Protocol Investigations 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: Protocol Investigations 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:

Protocol investigation plays a critical role within a child protection program delivered by a fully delegated (C6) Indigenous Child and Family Services Agency, ensuring that allegations of abuse, neglect, or emotional harm involving children and youth in care are addressed in a coordinated, timely, and culturally responsive manner. When a report is received, the responsible Child Safety Manager with delegation leads and coordinates the response, engaging a multidisciplinary response team including delegated Resource Workers, delegated Child Safety Workers, and agency counterparts to assess risk, determine whether an investigation is warranted, and ensure immediate safety planning where required. The protocol investigation process is distinct yet complementary to broader child protection investigations, as it focuses specifically on examining concerns within care settings while maintaining a clear emphasis on the safety and well-being of children and youth. Within an Indigenous context, this work is further grounded in collaboration with the child’s community and adherence to relevant band protocols, reinforcing culturally informed decision-making and accountability. Overall, protocol investigations provide a structured framework that promotes transparency, interagency coordination, and consistent practice standards while upholding the rights, safety, and cultural connections of Indigenous children and families.

Role Focus: Protocol Investigation Social Worker

This position will report to a Child Safety Manager for protocol investigation assignments, and to the Intake Team Leader when there is no active protocol investigation. The Protocol Social Worker is responsible for protocol driven investigations, inter‑agency coordination, and ensuring compliance with VACFSS policies, the CFCSA, the Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families, and Band/Nation protocols. The role requires advanced investigative skills, strong cultural competency, and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive situations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducting Investigations
  • Assess child/youth safety in current placements and determine immediate safety needs.
  • Review all relevant documentation, including child service files and resource files.
  • Ensure all applicable Band/Nation protocols are followed.
  • Interview:
    • the child/youth who is the subject of the report
    • other children/youth as needed
    • non accused caregivers
    • alleged accused caregivers or other parties (in consultation with police)
    • collaterals identified by the response team
  • Arrange medical examinations when required and obtain consent when appropriate.
  • Continually assess safety throughout the investigation with the Team Leader, Program Manager, and response team.
  • Recommend immediate actions when safety concerns exist, including temporary or permanent home closure.

• Completing the Investigation
  • Prepare detailed investigation reports and summaries in ICM.
  • Ensure confidentiality requirements are met (initials only, no reporter identity, no details jeopardizing criminal investigations).
  • Support the Program Manager in determining continued use of the family care home.
  • Participate in developing safety or corrective action plans when homes remain open.

• Reporting and Follow Up
  • Meet with caregivers (with the Resource Worker) to review findings, next steps, and required supports.
  • Meet with the child/youth within 7 days to discuss outcomes and concerns.
  • Ensure the Program Manager sends the required written summary and decision letter within 15 days.
  • Ensure all required parties receive the investigation summary and decisions.
  • Ensure documentation is placed on all relevant Child Service files and retained on the resource file.

• Other Duties
  • The position may be assigned additional duties that contribute to the effective functioning of the Intake team, including administrative, coordination, or front-line support tasks aligned with program needs.
  • Undertake other related responsibilities, as assigned, that support child safety intake processes and promote the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families.

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 (Required).

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 (Required).
• 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.