Protocol Investigations Social Worker (Part-time)

Vancouver-Aboriginal-Child-and-Family-Service; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 66,000 - 76,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Public Service Pension Plan

On-site role

Job summary

VACFSS in Vancouver is seeking a Protocol Investigations Social Worker for the Child Safety program. This permanent part-time role (21 hours/week) focuses on protocol driven investigations, inter-agency coordination, and compliance with VACFSS policies and the CFCSA in an Indigenous context.

You will lead investigations, assess risk, interview involved parties, coordinate with a multidisciplinary response team, and contribute to safety planning and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or higher.
• C6 Delegation is required.
• Experience in child welfare or related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct protocol driven investigations and assess risk.
• Coordinate inter-agency response and ensure safety planning.
• Interview children, youth, caregivers and other parties as needed.
• Prepare investigation reports and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Relational Engagement

Leadership

Cultural Competency

Interpersonal Skills

Risk Assessment

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

Master’s Degree in Educational Counselling Psychology

C6 Delegation (Required)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Job description

At VACFSS, we ensure that the rights, safety, well-being and spirit of Indigenous children and families are upheld, honoured and protected. We strive to eliminate oppression, discrimination and marginalization within our community. We acknowledge and honour the inherent wisdom, capacity and resourcefulness of our community in designing programs and services to care for our own children and families. Accordingly, we are dedicated to planning, developing, and implementing creative and innovative Indigenous programs and services in collaboration with members of our community and other agencies.

The objective of the Child Safety Program is to ensure the safety and well-being of children and to work towards the preservation of families. The Child Safety Program provides a continuum of services, from preventive programs which support and maintain families, to services that ensure permanency for children in care.

Position: Protocol Investigations Social Worker
Status: Permanent Part-time, 21 hours/weekDepartment: Child Safety
Location: 2020 Yukon St, Vancouver, BC
Classification: Social Program Officer R24 Delegated (Grid 24 +3TMA*)Salary: $48.25 to $55.04 per hour

*Delegated Child Safety Social Workers (Social Program Officer – CS) classified at Grid 24 working in Delegated Child Safety positions will receive 3 Temporary Market Adjustment (TMA) which will be placed at Grid 24 + 3 TMA.

• Engage in restorative child welfare practice with Vancouver’s Indigenous community!
• Receive a competitive salary of $48.25 to $55.04 per hour PLUS a comprehensive benefits package!
• Take on a challenging role that provides membership in the Public Service Pension Plan!

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Protocol investigation plays a critical role within a childprotection program delivered by a fully delegated (C6) Indigenous Child andFamily Services Agency, ensuring that allegations of abuse, neglect, oremotional harm involving children and youth in care are addressed in acoordinated, timely, and culturally responsive manner. When a report isreceived, the responsible Child Safety Manager with delegation leads andcoordinates the response, engaging a multidisciplinary response team includingdelegated Resource Workers, delegated Child Safety Workers, and agencycounterparts to assess risk, determine whether an investigation is warranted,and ensure immediate safety planning where required. The protocol investigation process isdistinct yet complementary to broader child protection investigations, as itfocuses specifically on examining concerns within care settings whilemaintaining a clear emphasis on the safety and well-being of children andyouth. Within an Indigenous context,this work is further grounded in collaboration with the child’s community andadherence to relevant band protocols, reinforcing culturally informeddecision-making and accountability. Overall, protocol investigations provide a structured framework thatpromotes transparency, interagency coordination, and consistent practicestandards while upholding the rights, safety, and cultural connections ofIndigenous children and families.

Role Focus

Thisposition will report to a Child Safety Manager for protocol investigationassignments, and to the Intake Team Leader when there is no active protocolinvestigation. The Protocol Social Worker is responsible for protocol driveninvestigations, inter‑agencycoordination, and ensuring compliance with VACFSS policies, the CFCSA, the ActRespecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families, andBand/Nation protocols. The role requires advanced investigative skills, strongcultural competency, and the ability to navigate complex and sensitivesituations.

Key Responsibilities

• ConductingInvestigations
  • Assess child/youth safety in current placements and determine immediatesafety needs.
  • Review all relevant documentation, including child service files andresource files.
  • Ensure all applicable Band/Nation protocols are followed.
  • Interview:
    • the child/youth who is the subject of thereport
    • other children/youth as needed
    • non accused caregivers
    • alleged accused caregivers or other parties(in consultation with police)
    • collaterals identified by the response team
  • Arrange medical examinations when required and obtain consent whenappropriate.
  • Continually assess safety throughout the investigation with the TeamLeader, Program Manager, and response team.
  • Recommend immediate actions when safety concerns exist, includingtemporary or permanent home closure.
• Completing theInvestigation
  • Prepare detailed investigation reports and summaries in ICM.
  • Ensure confidentiality requirements are met (initials only, no reporteridentity, no details jeopardizing criminal investigations).
  • Support the Program Manager in determining continued use of the familycare home.
  • Participate in developing safety or corrective action plans when homesremain open.
• Reporting and Follow Up
  • Meet with caregivers (with the Resource Worker) to review findings,next steps, and required supports.
  • Meet with the child/youth within 7 days to discuss outcomes andconcerns.
  • Ensure the Program Manager sends the required written summary anddecision letter within 15 days.
  • Ensure all required parties receive the investigation summary anddecisions.
  • Ensure documentation is placed on all relevant Child Service files andretained on the resource file.
• Other Duties
  • The position may be assigned additional duties that contribute to theeffective functioning of the Intake team, including administrative,coordination, or front-line support tasks aligned with program needs.
  • Undertake other related responsibilities, as assigned, that supportchild safety intake processes and promote the safety and well-being ofchildren, youth, and families.

A complete position profile will bemade available to candidates at the time of the interview.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Relational Engagement
• Leadership
• Collaborative Planning and Decision Making
• Emotional Competency
• Resilience
• Cultural, Spiritual Expression

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience

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 welfareOR
• 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.
• C6 Delegation (Required).

2. Minimum Credentials:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services fieldORBachelor’s Degree witha Major/Honors in a Human Services fieldORMaster’s level graduate Certificate/Diploma in a Human Services field AFTER the completion of an unrelated Bachelor’s Degree.
• C6 Delegation (Required).
• Minimum of 2 years C6 delegated experience.
• Human Services fields include Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, Early Childhood Education, Indigenous Studies, Education, or Nursing.

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 supplemental report to be considered.

Job Skills and Abilities

• Good understanding of the Child, Family and Community Services Act.
• Awareness of resources available to Indigenous children and families, and knowledge of the referral process.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with team members, other VACFSS colleagues, and personnel of other agencies in the community.
• Ability to work with children and families in a respectful and culturally-sensitive manner.
• Well-developed interpersonal counseling and assessment skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to investigate complex family situations and assess risk.
• Aware of extended family practices within Indigenous communities.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Valid class 5 driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Computer skills for Microsoft Word and Outlook.

Notes

• A valid Class 5 driver’s license andreliable vehicle with business class insurance are required to perform theduties of this position.
• This position requiresUnion membership.
• This position is expected to workon site at theoffice as part of regular duties.

ABOUT THE BENEFITS

In exchange for your contributions to VACFSS, you will receive a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, extended health, and dental
• Group life and AD&D
• 100% employer-paid premiums
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• 3 weeks of vacation (prorated)
• Paid sick leave (prorated)
• Membership in the Public Service Pension Plan
• Access to VACFSS’ Staff Clinical Counsellor
• Access to Indigenous Cultural Teachings as coordinated by the Agency

Situated on the unceded and occupied territories of the Coast SalishPeoples, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish),Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and Stó:lō nations.