Locations:
Phil Bouvier Family Centre (VAHS Indigenous Early Years), 717 Princess Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 3E4
Assigned co-location at Neighbourhood House or Community Centre in Vancouver
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30
Wages: $28.84/hour* (starting) + benefits and pension
* subject to increase, pending new BCGEU Collective Agreement
Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) is a not-for-profit organization located in the Downtown Eastside community for over 30 years. VAHS programs are designed by and for urban Aboriginal people to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Our services include a Primary Care Clinic, a Dental Clinic, a cultural team of Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous Early Years programs.
ABOUT THIS POSITION
The VAHS Indigenous Early Years (IEY) Child and Family Support Program is a family-centered program and works in partnership with parents and/or caregivers to provide support and intervention to families with children. Although the services are directed towards the child, the Family Support Worker (FSW) provides a variety of supports to the family, which may include peer support, advocacy, parenting skill development, life skills training, and linking the family in community-based activities/resources.
VAHS is seeking three (3) full time Family Support Workers, each to be co-located at a Neighbourhood House or Community Centre in Vancouver. This position requires travel and home visits and is expected to juggle a heavy caseload. Work outside of regular office hours may be required.
The FSW is a full time, permanent position (40 hours/week) with the hours generally being from 8:30 to 4:30 Monday to Friday, but with some flexibility to deliver programs one evening per week. This is a BCGEU-certified Union position with a starting wage of $22.63/hour, with benefits and pension available after three months.
QUALIFICATIONS
A recognized diploma in the human services fields with a minimum of two years’ work experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum two years’ work experience with Indigenous people
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Working knowledge of Indigenous cultures, issues, and support services
Well-developed assessment, supportive counselling, and advocacy skills
Demonstrated ability to teach life skills, including home management, budgeting, and time management
Demonstrated punctuality, adaptability, discretion, and confidentiality
Ability to foster strong relationships with families and community professionals
Working knowledge of local early childhood development/support resources
Knowledge of related practices, principles, and theories on the areas of child welfare and community social services, and a strong understanding of Indigenous issues
Strong interpersonal skills, and excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to work within various community settings to provide services, including community centres and neighbourhood houses
Good organization, time, and general management skills
Knowledge of group process and facilitation techniques
Ability to work as part of an effective team with other program staff, committee members, community members, and other community professionals
Ability to function independently while managing concurrent tasks and deadlines, often under pressure
Computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Outlook
Knowledge of Nobody’s Perfect Parenting skills, including fathering children and behaviour management, would be an asset
Knowledge of the Child, Family, and Community Services Act, related legislation/policies, and provincial/other government systems would be an asset
A valid BC Driver’s License and access to a safe, reliable vehicle would be an asset
VAHS encourages all people with relevant professional, grassroots, education, and/or lived experience to apply, even if they do not meet all of the points listed. We look for people who are committed to ongoing learning and development, and we will train the successful candidate.
We strongly encourage people from under-represented communities to apply, including but not limited to: Indigenous, Black, and people of colour; disabled people; and 2SLGBTQIA+ people of all genders. In alignment with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) applicants are preferred. In your cover letter, please self-identify at your comfort level.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your application or questions about this posting to: [email protected]
ATTN: Doreen Macfarlane, Director of Indigenous Early Years
Email Subject Line: Family Support Worker Application
All VAHS job applications require a resume and a cover letter; please submit both in PDF format. Successful candidates will be required to complete a vulnerable sector Criminal Record Check.
VAHS thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Tagged as: family support