Intake Social Worker (Part-time)

At VACFSS, we ensure that the rights, safety, well-being and spirit of Indigenous children and families are upheld, honoured and protected. We strive to eliminate oppression, discrimination and marginalization within our community. We acknowledge and honour the inherent wisdom, capacity and resourcefulness of our community in designing programs and services to care for our own children and families. Accordingly, we are dedicated to planning, developing, and implementing creative and innovative Indigenous programs and services in collaboration with members of our community and other agencies.

The objective of the Child Safety Program is to ensure the safety and well-being of children and to work towards the preservation of families. The Child Safety Program provides a continuum of services, from preventive programs which support and maintain families, to services that ensure permanency for children in care.

Position: Intake Social Worker
Status: Permanent Part-time, 21 hours/weekDepartment: Child Safety
Location: 2020 Yukon St, Vancouver, BC
Classification: Social Program Officer R24 Delegated (Grid 24 + 3TMA*)Salary: $48.25 to $55.04 per hour

*Delegated Child Safety Social Workers (Social Program Officer – CS) classified at Grid 24 working in Delegated Child Safety positions will receive 3 Temporary Market Adjustment (TMA) which will be placed at Grid 24 + 3 TMA.

• Engage in restorative child welfare practice with Vancouver’s Indigenous community!
• Receive a competitive salary of $48.25 to $55.04 per hour PLUS a comprehensive benefits package!
• Take on a challenging role that provides membership in the Public Service Pension Plan!

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Child Safety Social Worker is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children through least intrusive, trauma-informed and restorative child welfare practices. The Social Worker will work in partnership with the child’s family, extended family, community, Band or Nation to: (1) Gathering the child’s Circle; (2) Listen, assess and find solutions; (3) Create security, belonging and well-being; and (4) Keep the Circle strong.

The work of the CSSW is guided by the values of belonging, respect, strengths-based practice, integrity and humility. It is conducted in accordance with practice standards, legislation, and VACFSS’s philosophy of service delivery, in pursuit of a balanced and harmonious Indigenous community. The CSSW will have a good understanding of the Child, Family and Community Services Act and the Federal Act, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.

• Applies the process of traditional problem solving, utilizing collaboration and consensus, to analyze problems and develop appropriate solutions. Working with all perspectives in the circle, effectively evaluates a course of action, reaches decisions and modifies decisions based on changing circumstances or information.
• Applies the Indigenous concept of relational engagement to with children, families, other employees and to the land from an Indigenous Worldview.
• Provides leadership (Siiyamints) to children, families, agency employees and community partners.
• Recognizes the importance and role that culture and spirituality play in everyday life of Indigenous people.
• Recovers from or adjusts readily to change and challenging circumstances.
• Maintains composure and emotional balance when working with children, families, agency employees and community partners.

Role Focus: Intake Social Worker

Reporting to the Intake Team Leader, the Intake Social Worker is responsible for receiving and assessing new reports of children who may be in need of safety and supports. This role requires strong critical thinking, rapid assessment skills, and the ability to engage families and Indigenous communities early in the process.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive and document new reports of child safety concerns, including strengths, risks, history, and Indigenous affiliations.
• Conduct Prior Contact Checks and gather a holistic picture of the child and family.
• Determine eligibility for services and whether a protection response (FDR or Investigation) is required.
• Early engagement with the child’s family, extended family, community, Band/Nation, and Elders.
• Begin safety assessments and planning using least intrusive measures.
• Collaborate with families and community partners to support culturally grounded, restorative approaches.
• Document all decisions and actions in accordance with VACFSS standards and delegated practice requirements.

A complete position profile will be made available to candidates at the time of the interview.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Relational Engagement
• Leadership
• Collaborative Planning and Decision Making
• Emotional Competency
• Resilience
• Cultural, Spiritual Expression

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience:

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 with completion of a practicum in family and child welfare OR
• 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.
• C6 Delegation.

2. Minimum 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.
• C6 Delegation
• Minimum of 2 years C6 delegated experience.

• Human Services fields include: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, Early Childhood Education, Indigenous Studies, Education, or Nursing.

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 supplemental report to be considered.

Job Skills and Abilities:

• Good understanding of the Child, Family and Community Services Act.
• Awareness of resources available to Indigenous children and families, and knowledge of the referral process.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with team members, other VACFSS colleagues, and personnel of other agencies in the community.
• Ability to work with children and families in a respectful and culturally-sensitive manner.
• Well-developed interpersonal counseling and assessment skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to investigate complex family situations and assess risk.
• Aware of extended family practices within Indigenous communities.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Valid class 5 driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Computer skills for Microsoft Word and Outlook.

Notes:

• A valid Class 5 driver’s license and reliable vehicle with business class insurance are required to perform the duties of this position.
• This position requires Union membership.
• This position is expected to work on site at the office as part of regular duties.

ABOUT THE BENEFITS:

In exchange for your contributions to VACFSS, you will receive a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, extended health, and dental
• Group life and AD&D
• 100% employer-paid premiums
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• 3 weeks of vacation (prorated)
• Paid sick leave (prorated)
• Membership in the Public Service Pension Plan
• Access to VACFSS’ Staff Clinical Counsellor
• Access to Indigenous Cultural Teachings as coordinated by the Agency

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications will be accepted from candidates with the above qualifications or from candidates that have delegated experience with MCFD or a Delegated Aboriginal Agency. An eligibility list may be created. Preference may be given to Indigenous candidates as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those shortlisted will be contacted.

Situated on the unceded and occupied territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and Stó:lō nations.