AIDP Consultant/Sr Consultant

Job Summary

Working as part of the VNFC Aboriginal Infant Development (AIDP) Team and reporting directly to the AIDP Team Manager, the AIDP Consultant works with children and families utilizing a family centered approach in a home visiting program. The AIDP Consultant is responsible for supporting infant and child development together with the infant/child’s family during home visits and work with related professionals and agencies, maintains a caseload, and provides playgroup facilitation as needed.

Roles and Responsibilities

As an AIDP Consultant, job duties include the following:

• Attend home visits with families of children aged infancy to preschool to assess child development and plan programming with parents that stimulates and enhances optimal development, monitor progress, and provide support.

• Administer developmental assessments, provide recommendations, write reports, and make appropriate referrals to other resources when appropriate.

• Discuss with parents the typical range of child growth and development and provide the necessary support to develop effective and caring parenting skills.

• Act as a resource person to parents and caregivers related to appropriate cultural parenting practices.

• Make appropriate referrals for further assessment and or other supports as needed.

• Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and network with other resources to promote holistic health and wellness within the family system and environment.

• Maintain professional development through ongoing AIDP and Infant Development Program in-service education.

• Work as part of a Team to host evening family and cultural events as planned.

• Maintain client confidentiality.

As a member of the VNFC Team, job duties include the following:

• Document and report activity in alignment with VNFC practices and support internal and external reporting as required including maintaining accurate case management, monthly stats, file recording and monthly reporting systems.

• Attend relevant professional training and meetings when directed.

• Participate in staff development, staff meetings and department meetings as required, including community and cultural events.

Knowledge and Skills

Familiarity and experience in Indigenous Communities

• Some knowledge of Indigenous cultures and practices including from the territory in which the work of VNFC takes place. Ability to speak about one’s own Indigenous culture, if applicable, and any communities the (prospective) employee has previously lived in or held jobs within.

• In depth knowledge of the experience of Indigenous peoples in Canada including the ongoing processes of colonization, discrimination, and structural violence, and the effects on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous communities; understanding of the wellness and healing capacities of Indigenous cultural resiliency and resurgence.

• Knowledge and practice of providing community-based services to Indigenous peoples using philosophies of cultural humility and cultural safety.

Communication Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills with the ability to successfully develop and maintain relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders

• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to independently write reports, electronic correspondence, and other forms of professional communication.

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients and the general public

• Ability to read, process and integrate findings into practice from a range of resources including peer-reviewed literature and governmental reports.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 including Word, Excel, and Outlook a requirement.

Leadership Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently, be self-motivated, and be part of an integrated community team and in partnership with a variety of agencies.

• Ability to multi-task while remaining composed and maintaining a professional attitude in high stress situations.

• Ability to relate well with families, co-workers, other professionals.

• Ability to act as a role model for healthy lifestyle choices and demonstrate respect for people of all ages.

Program Abilities and Knowledge

• Ability to practice using philosophies of cultural safety and humility, and trauma informed care.

• Knowledge and ability to work ethically and maintain professional boundaries when working with vulnerable clients.

• Knowledge of family-centered practice, child development, early intervention, family support, inclusive childcare and community-based services.

• Skills in administering a range of formal and informal developmental assessment tools.

• Ability to meet physical requirements related to spending a major portion of the work hours standing, walking, and/or sitting and have the ability to bend, stretch and lift program equipment and supplies for program delivery.

Qualifications

Education

• Possess an Infant Development (IFD) certificate or diploma or bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Care, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, or related field OR possess an Early Childhood Education Certificate and/or Diploma, First Nations Family Support Diploma, Diploma in Child and Youth Care or equivalent.

• If incumbent does not have an IFD certificate or diploma, they must be willing to work towards gaining this qualification

• Recognized course(s) related to position, particularly any focused on cultural safety and humility; or equivalent lived and/or professional experience

Work Experience

• A minimum of two to five years in experience in infant development or related field and work, or willingness to enter position at an entry level for a period of time

• Preference for past experience working in an Indigenous serving organization or community setting.

Licenses and/or Certificates

• Valid BC Driver’s license

• Clean Driver’s record

Other

• Access to a reliable vehicle

• Required to provide current vulnerable sector criminal record check