Indigenous Youth and Family Liaison -Elementary School

Job Summary

Working from an Indigenous Worldview and under the supervision of the Director of Family Development and Food Security as part of the Early Childhood Development team, the Indigenous Youth and Family Liaison will act as a liaison with community professionals and resources involved with supporting Indigenous students and their families within the schools, and develop working relationships to best support Indigenous students in achieving school outcome goals and objectives related to an individualized education/service plan. This position will be with elementary schools.

Roles and Responsibilities

As an Indigenous Youth and Family Liaison, job duties include the following but are not limited to:

• Advocates and liaisons for Indigenous students and their families between home and school environments

• Provides a range of formal and informal school and community liaison services from a holistic lens

• Acts in a non-curricular/non-teaching capacity in the school and in the community while providing advocacy and liaison support services to Indigenous students and their families at their school

• Connects and collaborates with appropriate referral sources

• Includes Indigenous Youth resources in schools that are culturally safe and relevant

• Is available for support when identified as necessary by a school-based case management team or Indigenous Education Department (IED).

• Develops relationships with the IED Counsellor Consultants at each level for support and advocacy

• Develops working relationships with school staff, the IED, and the contracted agency to support advocacy for Indigenous Students and families guided by IED frameworks and 1701 audit criteria

• Provides reporting as determined by the school and VNFC requirements

• Maintains accurate case files and case management plans

As a member of the VNFC Team, job duties include the following:

• Works collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and networks with other resources to promote holistic health and wellness within the family system and environment

• Represents the VNFC in a respectful manner at all times.

• Maintains confidentiality

• Documents and reports activity in alignment with VNFC practices and supports internal and external reporting as required

• Attends relevant professional training and meetings when directed

• Participates in staff development, staff meetings and department meetings as required

• Participates in data collection and evaluation tasks as requested

Knowledge and Skills

Familiarity and experience in Indigenous Communities

• Knowledge of Indigenous culture and practices; in particular those of the current individual filling this role, or those communities previously served by this person, and some knowledge of the practice and beliefs of the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw first peoples.

• Awareness of issues affecting Indigenous youth and communities

• Awareness of the dynamics of active and ongoing substance use, sexual abuse, family violence (including child abuse and neglect), grief, suicide, depression, healing and recovery

• Knowledge and practice of providing community-based services to Indigenous peoples using philosophies of cultural humility and cultural safety

• Experience working with Indigenous children/youth aged 6-15

Communication Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work in a team environment

• Demonstrated skills in report writing and documentation

• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to independently write reports, presentations, electronic correspondence, and other forms of professional communication

• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients and the general public

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 including Word, Excel, and Outlook

Leadership Skills and Abilities

• Provides positive role modeling and practices from a trauma-informed, client-centered and decolonial lens

• Must be reliable and self-motivated

• Ability to work independently and be part of an integrated community team and in partnership with a variety of agencies

• Ability to multi-task while remaining composed and maintaining a professional attitude in high stress situations

• Proven ability to work independently and be part of an integrated community team and in partnership with a variety of organizations

• Demonstrated success in interventions, crises, and outcomes

Program Abilities and Knowledge

• Working knowledge of the Indigenous Student Wellness Framework

• Working knowledge of available resources within the district, VNFC, and broader community, and development of working relationship with the providers of these services

• Supports IED and school-based staff regarding Indigenous students’ family, peer, emotional and community connections and how they impact students’ school connections

• Familiar with program planning, development, and evaluation

• Must maintain professional standards and maintain confidentiality with respect to families and work

• Due to physical requirements of the work, the incumbent must spend a major portion of the workday standing, walking, and or sitting as well as possible bending or stretching and lifting

• Knowledge and ability to work ethically and maintain professional boundaries when working with vulnerable clients

Qualifications

Education

• Family Support worker certificate or relevant experience working with children and families

Work Experience

• Relevant experience working with Indigenous communities and/or non-profit organizations

• Relevant experience working with Indigenous children and youth.

Licenses and/or Certificates

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s license

• Clean Driver’s record

• Standard First Aid certification an asset

Other

• Must provide a clear vulnerable sector criminal record check

• As this is outreach work, incumbent must have reliable transportation

• Proof of vaccination may be required