Position Summary

Sq'wqel is committed to supporting the well-being of families and children within our community. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values First Nations knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Child and Family Liaison to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance the support services for families and children.

In collaboration with the Family Wellness and Preservation Specialist, the Child and Family Liaison provides culturally informed care coordination and advocacy for families and children in the community. This role involves conducting client assessments, developing care plans, and facilitating the implementation of those plans in collaboration with other service providers and community partners. The Child and Family Liaison will also engage in community relations activities to support families, advocate for client needs, and strengthen partnerships between Seabird Island Band and external services.

This is a one-year Full-Time Term Contract with an end date of March 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

What you'll do

Liaison and Advocacy

• Act as a liaison between the community and the child welfare authorities, ensuring the community is informed and involved in decision-making processes.
  
• Participate as needed in case planning for the child, including placement decisions and thedevelopment of care plans ensuring that the childs cultural heritage, community connections, andbest interests are respected and prioritized.
  
• Provide input or recommendations regarding placement options, emphasizing placements within thechilds community or with extended family members whenever possible.
  
• Ensure that cultural practices, language, and traditions are maintained for the child while in care.
• Recommending placements that foster a connection to the childs cultural identity.
  
• Assist families in navigating the child welfare and legal systems, advocating for culturally appropriatesupport and services.
  
• Ensure that the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) or other delegated agenciesfulfill their obligations under the CFCSA, including the duty to preserve and strengthen the childscultural identity.
  
• Work in collaboration with Seabird Island Band, the childs family, and child welfare agencies,promoting a holistic, family-centered approach to care.
  
• Clarify family expectations, acting as a client advocate to ensure services meet the unique needs offamilies.

Client Assessments

• Conduct comprehensive client assessments that evaluate emotional, physical, spiritual, social,economic, and mental health status.
  
• Identify client needs and provide referrals to appropriate services and programs within Seabird IslandBand and external organizations.
  
• Participate in team meetings to discuss client progress and needs and ensure appropriate follow-up after-care transitions.

Health Education and Promotion

• Provide education to individuals, families, and communities on self-care, health promotion, andholistic well-being.
  
• Promote informed decision-making and personal growth to empower clients to improve their qualityof life through health initiatives and services.

Social Work Guidance and Advocacy

• Provide guidance to agencies, and community boards regarding applicable social work practices, Acts,and regulations.
  
• Share information about social and health services available to clients, ensuring services are culturallyappropriate and accessible.

Implementation of Family Plans

• Take the care plans developed for families and ensure their implementation, coordinating with variousdepartments and community partners to put these plans into action.
  
• Monitor progress and ensure the familys goals are being met by coordinating resources, services, andsupport.
  
• Adjust the plan as necessary to address changing circumstances or new challenges that families mayface.

Professional Development and Staff Orientation

• Stay current with trends, research, and best practices in health and social services through ongoingprofessional development activities.
  
• Assist in the orientation and training of new staff, students, and other healthcare professionals toensure culturally sensitive and effective care.

Record Keeping and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely records of client interactions, assessments, services provided, and theimplementation of family plans.
  
• Prepare reports and documentation as required, ensuring compliance with established standards andprocedures.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
  

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
  
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'wqel (Seabird Island Band),including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitmentsupports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
  
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectivelyengage and support projects, work, and initiatives
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate theneeds and schedules of clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice aspossible to any changes in schedule.

What you bring

Qualifications

• Bachelors or graduate degree in social work or a related field is required .
  
• At least 2 years of relevant experience working within First Nations communities, focusing on childand family services.
  
• Strong understanding of First Nation cultures, traditions, and practices, with the ability to engagefamilies in a culturally safe manner.
  
• Familiarity with relevant provincial and federal policies, and legislation pertaining to family and childwelfare services, health, and social support.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and respond effectively to evolving client needs or programrequirements.
  
• Ability to build trust and rapport with clients and families, ensuring their needs and goals areunderstood and addressed.
  
• Ability to manage multiple cases and maintain organized records.
  
• Knowledge of privacy regulations and ethical standards in family services.

Preferred:

• First Nations candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Islands culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
• Excellent writing, editing, charting and verbal communication skills.
• Proven experience in implementing and managing family care plans.

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.
  
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.

Benefits

• Extended health and dental benefits,
• Accrued vacation and sick time,
• Pension plan with matching employer contributions.

How to apply

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email [email protected].

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to Child and Family Services. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Pre-Employment Screening

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Mtis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.