Family Strengthening Worker

Okanagan Indian Band; Vernon; On-site; CAD 4,822,000 - 5,510,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation pay 3 weeks

Extended health and dental

Employer matched pension

15 stat holidays

Paid winter holiday break

Cultural leave

Retention bonuses

Paid sick days

Paid personal leave

Employee assistance program

Professional development

Job summary

Okanagan Indian Band is hiring a Family Strengthening Worker to deliver assessment, support and referral services for children, youth and families within the syilx community. The role emphasizes cultural competence and holistic wellness, with collaboration across agencies.

You will help develop family service plans, facilitate workshops, and support foster caregivers to keep kids connected to OKIB communities. A strong emphasis on ethics, confidentiality, and trauma-informed practice is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant profession such as Social Work or Human Services; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Eligible for BC registration with relevant professional discipline.
• Two years of relevant experience; First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain.
• Criminal records check with vulnerable sector clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessment, support and/or referral services for children, youth and families experiencing emotional, psychological, behavioral, or psychiatric issues.
• Facilitate workshops for community members on holistic wellness and family strengthening.
• Collaborate with external agencies (e.g., MCFD) and support families at risk of intervention or under Ministry care.
• Develop and support community foster care processes to maintain home community placements.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Crisis intervention

Cultural awareness

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s in Social Work or related

BC registration eligible

Two years relevant experience

First Aid/CPR

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

Family Strengthening Worker
Okanagan Indian Band

KʷU KʷLIW̓ T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE

Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.

Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:

• 3 Weeks’ Vacation Pay
• Extended Health and Dental Benefits
• Employer Matched Pension Plan
• 15 Statutory Holidays
• Paid Winter Holiday Break
• Discounted Silver Star lift passes
• Cultural Leave
• Retention Bonuses after years of service
• 15 Paid Sick Days
• Paid Personal Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities

Hours of work:
37.5 hours per week

Start Date:
ASAP

Deadline for applications:
August 27, 2026

JOB SUMMARY

As part of a multidisciplinary team, Family Strengthening Worker will provide assessment, and support and/or referral services for children, youth and their families who may be experiencing emotional, psychological, behavioral or psychiatric issues. The Family Strengthening Worker will provide quality, holistic, client centered, ensuring cultural competence and implementation.

The Family Strengthening Worker will also be expected to facilitate workshops for community members on topics related to maintaining holistic wellness and family strengthening. The Family Strengthening Worker will work with external agencies including the Ministry for Children and Family Development (MCFD) and provide support to families, children and youth that are at risk of intervention or are working with the Ministry in any capacity including child protection investigations, or on-going service agreements.

The Family Strengthening Worker will work to develop and facilitate and support the development of community based foster parents, care givers, and aunties house to ensure that OKIB children and youth never have to leave their home community when they require care outside of their own homes. The Family Strengthening Worker will work with foster parents and alternate caregivers to ensure they have knowledge of OKIB culture and will support the caregivers to have connections to the OKIB community for the children and youth in their care.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

Reports to the Family Strengthening Worker Team Lead.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understand the Okanagan Family Declaration and the Child, Family and Community Service Act; and other relevant legislation
• Assist/refer individuals and families to navigate government services (example MCFD, CLBC, CYSN)
• Develop and implement family service plans to address parental needs (life skills, home management, access to health and wellness services,)
• Liaise & consult with community agencies, schools, hospitals, & other social service agencies
• Maintain appropriate and confidential client and administrative records
• Work in a collaborative team environment to ensure effective, efficient, & accountable delivery of service
• Promote & maintain working relationships with community partners
• Develop & deliver workshops and activities for OKIB children, youth and families which support holistic wellness. Implementation of cultural family practices
• Comply with code of ethics in respect to professional designation & relevant legislation
• Perform all duties & responsibilities in accordance with the OKIB policies & procedures
• All persons employed by the OKIB may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties
• Participates in community events as requested
• Performs other duties as required

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR

You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant profession, for example, Social Work or Human Services Diploma or Child and Youth Diploma, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Eligible for BC registration with relevant professional discipline
• Two years of relevant experience
• Experience working in First Nations Communities
• Valid BC driver’s license, class 5 and reliable vehicle
• Current First Aid/CPR certificate or willing to obtain
• Criminal records check with vulnerable sector clearance

Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)

• Cultural awareness and cultural competency regarding the impacts of colonization
• Knowledge of mental health/psychiatric conditions, substance abuse, individual and family development stages, and mental health act
• Experience with community outreach and crisis intervention
• Demonstrated effective communication, organizational, advocacy, teaching and rapport building skills.
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work both independently as well as collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to prioritize and organize workload
• Intermediate level computer/technological skills
• Desire to increase capacity through professional development

CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE

$35.00 - $40.00 per hour dependent on education and experience

The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references

Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code.