Social Worker Assistant

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 Indigenous Child & Family Service 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.

• W e strive to work in a holistic way to keep families together and reintegrate children back with their families and extended families.
• O ur 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.
• W e 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.

Social Worker Assistant -

Regular Full Time Position Global (On Reserve)

Base Office : Tzeachten

Stó : lō Delegated Team West (IFM)

Salary $57,.54 - $64,.30 (35 hrs. per week)

POSITION SUMMARY :

Reporting to the Team Leader, the Social Work Assistant (SWA) supports Social Workers by assisting with non delegated day-to-day casework activities.

The delegated Social Worker and / or Team Leader retain full decision-making responsibility. Duties include direct assistance to Social Workers, support to youth in care, interaction with children in care, youth and foster parents, supervision of access visits, transportation of clients, and administrative coordination.

The Social Worker Assistant provides direct assistance to social workers by identifying sources of information that will be of assistance in the development and implementation of case management plans and the preparation of reports.

The SWA provides support to youth in care by arranging for services with provincial ministries (e.g. Ministry of Housing and Social Development;

Ministry of Education), supports case manager and service providers in developing youth’s independent living plan. The SWA will interact with children in care, youth, and foster parents, provide transportation assistance, coordinate administrative aspects of client case management as well as interact and maintain contact with children-in-care, foster parents, and families.

Xyólheméylh is proud to have an Elders Advisory Council to ensure that culture is embedded throughout the agency ensuring the goals, missions and values are upheld in a good way.

Lets'emót to be of one heart and one mind.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED :

• Minimum of grade 12 education with at least 2 years certification / diploma or post-secondary education in the related field such as child and youth care, or related Human Service equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years' experience working with children and youth in a directly related field.
• Understanding of child welfare system, basic court procedures and the Child Family and Community Services Act.
• Knowledge of the Child, Family and Community Services Act (CFCSA) and other relevant Legislation
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultural practices, values and beliefs and a demonstrated ability to work respectfully with Indigenous children, families, and communities in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Clear understanding of risk and protective factors and relevant theories, principles, techniques, and practice approaches related to working with Indigenous children, families, and communities.
• Demonstrated abilities and experience in : developing strong working relationships with children, families, Indigenous communities, foster parents, biological parents, and other FVACFSS employees;
• developing contractual arrangements and plans with clients, caregivers, and other professionals; balancing competing priorities;

working under pressure; writing concise reports to various audiences; representing and promoting FVACFSS; developing work plans, implementing plans and evaluating intervention success

• Professional commitment, flexibility, good problem solving and dispute resolution skills.
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written as well as time management and organizational skills.
• Computer literacy on databases, Microsoft Word, Excel, and other computer software
• Required to work flexible hours.
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License (no restrictions); reliable transportation with adequate vehicle insurance.
• Criminal Records Check is a requirement.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES :

Support & Engagement

Assists Social Workers in child protection investigations by identifying sources of information and contacting community professionals (e.

g. teachers, police officers) that will be of assistance in developing and implementing case management plans.

• Liaises with the First Nation Bands and Communities for the purposes of conducting assessments, gathering information under direction of Social Worker.
• Supports parents in locating and enrolling in community-based parenting and relevant programs.

File Management & Documentation

• Completes thorough file reviews, makes referrals to community programs, requests for medical / birth documentation and police records, arranges and attends meetings with and on behalf of Social Workers, attends home visits with the Social Worker, completes documentation on the Integrated Case Management (ICM) system, and takes / summarizes case notes as required.
• Drafts court documents at Social Worker’s direction for approval and signature.
• Participates in multi-disciplinary case conferences, organizes, and documents case management points for the Social Worker.

Child & Youth-in-Care

• Assist Social Workers when bringing children / youth into care.
• Support Youth-In-Care (YIC) by assisting in arranging services with other Ministries, arranging independent housing, and obtaining personal identification documentation.
• Implementing planned moves of the child / youth in care by arranging physical move, mentally preparing the child / youth, and informing foster parents of the child’s needs and functioning.
• Assist Social Workers in completing Care Plans.
• Visits out of care children to assess needs and goodness of fit to their home.
• Schedule visits between CIC and parents, supervise visits between CIC and parents.

Office Administration

Demonstrates proficiency in organizational skills to ensure complete and accurate records are kept on all files according to policy, the timely return of telephone messages.

Teamwork

• Develops and maintains a positive and participatory approach to teamwork.
• Establishes respectful and effective working relationships with other staff, work units and other agencies.

CONFIDENTIALITY :

FVACFSS employees are expected to be familiar with 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 the

B.C. Child, Family and Community Services Act.