Job Title: Family Support Worker
Program: Indigenous Early Years
Status: Full Time, Permanent, Unionized (BCGEU)

Starting Wage: $22.63* + benefits and pension
*subject to increase, pending new BCGEU Collective Agreement

Location: 717 Princess Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 3E4 (plus assigned co-location at Neighbourhood House or Community Centre in Vancouver)

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30

Positions Available: 3
Application Deadline: Open until filled

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.