Screener Social Worker - F/T (Chilliwack) - 1898

“What we do together…our H.E.A.R.T is our difference.”

Do you have a genuine passion in promoting the values of Indigenous culture working with and for Indigenous children, youth, and families (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) while respecting their cultural diversity?

If so, consider joining our Xyólheméylh work family. We are a fully delegated Aboriginal Agency providing programs and services to Indigenous children, youth, and families on and off reserve within Stó:lō Territory in the Fraser Valley between Yale First Nation and Surrey BC.

Our programs and services are created and delivered with the support of our Elders Advisory Council with special attention on strengthening culture and identity, while honoring the strength of families.

• We strive to work in a holistic way to keep families together and reintegrate children back with their families and extended families.
• Our service delivery is done with an open heart and an open mind focusing on the best interest of the family while keeping children at the center.
• We work to ensure children are connected to their family, and community while striving to ensure their inherent rights to heritage and identity are upheld in all we do.

Screener Social Worker -

Regular Full Time Position

Base Office: Chilliwack-Youth Hub

Screening Team

Salary- $69,.65 to $94,.02 per annum (35 hrs per week)

EDO (Earned Day Off) Available: Monday Week Two

Please note that anyone applying for this position maybe subject to the wage growth series within the Indigenous Delegated Social Worker Progression (IDSWP) outlined in the Collective Agreement APPENDIX A1. Anyone placed on the IDSWP growth series will not be eligible for the temporary market adjustment until they reach full working level Grid 24, Step 1.

The Fraser Valley Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (FVACFSS) is responsible for the provision of a number of child protection and preventative programs and services to Aboriginal children, youth, parents, families and communities in various regions of the Fraser Valley.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Team Lead, The Intake Screener ensures all information is managed and recorded in accordance within the parameters provided by the B.C. Child, Family and Community Services Act, the Aboriginal Operational and Practice Standards and Indicators (AOPSI) and the FVACFSS Policies and Procedures Manuals. The Screening Social Worker is the gate keeper for all primarily services including but not limited to concerns of child abuse or neglect, sexual abuse intervention program, requests for family support, requests to become foster parents, and requests for groups or workshops. The Screener is responsible for screening and completing the immediate safety assessment. The Screener receives information either through calls or in person, inputting all the information into the system, checking collaterals, assessing all the information in consultation with the supervisor, managing the intake log, and completing intake documentation.

Screeners will respond to callers request for non protection family supports such as request for information, referrals to non protection services or voluntary family services.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Screening Assessment & Services
• Gathers full and detailed information such that an effective assessment can be conducted;
• Conducts and initial records review (IRR) to identify previous issues or concerns, the number of service requests to determine if there has been previous child protection involvement, including across jurisdictions;
• Collects, records and analyzes all information provided by the concerned party
• If it’s not a child protection concern, refers the case to the appropriate service provider
• Processes a child protection report and documents the information related to the case in a clear and concise manner
• When required, notifies appropriate stakeholders such as the police, parents, community, etc.
• Engages in face-to-face meetings with the parent or caregiver to discuss child protection concerns raised
• Quickly establishes trusting relationships to effectively interview each child/youth privately
• Conducts an immediate safety assessment, and assesses the report of a child or youth’s need for protection, either immediately if the child is in a life-threatening situation or within 24 hours in all other situations;
• Determines if a report requires a protection, or non-protection response decision;
• Assigns an appropriate response priority to the report;
• If it is not a child protection concern, refers the information to the appropriate service provider, provides voluntary immediate Family Services (such as linking families and youth to services, arranging short term voluntary support services) and provides general information to callers regarding services available;
• Obtains collateral information and contacts those references in a timely manner;
• Provides information to families regarding appropriate Aboriginal services and agencies within the community.
• Processing & Documentation
• Inputs and/or updates the information into the system and the intake log;
• Processes a child protection report and documents the information related to the case in a clear and concise manner;
• Completes documentation related to investigations, such as court documents, risk assessments, as directed by the supervisor;
• Seeks professional guidance and supervision from their Team Lead in determining if protection investigation or service assessment is required.
• Office Administration
• Demonstrates security awareness consistent with agency policy when dealing with confidential documents, office safety and personal safety;
• Demonstrates proficiency in case management and organizational skills to ensure complete and accurate records are kept on all files according to policy, the timely return of telephone messages, and reliability and predictability in terms of relationship with clients and the community;
• Completes monthly statistical reports in a timely manner.

• Teamwork

• Develops and maintains a positive and participatory approach to teamwork;
• Promptly addresses issues that have an impact on cooperation, support, moral and service delivery;
• Establishes respectful and effective working relationships with other staff, work units and other agencies;
• Seeks knowledge and information when there may be uncertain of policy, practice, or procedures.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

Applicants will be considered who meet the preferred OR expanded credentials and experience requirements.

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 OR
• A registered 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.
• 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.

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 MCFD supplemental report by the closing date of this posting to be considered.

2. Expanded 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 an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Human Services fields include Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, Early Childhood Education, Indigenous Studies, Education, Theology or Nursing.

3. Knowledge and Experience

• Must be delegated or eligible for delegation in the province of BC.
• A minimum of 1-year Delegated Child Protection experience.
• Ability to practice standards set out in the Child Protection Response Policy (Chapter 3), B.C. Child, Family and Community Services Act, and the Aboriginal Operational and Practice Standards and Indicators (AOPSI) Manual;
• Knowledge of “An Act Respecting First Nations, Métis and Inuit People” and its application in service delivery with Indigenous children and families.
• Knowledge and appreciation of Indigenous cultures and histories, and how these inform child welfare practice, planning and support. Ability to work respectfully with Indigenous communities and organizations.
• Knowledge of circle processes and cultural protocols.
• Understanding of cross-cultural issues as they affect children in care, foster parents, biological parents and communities of origins;
• Practical knowledge of federal, provincial and aboriginal organizations mandated to provide health, counseling and child and family services;
• Strong understanding of agency policies and procedure manuals.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to form trusting, respectful and effective relationships with children, Aboriginal communities, caregivers, parents, and other FVACFSS employees;
• Demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities and work under pressure;
• Strong investigation skills, including completing assessments and making recommendations;
• Strong problem solving and dispute resolution skills;
• Ability to apply trauma informed and culturally safe approaches to direct service delivery, assessment and planning.
• Maintain an attitude of caring, respect and optimism for their clients;
• Maintain a clear differentiation between the professional and personal self.
• Computer skills for Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Valid BC Driver’s License; reliable transportation with adequate vehicle insurance.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

Screeners are expected to be familiar and must comply with the expectations of confidentiality as outlined in the Agency’s Human Resources Policy Manual and other policies and operational manuals, AOPSI and B.C. Child, Family and Community Services Act.