover letter to:  https://tlaaminfirst.bamboohr.com/careers/236

Or

Drop-off/mail Attention: Human Resources Department, Tla’amin Nation, 4779 Klahanie Rd, qathet, BC, V8A 0C4 

Closing Date: Open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.