Life Long Connections Coordinator - Child Safety

At VACFSS, we ensure that the rights, safety, well-being and spirit of Indigenous children and families are upheld, honored and protected. We strive to eliminate oppression, discrimination and marginalization within our community. We acknowledge and honor the inherent wisdom, capacity and resourcefulness of our community in designing programs and services to care for our own children and families. Accordingly, we are dedicated to planning, developing, and implementing creative and innovative Indigenous programs and services in collaboration with members of our community and other agencies.

Position: Life Long Connections Coordinator

Status: Regular Full-time

Hours of Work: 8:30am - 4:30am Monday to Friday

Program: Child Safety

Location: 2020 Yukon Street, Vancouver BC

Classification: Delegated Social Worker Grid 21 - 24 (+ 1 Temporary Market Adjustment)

Salary: $74,009.08 to $94,704.94 annually

• Engage in restorative child safety practice with Vancouver's Indigenous community!
• Use your communication, collaboration and facilitation skills to build trust-based working relationships!
• Receive a competitive salary of $74,009.08 to $94,704.94 annually PLUS a comprehensive benefits package!

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Collaborative Practice Supervisor, the Life Long Connections Coordinator supports a strong connection for children in care to their home communities, their culture and their relations. The role assists with the opportunity for children to touch the land of their ancestry and facilitates strong connections with Nations for ceremonies such as Homecomings and Touching the Land, cultural connections and cultural plans. The position also works in collaboration with the Social Worker, Nations, and extended family in planning for the child(ren), with an emphasis on supporting children in family home, reunification, or placement with extended family or Indigenous community. The position oversees the program’s band list, as it pertains to children in care.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• An in-depth knowledge of various First Nations and cultural groups in Canada as well as protocols associated with accessing community contacts and Elders.
• A good knowledge of First Nations service structures including Band Administration, Band Social Worker functions, Delegated Aboriginal Agencies and cultural resources in the community.
• The ability to work collaboratively with VACFSS Staff, Elders and Knowledge Keepers and a practical ability to participate in Indigenous ceremony.
• The knowledge and understanding of Restorative Indigenous Welfare practices and the ability to reframe colonial practice into this model.
• A comprehensive understanding of the Children Family Community Services Act (CFCSA) and related legislation including the Federal Act, “An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families and VACFSS program policies and their interconnectivity in practice.”
• The ability to develop genograms, family finding and cultural plans of care following related legislation and the Federal Act “An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families" and VACFSS program policies and their interconnectivity in practice.
• The skill to utilize the Integrated Case Management (ICM) and other databases and complete comprehensive file reviews.
• An ability to quickly learn new computer applications and programs, especially those related to genograms and family finding.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

1. Preferred Credentials:
   • Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Social Work or in Child & Youth Care OR Master's Degree in Educational Counselling Psychology/Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology with completion of a practicum in family and child welfare OR
   • A candidate may be considered equivalent when they are registered and a member in good standing with the BC College of Social Workers or has a letter from the College confirming that their application for registration has been approved.
   • C4 Delegation (to be provided).
2. Minimum Credentials:
   • Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services field OR Bachelor’s Degree with a Major/Honors in a Human Services field OR Master’s level graduate Certificate/Diploma in a Human Services field AFTER the completion of an unrelated bachelor’s degree.
   • PLUS, a minimum of one year of related OR job-specific work experience.
   • C4 Delegation (to be provided).
   • Human Services fields include: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, Early Childhood Education, Indigenous Studies, Education, or Nursing.

Key Competencies:

• Relational Engagement
• Leadership
• Collaborative Planning and Decision Making
• Emotional Competency
• Resilience
• Cultural, Spiritual Expression

Note:

• This position requires Union membership.
• Applicants are required to have a reliable working vehicle and a valid class 5 driver’s license.
• This position requires Interprovincial travel as well as travel within Canada.

ABOUT THE BENEFITS:

In exchange for your contributions to VACFSS, you will receive a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, extended health, and dental
• Group life
• 100% employer-paid premiums
• 3 weeks of vacation
• Eligible for the VACFSS flex program after passing probation
• Membership in the Public Service Pension Plan
• Access to VACFSS’ Staff Cultural Clinical Counselor
• Access to Indigenous Cultural Teachings as coordinated by the Agency

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested applicants may apply at www.vacfss.com or by using the following link: https://www.vacfss.com/join-us/apply-for-a-job/. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Preference may be given to Indigenous candidates as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code.

Situated on the unceded and occupied territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and Stó:lō nations.