Designated Band Representative

Cowichan Tribes; Duncan; On-site; CAD 72,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

A community organization in Duncan is seeking a Designated Band Representative to advocate for children and youth in Child Welfare proceedings. The role requires participation in court cases and collaboration with social workers. Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s in Social Work or a related field and have experience in Child Welfare. The position offers an annual salary between $72,506.52 - $76,934.72 and includes great benefits such as paid training and time off.

Benefits

Excellent benefit and pension plan

Paid training

Paid time off during probation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Child & Youth Care, or related field required.
• 5 years of Child Welfare experience preferred.
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License & reliable vehicle required.

Responsibilities

• Participate in court proceedings and advocate for children and youth.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners.
• Support cultural plans for children in care.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Strong verbal communication

Trauma-informed care principles

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor of Social Work or related field

Job description

Cowichan Tribes

Designated Band Representative

Reference No. Reference No. SAA-DESRES-DBR-0126

PURPOSE: Reporting to the Social Development Manager, the purpose of the Designated Band Representative is to participate in court proceedings and all aspects of child welfare involvement. This includes but is not limited to accepting legal service on behalf of Cowichan Tribes for children & youth in care or subject to an order under the Child Family Community Services Act. The position accepts notice under the Federal Child Welfare Act and participates in all cases and permanency planning as necessary to ensure the rights of Cowichan children, youth and families are upheld. This is a full-time, permanent position with frequent local, regional and provincial travel to attend court proceedings and meetings.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Cowichan Tribes offers an excellent benefit and pension plan available after successful completion of the probationary period. The position includes paid training and paid time off such as vacation, sick time and personal leave. Depending on experience, the position starts at $39.84-$42.27 per hour ($72,506.52 - $76,934.72 annually).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensures the Quw’utsun Snuw’uy’ulh (Cowichan Teachings) and rights of Cowichan citizens are respected in all work practices
• Participates in interviews with children and social workers
• Attends home visits with children and caregivers
• Completes home visits and walk-through with social workers
• Participates in family meetings, case planning meetings and court related hearing, case conferences, contested hearings, mediations and trials primarily in the local registry jurisdiction
• Participates on behalf of parent and/or child & Cowichan Tribes in all areas of child welfare including providing input and advocacy for youth in high‑risk situations
• Participates in and supports the decision-making process for permanency, adoption and aging‑out for current children and youth in care
• Participates in the development of children’s cultural plans
• Receives service of court notices as legislated under the Child, Family & Community Service Act service on behalf of Cowichan Tribes; participates in all relevant court hearings to ensure the cultural and foundational rights of the child/youth are protected and considered
• Acts as a party to court proceedings and, when it is in the child/youth’s best interest, provides consent to the application. Supports the court in understanding the child/youth’s cultural, familial, and community significance
• Ensures the child/youth is connected to culture, family, and their rights are supported by the court plan of care
• Develops and sustains working relationships with community partners and community agencies
• Provides community education presentations on topics related to child advocacy, children/ youth in care
• Maintains current knowledge of the relevant laws and policies related to Child Welfare
• Attends the Designated Representative training, court training and relevant training as available
• Other related duties as required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: (please attach all required documents)

• Bachelor of Social Work, Child & Youth Care, or related field required
• 5 years’ experience in Child Welfare preferred
• A combination of related education and experience may be considered
• Experience in Child, Family & Community Service Act court proceedings
• Experience in developing and maintaining strong relationships and community partnerships
• Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check required
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License & reliable vehicle required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies, including the Federal Child Welfare Act, Child, Family, and Community Service Act, Youth Justice Act, Adoption Act, Family Law Act and Aboriginal Operations and Practice Standards and Indicators, Ministry of Child & Family Services related policies
• Knowledge of the social determinants of health and a deep awareness of how intergenerational trauma affects the well‑being of Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities
• Knowledge of Cowichan culture, land, customs, and traditions or a willingness to learn
• Knowledge of United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Strong and clear verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to engage and respond appropriately to individuals applying trauma-informed care principles and an empowerment-focused advocacy approach
• Ability to organize, track, and maintain both physical and digital filing systems, ensuring accurate case management
• Ability to maintain tact, diplomacy, and cultural sensitivity to support positive interactions
• Ability to travel as required

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants are invited to submit a current resume, a detailed cover letter and three references to Human Resources by email or in person before the deadline with the Reference No. included. If you are emailing your application, indicate the Reference No. in the subject line of your email.

Reference No. SAA-DESRES-DBR-0126

Cowichan Tribes Human Resources Department
435 Trunk Road – Unit 302 (third floor)
Duncan, BC, V9L, 2P5

Email: [e-mail]

Website: http://www.cowichantribes.com/employment

Deadline: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.