Indigenous Child, Youth, and Family Advocate

Encompass Support Services Society is an accredited non-profit organization that provides a wide range of programs and support services in Langley and Aldergrove for over 25 years. We help to build strong sustainable communities by offering inclusive accessible services tailored to meet the changing needs of the individuals and community we serve.

At Encompass we are committed to a journey towards cultural humility and safety; for the well-being of those we serve and those we work along-side. We gratefully acknowledge that the programs services and offices of Encompass are on the unceded sovereign Indigenous lands of the Coast Salish People. This includes the territories of Kwantlen Katzie Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations. We also acknowledge the Diverse First Nations Inuit and Mtis who make Langley their home.

Our purpose is to strengthen the health and vitality of community by identifying and responding to community needs collaborating to enhance the lives of those we serve while cultivating effective and sustainable partnerships.

Our vision is to empower individuals to connect people and to enrich lives. We value Integrity Inclusion Collaboration and Community.

Our programs and supports are designed to build new skills to foster healthy productive lifestyles and to improve access to services within our community. Services are low-barrier all-inclusive and at no cost to participants. Annually we provide services to over 2500 individuals and families.

The Opportunity

The Indigenous Child Youth and Family Advocate provides advocacy and support services to self-identified Indigenous children youth and family accessing the CYAC as well as non-Indigenous participants in collaboration with the CYAC Advocate/Coordinator. The Advocate provides trauma-informed and culturally safe care to children and youth who have experienced abuse as well as their family members and supporters. This position is often the first point of contact for families into the CYAC and ensures ongoing support for as long as is required.

JOB POSTING #: 2025-0100 Indigenous CYAC Advocate
DATE: May 21 2025
POSITION: Permanent full -Time
HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 per week flexible work schedule required
SALARY RANGE: Grid 12: $30.18 - $33.49 (Hourly) Depending on experience & qualifications
BENEFITS: Extended Health Dental Group (RSP/TFSA)
VACATION: As per ESS policy
ANTICIPATED START DATE: ASAP
CLOSING: Open until filled

Some Core Competencies & Responsibilities

1. Cultural Knowledge

Demonstrates understanding and knowledge of Indigenous culture and the historical and ongoing effects of colonization on Indigenous People.
Able to identify dimensions of culture specific to the child/youth/family (i.e. territory art cultural practices architecture regalia language traditional food clan/totem systems etc.) and to navigate resources that can support them to engage in these dimensions such as Elders Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous service providers.
Ability to incorporate cultural practices for convening culturally safe and trauma-informed meetings and collaborative practice.

2. Practice Knowledge

Person-Centred Care
Orients children youth and families to the Centre the model and their circle of care.
Provides individual support to participants providing advocacy accompaniment and referrals to community services as required including transportation to and support in appointments and help with completing required forms and paperwork.
Works with participants to develop written safety plans and critical incident reports as needed by assessing identifying and addressing their immediate physical and emotional safety needs to reduce the risk of further victimization.

Collaboration
Experience working within a multi-disciplinary team is an asset.
Utilizes collaborative processes to achieve engagement with and advocacy for children youth families and community as well as to generate change and resolve conflicts. This includes collaborating with health services RCMP child protection cultural supports Indigenous-specific services victim services and other support programs while remaining aligned with program needs and Encompass values and grounded in cultural safety humility and reconciliation.
Effective listening skills that promote a cooperative approach to problem solving and decision-making.

Communication
Clear and respectful verbal and written communication skills.

Decision-Making
Carefully considers multiple perspectives and all available information when making decisions.
Demonstrates creativity and strategic thinking when making complex decisions with children youth families and community.

Professional Practice
Ongoing demonstrated commitment to Reconciliation and anti-oppressive practice.
Understands the principles of trauma-informed practice and Indigenous Cultural Safety and how they apply at the CYAC.
Demonstrated knowledge and application of trauma-informed and culturally safe principles and demonstrated commitment to furthering these practices through ongoing professional development.
Knowledge of relevant legislation regulations policies procedures and certification requirements such as the Mental Health Act the Child Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA) Bill C-92 (An Act respecting First Nations Inuit and Mtis children youth and families) the Infants Act and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act as well as the rights of Indigenous children youth families and community.

Relational Engagement
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with community partners while ensuring the best possible service for Centre participants. Incumbent must be able to negotiate these relationships in times of disagreement of what services should be offered a participant.
Encompass respects and acknowledges the cultural practices of the Coast Salish Peoples while honouring the diverse Indigenous cultures of the children and families with whom we support. The Advocate will engage in relationship-based practice including with the local First Nations on whose territories the CYAC/Encompass operates (Kwantlen Katzie Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations) Urban Indigenous and Mtis organizations and the Nation or Indigenous community connected to the family.

Other Information
Program delivery activities may require a moderate level of physical fitness to carry out duties of the position.
This position may require working outside of regular office hours such as evenings and weekends depending on the needs of the program.
Performs other related duties as required.
Must possess a valid BC Class 5 Drivers license have a reliable vehicle Business Insurance and acceptable drivers abstract. (mileage paid for work use)
Police Information check including vulnerable sector check.
Current Emergency First Aid.

Qualifications
Bachelors degree in human/social services or related field is an asset
Three (3) years direct service delivery experience in the community social services sector.
Or an equivalent combination of education training and experience.
Experience working with vulnerable children youth and families preferably in the anti-violence sector.
Experience working with Elders and the Indigenous communities including a demonstrated knowledge of traditional cultural practices and protocols particularly of the local First Nations (Kwantlen Katzie Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations).
Established relationships with local First Nations an asset.
Willing to learn other cultural practices within a diverse Indigenous clientele.
Proficiency in the use of a computer and applicable office software applications.
Training and experience in mental health sexual abuse trauma depression suicide and/or co-occurring disorders.

At Encompass Support Services Society we have prioritized equity diversity and inclusion. We strive to embed these principles in our programs and services and in fostering an environment of dignity respect and belonging. We encourage applications from persons with historical and/or current barriers to equity who will work respectfully within our inclusive organization and diverse community.

In lieu of a resume and cover letter applicants are welcomed to submit a video application. Please email your video at and include the following information:
Introduction and educational background: Introduce yourself and provide a brief overview of your educational background and why youre applying for the role.
Work experience: Please describe your previous/current role and responsibilities and how it is relevant to this position
Skills and Abilities: What specific skills or strengths do you bring to this role
Do you a valid class 5 drivers license and use of a reliable vehicle

Preference given to Indigenous candidates as per Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code*

Required Experience:

Senior IC