Community Social Worker

Bearspaw First Nation; Village of Longview; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Bearspaw First Nation in Alberta seeks a Community Social Worker to support holistic well-being within Eden Valley community members. You will provide direct social work services, including intake, assessments, case management, referrals, and follow-up, within the Stoney Trail Wellness Centre.

Working in a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and client-centred environment, you will collaborate with Indigenous communities, government agencies, and service providers to promote dignity,

Qualifications

• BSW preferred; a Social Work Diploma may be considered with relevant experience.
• Current registration in good standing with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW).
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience, including work with Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and culturally safe, client-centred approaches.
• Understanding of Stoney Nakoda culture and Indigenous worldviews, with cultural humility.
• Knowledge of community resources, government assistance programs, FNIHB services, Jordan's Principle, and related funding pathways.

Responsibilities

• Provide client-centred, culturally respectful support to individuals and families, promoting self-empowerment and independence.
• Conduct client intake and ongoing assessments to identify needs, strengths, barriers, supports, and interventions.
• Collaborate with clients, families, mental health team, and external professionals to develop care plans.
• Assist clients in accessing community, cultural, and government resources, including basic needs and housing supports.
• Facilitate referrals to internal and external programs and provide interim follow-up.
• Identify and address barriers to services and accompany clients to appointments when appropriate.
• Provide advocacy and practical assistance with applications and documentation.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community and government agencies, including FNIHB-funded programs.
• Participate in program planning, monitoring, evaluation, and quality improvement.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Cultural sensitivity

Indigenous communities experience

Leadership

Education

BSW preferred

Social Work Diploma considered with experience

ACSW registration

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Community Social Worker plays a vital role in supporting the holistic well-being of Eden Valley community members by promoting equitable access to essential social services, mental health supports, and community resources. As part of an integrated and collaborative wellness team, this position focuses on reducing barriers to care, strengthening connections to services, and empowering individuals and families to navigate complex systems with confidence and independence.

Grounded in culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and relationship-based practice, the Community Social Worker advocates for the needs of community members while promoting dignity, self-determination, and meaningful opportunities for healing and well-being.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Manager of Community Wellness, the Community Social Worker is responsible for delivering direct social work services, including client intake, needs assessments, case management, service planning, referrals, and ongoing follow-up. The position involves working with individuals and families experiencing a range of social, personal, and systemic challenges, providing practical assistance and coordinating appropriate interventions based on identified needs.

The Community Social Worker is an integral member of the Stoney Trail Wellness Centre interdisciplinary team and works closely with external agencies, government departments, and other service providers to coordinate services, facilitate referrals, and ensure continuity of care. Responsibilities include assisting with applications and documentation, accompanying clients to appointments when appropriate, maintaining accurate and confidential client records, and monitoring progress toward established service goals.

The position also contributes to the development and maintenance of community partnerships, identifies service gaps and emerging community needs, and participates in program evaluation and continuous quality improvement initiatives. The Community Social Worker is expected to exercise professional judgment, maintain accountability to ethical and organizational standards, and contribute to the effective delivery of Community Wellness programs and services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides client-centred, culturally respectful support to individuals and families, promoting self-empowerment, healing, independence, and self-advocacy.
• Conducts client intake and ongoing assessments to identify individual and family needs, strengths, barriers, available supports, and appropriate service interventions.
• Collaborates with clients, families, the mental health team, Stoney Trail Wellness Centre staff, and external professionals to develop and coordinate individualized care and service plans.
• Assists clients in identifying, accessing, and navigating appropriate community, cultural, and government resources, including supports for basic needs, housing, family violence, mental health, and addictions.
• Facilitates referrals to internal and external programs, agencies, and service providers, offering interim support and follow-up to promote continuity of care.
• Identifies and addresses barriers to accessing services, including transportation, communication, scheduling, and application processes, and accompanies clients to appointments when appropriate.
• Provides advocacy and practical assistance to clients, including support with applications, documentation, and navigating complex service systems, while encouraging self-determination.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community partners, service providers, and government agencies, while remaining knowledgeable about available resources, including FNIHB-funded programs and culturally appropriate supports.
• Participates in program planning, monitoring, and evaluation, identifying opportunities to strengthen service delivery and improve client and community outcomes.
• Demonstrates a commitment to trauma-informed, culturally safe, and ethical practice, maintaining client confidentiality, professional boundaries, and respect for individual dignity, autonomy, and lived experiences.
• Performs other related duties as required.

EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a recognized post-secondary institution is preferred; a Social Work Diploma may be considered for applicants with relevant experience and qualifications.
• Current registration in good standing with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW).
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification.
• A minimum of 3–5 years of relevant professional experience, including direct experience working with Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of trauma-informed care, harm reduction principles, and culturally safe, client-centred approaches.
• Understanding of Stoney Nakoda culture, traditions, values, and Indigenous worldviews, with a commitment to cultural humility and ongoing learning.
• Strong knowledge of community resources, government assistance programs, financial supports, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) services, Jordan's Principle, and other relevant funding and service pathways.
• Understanding of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, intergenerational trauma, and systemic inequities, particularly as they relate to mental health, substance use, poverty, and family well-being.
• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage respectfully and effectively with diverse individuals, families, and service providers.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team and community-based service environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical social work practice, confidentiality, professional boundaries, and respect for diversity, dignity, and human rights.
• Commitment to upholding client rights, including autonomy, self-determination, privacy, cultural and spiritual expression, and freedom from discrimination, retaliation, and abuse.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:

• Valid Class 5 Drivers license (non-GDL)
• Clear Criminal Record check and Vulnerable Sector check
• Drivers abstract

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Hours per Shift: 7 hours
• Shift Pattern: Full Time
• Length in Shift in Weeks: 35 hour per week