Family Service Social Worker- F / T (Abbotsford)-1685

Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children and Family Services Societ; Abbotsford; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team as a Family Services Social Worker, promoting Indigenous culture and supporting children, youth, and families in the Fraser Valley. This full-time role involves community engagement, family planning, and adherence to child protection policies, ensuring culturally appropriate services are delivered effectively.

Benefits

Employer-paid Extended Health benefits

Participation in the Public Service Pension Plan

Qualifications

• At least three years of experience in Human Services preferred.
• Must be delegated or willing to attend delegation in BC.

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally appropriate, community-based services.
• Support communities in building preventative programs.
• Collaborate with families and community members.

Skills

Indigenous culture

Community engagement

Cultural competency

Education

Bachelor of Social Work

Degree in Social Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

What we do together... our H.E.A.R.T is our difference.

Do you have a genuine passion for promoting Indigenous culture and working with Indigenous children, youth, and families (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit), respecting their cultural diversity?

If so, consider joining our Xyólheméylh work family. We are a fully delegated Indigenous Child & Family Service Agency providing programs and services to Indigenous children, youth, and families on and off reserve within Stó : lō Territory in the Fraser Valley, between Yale First Nation and Surrey BC.

Our programs are created and delivered with the support of our Elders Advisory Council, with a focus on strengthening culture and identity while honoring family strengths.

• We strive to work holistically to keep families together and reintegrate children with their families and extended families.
• Our service delivery is guided by an open heart and mind, focusing on the best interests of the family while keeping children at the center.
• We work to ensure children remain connected to their family and community, upholding their inherent rights to heritage and identity in all we do.

Family Services Social Worker - 1685

Full-Time Position

Base Office Region : Abbotsford

FS 0-12 Yrs Old - Team 2

Salary: $69,762.65 to $94,755.02 per annum (35 hrs. per week)

Please note that applicants may be subject to the wage growth series within the Indigenous Delegated Social Worker Progression (IDSWP) outlined in the Collective Agreement APPENDIX A1. Those on the growth series will not be eligible for temporary market adjustments until reaching full working level Grid 25, Step 1.

POSITION SUMMARY :

Reporting to a Delegated Team Leader, social workers will work within communities to provide culturally appropriate, community-based services. Services will align with the BC Child, Family and Community Services Act and the Aboriginal Operational and Practice Standards and Indicators (AOPSI). The role involves supporting communities in building preventative programs that strengthen capacity and involvement in protecting, supporting, and planning for children. The Social Worker will be the first contact for child protection reports and will collaborate with families, community members, Band Designates, Elders, and other supports in case planning and service delivery. Services include Family Development Response, Protective and Voluntary Family Service, and Guardianship. The Social Worker will also learn and practice community protocols and participate in community events and ceremonies.

Xyólheméylh values its Elders Advisory Council to embed culture throughout the agency, ensuring our goals, missions, and values are upheld appropriately.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED :

• Bachelor of Social Work or a degree in Social Sciences
• At least three (3) years of experience in Human Services is preferred.
• Must be delegated or willing to attend delegation in BC.
• Ability to practice standards per Child Protection Response Policies, BC Child, Family and Community Services Act, and AOPSI.
• Awareness of relevant provincial and federal legislation (e.g., Benefits Act, Adoptions Act, Family Relations Act, Young Offenders Act).
• Ability to adhere to Good Recording Guide standards.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture, its impact on development, and Indigenous history.
• Understanding of cross-cultural issues affecting children in care, foster and biological parents, and communities of origin.
• Practical knowledge of federal, provincial, and Indigenous health, counseling, and child and family service organizations.
• Strong understanding of agency policies and procedures.
• Computer skills including databases, Microsoft Word, Excel, and other software.
• Valid BC Driver's License (Class 5), reliable transportation, and adequate insurance.
• This role offers professional development opportunities within a Multi-Interdisciplinary Team.
• Criminal Records Check required.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES :

Structured Decision Making (SDM) tools

• Complete SDM tools, including family strengths and needs assessment, family plan, and vulnerability reassessment within required timeframes (usually 6 months).
• Review family's current situation and history thoroughly.
• Identify caregiver behaviors requiring change and communicate these to the Designated Representative and family.
• Arrange Family or Family Group Conferences to establish the family plan.
• Set goals and actions with the child, family, community, and professionals to meet physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and cultural needs.
• Develop a holistic, culturally appropriate family plan through meetings and conferences.
• Monitor, evaluate, and revise family plans with the team to reduce risks to children and communities.
• Make referrals to support the family plan.
• Meet regularly with service providers and the family regarding progress.
• Provide and receive ongoing feedback on service quality and expectations.
• Address child risks, including out-of-home placements, using least disruptive, family-preferred approaches when appropriate.
• Ensure services are age-appropriate, realistic, and timely.
• Seek guidance from the Team Lead as needed.

Evaluation

• Monitor and evaluate all aspects of the family plan towards established goals.
• Participate in tracking sessions with the Team Lead and team members.
• Incorporate feedback from quality assurance processes, including documentation, cultural practices, and service delivery.
• Follow Child Protection Response policies in investigations within the family's portfolio.

CONFIDENTIALITY :

Employees must comply with confidentiality policies outlined in the HR Manual, operational manuals, AOPSI, and the BC Child, Family and Community Services Act.

LEARN MORE :

Visit www.fvacfss.ca for more information.

This Position requires Union Membership.

We offer employer-paid Extended Health benefits and participation in the Public Service Pension Plan.

• Preference may be given to Indigenous candidates as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code.

This position is open to internal and external applicants. Applications are accepted until 4:30 pm PST on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025. Current employees must apply via the internal portal.

COVID-19 Precautions

We follow BC Ministry of Health guidelines to ensure safety. The hiring process may be virtual, with instructions provided to candidates selected for interviews.