Indigenous Family Preservation Worker

We are proud and honoured to offer services on the traditional ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam) Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Selílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Kwikwetlem (kʷikʷəƛ əm) qicəy(Katzie) and qʷɑ:nƛən(Kwantlen) First Nations.

Opportunity:

Westcoast Family Centres Society (Westcoast) is looking for a Full Time permanent Indigenous Family Preservation Worker for the Ridge Meadows area ( Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows and Katzie).

The Indigenous Family Preservation Worker must be able to travel to families homes and within their community to provide a variety of parenting education and supportive interventions that promote healthier family functioning reduce risk factors maintain safety and increase well-being. The Indigenous Family Preservation Worker provides support to families in goal planning and utilizes a range of strategies community resources and support network that respects the Indigenous practice of participants. We encourage First Nations Métis and Inuit Peoples to apply.

Job Responsibilities:

• Conducting and completing detailed assessments for clients referred by MCFD.
• Assessing screening referring and linking individuals to internal and community resources as needed.
• Compiling and gathering collateral information.
• Participating in Healing Circles and Integrative Case Management meetings as needed to determine outcomes for individuals referred to the Agency.
• Consulting with the Ministry for Children and Family development to co-ordinate and deliver services.
• Communicating and coordinating relevant participant information with agency staff across departments.
• Offering opportunities for families to receive support that respects and is specific to their cultural beliefs and practices.
• Providing interventions and brief therapeutic support to address child protection concerns
• Providing a quick response to urgent situations that arise for clients.
• Working with families that identify as Indigenous and with a varying degree of connection to their Indigenous heritage and cultural practice.
• Working with at-risk and marginalized families within the community.
• Linking participants with urgent needs to immediate resources (i.e. securing food resources financial resources and housing)

Skills You Bring:

• Understanding and knowledge of familial and social issues affecting Indigenous families including but not limited to intergenerational trauma colonialism and residential schools traditional wellness and healing practices and culture as therapy.
• Experience working with families who may present multiple service needs related to poverty addictions violence child abuse or neglect and mental health issues.
• Strong counselling program planning and communication skills.
• An understanding of integrated case management.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends when required.
• Relevant M.A. degree (i.e. Social Services Counselling Psychology) with 3 years experience or relevant B.A. with 5 years experience in family preservation/reunification preferred
• Understanding and knowledge of familial and social issues affecting Indigenous families including but not limited to intergenerational trauma colonialism and residential schools traditional wellness and healing practices and culture as therapy.
• Experience working with families who may present multiple service needs related to poverty addictions violence child abuse or neglect and mental health issues.
• Strong counselling program planning report writing and communication skills.

Requirements:

• Relevant M.A. degree (i.e. Social Services Counselling Psychology) with 3 years of experience or relevant B.A. with 5 years of experience in family preservation/reunification with indigenous communities preferred.
• Computer proficiency MS Office ERP/CRM software systems (e.g. Sohema).
• Current Standard First Aid with CPR & AED Level C Certificate.
• Valid Drivers License with a satisfactory driving record and use of own vehicle.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

Why Work for Westcoast:

Be part of a grassroots community-based agency committed to developing and strengthening our community together. As a Westcoast employee you will benefit from:

• An opportunity to be a part of a hands-on mentoring experience through role-modeling and coaching.
• Making a difference in your local community.
• A chance to do meaningful work with a committed team of professionals.
• Contribute to our commitment to being an inclusive and culturally safe environment for all.
• Join us in being allies to Indigenous peoples on our journey to reconciliation.

About Westcoast:

Westcoast Family Centres Society (Westcoast) is a multi-service community-based non-profit organization delivering child-centered evidence-based programs and services to children and families in the Lower Mainland. Our mission is to strengthen and develop healthy relationships between children their families and their communities. Our programs and services aim to address the unique and varied challenges faced by vulnerable families.

Joining the Westcoast team is an opportunity to be a part of a team where your skills and knowledge will make a positive impact in the lives of children and families. Westcoast takes pride in creating inclusive spaces where its diverse workforce can thrive.

Westcoast Family Centres Society is committed to creating employment equity and providing all candidates with accessibility throughout the recruitment process. Westcoast encourages applications from people of all gender identities and expressions persons with disabilities Indigenous peoples and racialized peoples.

Should you require assistance or accommodation at any time throughout the application or recruitment processes please email the please email People & Culture Department for confidential support.