SPO 21R - Roots Practitioner

Government of British Columbia; Coquitlam; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial government agency is seeking a Roots Practitioner to support cultural connection and permanency planning for Indigenous children in care. This role involves engaging with families and community partners to promote meaningful cultural ties. The position offers flexible work options and requires experience with Indigenous families. Applicants should possess a relevant diploma or certificate and preferably Indigenous heritage.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Competitive benefits

Learning opportunities

Qualifications

• Diploma/certificate in Human Service or related field plus related experience.
• Experience working with Indigenous families and communities required.
• Preference for applicants with Indigenous heritage.

Responsibilities

• Support cultural connection and permanency planning for children in care.
• Facilitate cultural plans and organize gatherings.
• Promote cultural understanding with families and Indigenous partners.

Skills

Experience working with Indigenous families and communities

Cultural understanding

Collaboration skills

Education

Diploma/certificate in Human Service or related field

Job description

Overview

The Indigenous Cultural Care Team (ICCT) is part of the Ministry of Children and Family Development and works in partnership with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities to ensure children in care remain connected to their culture and identity. The team includes five Roots Practitioners, one Team Leader, and three contracted Elders, all committed to fostering cultural safety, community relationships, and meaningful connections for Indigenous children and youth.

The Role

The Roots Practitioner supports cultural connection and permanency planning by identifying and engaging with a child’s family, community, and cultural heritage. Through collaboration with families, caregivers, Elders, and Indigenous partners, the role facilitates cultural plans, organizes gatherings, and promotes cultural understanding—ensuring children and youth maintain strong ties to their identity and community.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements

• Diploma/certificate in Human Service or related field plus related experience; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Related experience must include:

• Experience working with Indigenous families and communities.

Preference may be given to applicants with:

• Experience working with Indigenous children and youth in care.
• Applicants who have Indigenous heritage (First Nations, Metis or Inuit) with the required combination of education and experience

WILLINGNESS/PROVISO(S):

• May be required to work evenings/weekends.
• May be required to regularly travel in remote locations.
• May be required to use own vehicle on an expense account basis with appropriate insurance coverage.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 BC driver's licence.

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

About this Position

• 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 to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
• A Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Criminal Record Review Act Check (CRRA) will be required.
• Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

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.

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous applicants originating from the land now known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

The BC Public Service is an award-winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development opportunities. For more information, please see What We Offer.

How to Apply

Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above. Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting.

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 tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. You can join a Career Conversation to gain insights into the hiring journey. 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.