Resources Social Worker

Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-oriented social services organization in Vancouver seeks a Resources Social Worker to manage foster homes while upholding Indigenous children's rights and cultural identity. The role includes recruiting and supporting caregivers and requires a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or a related field. A competitive salary of $69,760.70 to $89,268.45 annually is offered, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and pension plan membership. This is a regular full-time position with specific working hours and no remote work availability.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Pension plan membership

3 weeks of vacation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Social Work or Child & Youth Care.
• Minimum of one year of related OR job-specific work experience.
• Knowledge of the Child, Family and Community Services Act.

Responsibilities

• Manage foster homes and support caregivers.
• Conduct home studies and make recommendations.
• Develop a restorative practice approach that aligns with VACFSS' values.

Skills

Knowledge of Indigenous Child Welfare

Interpersonal counseling skills

Trauma-informed practice

Ability to assess risk

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

Master's Degree in Educational Counselling Psychology

Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Resources Social Worker

Vancouver, BC | Full-time | $69,760.70 - $89,268.45 per year

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.

Status: Regular Full-time
Hours of Work: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday
Delegated Program: Resources
Location: 3284 East Broadway, Vancouver BC
Classification: Delegated Social Program Officer, Grid 21 – Grid 24 (+1 Temporary Market Adjustment)
Salary: $69,760.70 - $89,268.45 annually

• Engage in restorative child welfare practice with Vancouver’s Indigenous community!
• Receive a competitive salary of $65,844.70 to $86,668.39 per year PLUS a comprehensive benefits package!
• Take on a challenging role that provides membership in the Public Service Pension Plan!

Job Summary

Resources is responsible for the administration and management of foster homes for VACFSS. This responsibility involves recruiting, training, supporting and monitoring Indigenous foster caregivers as well as non‑Indigenous caregivers who have a connection to the Indigenous community. The mission of the Resources Program is to provide safe alternative care for Indigenous children in care that promotes and respects their cultural identity. Resources facilitates a Cultural Education Program, Caregiver Education Program, specialized caregiver training, caregiver self‑help, and in‑home support services.

Responsibilities

The Resources Social Worker (RSW) reports to a Resources Team Leader and works in partnership with VACFSS’s Child Protection and Guardianship programs. The RSW is responsible for maintaining a caseload of foster homes, recruiting, developing and maintaining a range of resources for when it is necessary that a child lives outside of their home. The goal of this service is to provide the most appropriate placement to meet the needs of the child. The goal is enacted in practice by:

• Gathering the Circle
• Listening, Assessing and Finding Solutions
• Creating Security, Belonging and Well‑being
• Keeping the Circle Strong

The position monitors services provided, supports the resource providers, and liaises with internal staff for the safety and wellbeing of children. The goal of the service is to provide the most appropriate placement to meet the needs of the child in care. Conducting home studies and making recommendations for approval, and liaising with non‑contract resources, may be required.

The RSW will be expected to develop and utilize a restorative practice approach that is guided by VACFSS’ values, the CFCSA, AOPSI, Resources Policy and Procedures, Chapter 8, Foster Caregiver Handbook, Standards for Foster Caregivers, and VACFSS’ framework, expectations for Inclusive Foster Care and Bill C‑92 as it relates to the recruitment, support and retention of Indigenous foster caregivers.

A complete job description will be provided to candidates at the time of interview.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience:

• 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
  • 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.
  • C3 Delegation (to be provided).
• Minimum Credentials:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services field OR Bachelor’s Degree with a 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.
  • C3 Delegation (to be provided).
  • Human Services fields include: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, Early Childhood Education, Indigenous Studies, Education, Theology 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.

Key Competencies

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

Job Skills And Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the Child, Family and Community Services Act and the Federal Act, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families
• Have a strong understanding of Indigenous Child Welfare, and of situating children and families in the context of colonization.
• Awareness of resources available to Indigenous clients, 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 clients from a trauma informed practice place, and promote healing opportunities for children and families.
• Well‑developed interpersonal counseling and assessment skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to investigate complex family situations and assess risk.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Computer skills for Microsoft Word and Outlook.

Notes

• Applications will be accepted from applicants of all genders.
• This position requires Union membership.
• A valid Class 5 driver’s license and reliable vehicle with business class insurance are required to perform the duties of this position.
• This position requires the incumbent to be available in the office. Remote work is unavailable.

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
• 100% employer‑paid premiums
• 3 weeks of vacation
• Eligible for the VACFSS flex program after passing probation
• Membership in the Public Service Pension Plan
• Access to VACFSS’ Staff Cultural Clinical Counselor, Elder
• Access to Indigenous Cultural Teachings as coordinated by the Agency

Applications will be accepted from candidates with the above qualifications or from candidates that have delegated experience with MCFD or a Delegated Aboriginal Agency. An eligibility list may be created. Preference may be given to Indigenous candidates as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those shortlisted will be contacted.