SPO 24R (Growth) - Out of Care Social Worker

Government of British Columbia; Port Hardy; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team supporting Indigenous communities in Port Hardy as an Out of Care Worker. This role focuses on ensuring children and youth maintain connections to their culture and family while receiving care. The position offers flexible work options and a commitment to cultural continuity and advocacy.

Benefits

Retention incentive up to $6,000

Relocation cost reimbursement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Social Work or related field.
• Minimum one year of related work experience.

Responsibilities

• Assess and support extended family or community members for child care.
• Ensure safety and cultural connection for children and youth.

Skills

Advocacy

Collaboration

Cultural Continuity

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

Master’s Degree in Educational Counselling Psychology

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services

Job description

The Team
The Family and Cultural Connections Team is a dedicated group of experienced professionals who work closely with Indigenous communities to ensure that children and youth in or out of care remain connected to their culture, family, and identity. With a strong foundation in advocacy and collaboration, the team consists of out-of-care and guardianship social workers, a Roots Worker, and potentially a Family Finder/CPDM worker—all committed to supporting family-based care and cultural continuity.

The Role
Out of Care Workers play a vital role in assessing and supporting extended family or close community members to care for children and youth when their parents are unable to, ensuring their safety, well-being, and connection to culture. This is a meaningful and growing area of service that empowers families, strengthens cultural identity, and supports children in achieving their full potential within their own communities.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements
Applicants may be considered who meet the preferred OR expanded credentials and experience requirements

1. Preferred Credentials:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Social Work or in Child & Youth Care OR Master's Degree in Educational Counselling Psychology/Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology with completion of a practicum in family and child welfare OR
• In-service Ministry of Children and Family Development employees who have a regular SPO 24-30 base position that requires delegation under the Child, Family and Community Services Act (CFCSA) OR
• A candidate may be considered equivalent when they are registered and a member in good standing with the BC College of Social Workers or has a letter from the College confirming that their application for registration has been approved.

• NOTE: If this education was obtained outside of Canada, you need to confirm it has been assessed for equivalency through the International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES). You must provide a comprehensive report and the MCFD supplemental report by the closing date of this posting to be considered.

2. Expanded Credentials:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services field OR Bachelor’s Degree witha Major/Honors in a Human Services field OR Master’s level graduate Certificate/Diploma in a Human Services field AFTER the completion of an unrelated Bachelor’s Degree.
• PLUS, a minimum of one year of related OR job-specific work experience.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
  • NOTE: If this education was obtained outside of Canada, you need to confirm it has been assessed for equivalency through the International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES). You must provide a basic report by the closing date of this posting to be considered.

Human Services fields include: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, Early Childhood Education, Indigenous Studies, Education, Theology or Nursing.

Preference will be given to applicants with the following:

• Preferred education credentials AND/OR in-service Ministry of Children and Family Development employees who hold a regular SPO 24-30 base position that requires delegation under the Child, Family and Community Services Act (CFCSA)

Preference may be given to applicants with the following:

• Eligible for delegation under the Child, Family and Community Services Act (CFCSA).
• Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) with the required combination of education and experience.

Please note:

• Applicants may be considered who have not yet graduated but have completed all required courses and are able to provide a letter from their educational institution confirming completion of degree requirements.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License with no restriction or equivalent (i.e. from another Canadian Province).

Please refer to the Job Profile located in the additional information section at the bottom of the posting for:

• Salary placement based on education and experience.
• A full list of related work experience.
• Definition of job specific experience.
• Willingness/proviso statements.

For questions regarding this position, please [e-mail]

About this Position:
There is one permanent position located in Port Hardy.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to 2 days at home per week subject to an approved telework agreement.
An eligibility list may be established for future temporary and permanent positions.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Criminal Record Review Act Check (CRRA) will be required.
Please refer to MyHR for more information onTemporary Market Adjustments.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

This location is currently eligible for a retention incentive which is available to all regular permanent Social Program Officers residing in Hard to Recruit (HTR) designated communities across the province. In addition to the re-imbursement of relocation costs (where applicable), the incentive program provides the following:

• Up to a maximum of $6,000 annual lump sum payment to regular permanent full-time Social Program Officers in the SPO R18 to SPO R30 classifications* OR
• Up to a maximum of $3,000 annual lump sum payment to regular permanent full-time Social Program Officers placed in the SPO Growth Series (SPO Growth to SPO R24 classifications) **

*Full payment of the incentive is based on regular eligible classifications (SPO R18 to SPO R30) working in an approved location for the full fiscal year (April 1 to March 31). A pro-rated incentive payment may be provided to candidates who work a partial year and/or part-time hours.

Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to applicants that self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, status or non-status, Métis, or Inuit) seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. For guidance on applying and interviewing, please contact [e-mail] or 778-405-3452.

How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements list above.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES - A resume is required as part of your application, however, it may not be used for initial shortlisting purposes.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a comprehensive questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Include all relevant information about your educational accomplishments and employment history including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and how you obtained your relevant experience. The questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes to complete.

Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.