Family Support Worker (Temporary Full-Time)

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Temporary Full-Time Family Support Worker for our Asante team located in Maple Ridge, BC. This temporary fixed-term contract is proposed to start as soon as possible, and end on September 30, 2027. This position requires BCGEU membership.

The Family Support Worker gathers information relevant to the participant’s neurodevelopmental concerns, needs and risks by interviewing, observing behaviour, meeting with caregivers and service providers and using a variety of inventories, checklists and questionnaires. They provide referrals, support, guidance and problem solving to participants to address issues related to FASD and other neurodevelopmental concerns. Goals include skill building, emotional support and feedback to participants.

Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are Monday to Friday based on a flextime scheduling arrangement, including days and evenings, of 35 working hours per week.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Two-year diploma in a related human / social service field.
• One (1) year recent related experience.

Closing date for Internal Applications: The deadline for internal applications has now passed and we are welcoming applications from external candidates.

Who We Are:

PLEA is an accredited, charitable community services organization that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver community-based services and specialized supported homes to children, youth, adults and families facing significant challenges in their lives. We continually adapt our programs to suit each individual’s diverse strengths, needs and circumstances. As a result, we have a strong reputation for helping those we serve to overcome the challenges they face and lead fulfilling lives.

What You Will Do:

• Gather information relevant to the participant’s neurodevelopmental concerns, needs and risks by interviewing, observing behaviour, meeting with caregivers and service providers and using a variety of inventories, checklists and questionnaires. Assess the information gathered to identify participant problems, assessment and service needs. Develop and implement an intervention plan within program guidelines.
• Provide support, guidance and problem-solving to participants and to address issues related to neurodevelopment in an individual or group setting using techniques such as active listening, conflict resolution, basic group counselling techniques and psycho-educational group methods to resolve the identified problems, needs and risks.
• Participate in the development, modification and evaluation of participant service plans with the integrated case management team. Participate in integrated case management meetings on a regular basis to report participants’ activities and progress.
• Outline services provided by the program and/or organization. Provide information on and referral to other community service providers, resources and professionals as required.
• Provide neurodevelopmental skill building to participants on issues such as parent-child interaction, child development, strengths-based supports, and behaviour management.
• Provide emotional support and feedback to participants.
• Plan and conduct group educational sessions on topics related to FASD and neurodevelopment.
• Liaise with and/or promote the interests of participants with other community service providers, professionals and school personnel as required. Accompany participants to meetings and appointments as required.
• Maintain related records and statistics and provide reports to the supervisor.
• Protect and uphold confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What You Will Bring:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in teaching others and an ability to work collaboratively with families/caregivers and networks that provide support to participants.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to build trusting and effective relationships with participants, families/caregivers, agency staff, and professionals.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, including the ability to multi-task and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Proficient problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make sound decisions in high pressure situations and be accountable for results.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to be sensitive and understanding of individuals’ social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues and trends related to the program.
• Knowledge of community resources and approaches that promote the child and family’s strengths and resources in order to improve the functioning of the participant and family and foster a strength-based approach to the individual's development and alcohol-related diagnosis.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and database systems.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

• Eligibility to enroll in health/welfare benefits on the first day of the month following the completion of the probation period, including access to the annual physical activity fund (for fitness-related items or activities) and the annual education fund (to take part in career-related courses or training events).
• Access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): confidential and voluntary counselling support services and wellness resources for employees and their immediate family members.
• Discounted gym membership at Club 16 Trevor Linden and She's Fit.
• Perkopolis membership: an exclusive discount program for a variety of products and services (clothes, furniture, dining, auto, events, etc.)
• Agency-Sponsored Social Events (i.e., summer barbecue, annual holiday party, and team days).

PLEA offers the Municipal Pension Plan to eligible employees as per the plan’s criteria.

Minimum Requirements:

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
• Must possess a valid Basic First Aid certificate (formerly OFA Level 1) or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
• Must have access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 or 7N B.C. Driver's License and suitable driver's abstract/claims history.
• Documentation that the applicant is legally authorized to work on an ongoing basis in Canada.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicant's credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.